Flint Hills Church History

Flint Hills Church of the Nazarene was organized in August 1948, with the appointment of Rev. Bob Swanson as the first pastor.  The first services were held in homes, one being the home of John and Bertha Gustafson, located on Patterson Street, and also the home of Olen and Ruby Richards located on Winter Street.

There were 10 charter members:  Margaret Armstrong, Mr. and Mrs. Owen Bray, Janet Losey, Janice Losey, Mrs. Velna Orton, her daughter Jean Orton, Rev. and Mrs. Bob Swanson, and Frank Tweed who was appointed the church treasurer.

In 1949 property was purchased and a church was built at 320 Curran Street, with additional rooms built at the back for Sunday School rooms and an apartment for the pastor and family.

The dedication for the church on Curran Street was June 19, 1949.  The first organizational meeting was held June 22, 1949.  The following were elected:  Sunday School Superintendent:  Mrs. Bob Swanson; Stewards: Owen Bray, Velna Orton, Margaret Armstrong; NYPS President: Charlotte Bray.

Following Rev. Bob Swanson was Rev. Erben Bray, who filled in for two months.  Rev. Bray was a barber, an ordained minister, and a member of First Church of the Nazarene.  Rev. Bray was followed by Rev. A.G. Edwards in June 1950.  Since 1950 there have been 13 pastors with the longest-serving pastor, Rev. Ronald Jewett, serving from June 1993 until December 31, 2021.

The church outgrew the Curran Street property.  In July 1960, the property at 2007 Agency Street, which included the Old Wells Fargo Stagecoach Stop House, was purchased and construction of the church began May 1962.  The congregation held its first service in the present building on November 25, 1962.  The dedication was held on May 30, 1965.   The present parsonage was purchased in the fall of 1966.  Since then an addition was added on for a fellowship hall.