St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church – 1880 Strong City, KS
Bazaar Methodist Church – 1909 Bazaar, KS
Catharine, KS
In 1876 Volga German immigrants founded and settled Catharine, KS. Located in Ellis County, it currently has a population of around 100. All the streets in Catharine are named after Saints, St. Martin, St. Leo, St. John, St. Anton, St. Mary, St. Joseph, St. Francis, St. Adolphus, and St. Catherine.
St. Catherine Catholic Church – 1892
Sacred Heart Church – Emmeram, KS 1901
Emmeran, Ks was originally named Norddorf, the town was renamed to Emmeram after the church pastor Fr. Emmeram Kausler. Sacred Heart Church was built from 1899 – 1901. The first Mass was offered on Christmas Day. Closed in 1967 due to declining population. In 1998 the church was destroyed by a suspicious fire.
Ruins of Sacred Heart Church – 1901
Looking toward the once beautiful altar.
Here is a link to the history of the church Sacred Heart Church – Emmeram, KS
A Little Family Cemetery
As I was traveling on the backroad, I drove past this plot of ground that was fenced by the road, surrounded by pasture. I sensed that it was something special and looking closer I saw 2 stones peering through the tall grass.
The stones were very worn from the elements of time. Final resting place of a son and daughter was about all I could make out.
I didn’t feel that it was neglected and abandoned. It gave me comfort to see that the little cemetery was part of the prairie as they knew it. Not manicured by mowers, not in the shadows of wind turbines that are now changing the view of the prairie forever, not exposed to the things in life that make it so convenient for us today, also so detached from people right next to us and moving so fast as to not see nature and all the beauty it holds.
Pray for our country †
Have a wonderful day
Wayside Chapel – Garfield, KS
Wayside Chapel is a memorial to the Congregational Church, which was built in 1875.
The bell is from our 20th President James Garfield in appreciation for the town being named after him.
Travelers along Highway 56 are encouraged to pause for prayers to God on life’s journey
Love the sign
Autumn leaves, Jesus doesn’t
Assembly of God Church – Sharon, KS
Re-purposed church
Amana Lutheran Church – Scandia, KS
Established in 1873 – Present building completed in 1912
Danish Lutheran Church – Jamestown, KS
Services at the Danish Lutheran Church are only offered on Christmas Eve, with NO electricity. The only lights are candles and a large wood stove supplies the heat. What a beautiful service that must be †
Nicodemus is located in Graham County, KS named for the Biblical figure Nicodemus. A National Historical Site Nicodemus is the only remaining western town established by African-American following the Civil War. Founded in 1877 by a group of former slaves from Kentucky, the town prospered and supported a hotel, two stores, school, and three churches.
The town made an effort to attract a railroad route thru Nicodemus, but none of the railroads brought their tracts to the town. The failed attempt to attract a railroad marked the end of growth for the small town.
After being named a National Historical Landmark the community has seen some improvements, a water tower, paved streets and some housing units.
The Emancipation Celebration, has been renamed Homecoming and it is celebrated annually as a gathering of old residents to celebrate their roots and community. Current population is approximately 20.
First Baptist Church – 1907
District 1 Nicodemus School – 1918
Just south of the school is the home of:
Ola Wilson Home – School Teacher
African Methodist Episcopal Church – 1885
St. Francis Hotel
Two story stuccoed portion the hotel was built in 1881. Originally was cut limestone. Also served as the post office, the first school and a stage coach stop.
Township Hall – 1939
Main Street Nicodemus