Topeka High School - Sunflower Yearbook (Topeka, KS)

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WHEN the first lone settlers came upon the great, vast prairies of Kansas, they encountered a religious essence. For many believers, the Bible was a ma- jor factor involved in this experience. For others, exploring a new land or even seeing the hot Kansas sun setting on the Flint Hills was a spiritual experience. Religious beliefs played a large part in establishing Topeka and surrounding areas. The Swedes came to Topeka in 1869 and lived in the western side of the city. Other groups also came and settled according to their beliefs. Some built churches which became exceedingly im- portant as a source of comfort and inspi- ration in a pioneer life of hardship. The First Congregational Church, or- ganized in the log cabin of James Cowles in 1855. was Topeka's first church. Also in 1855, the First Method- ist Church was founded. Today, build- ings designed in both traditional and modern architecture represent meeting places for nearly 200 of Topeka's de- nominations. A new religion, the American Pentecostal Movement, be- gan in 1901 at Stone's Folly which was located at 17th and Stone St. The first organized black church in Topeka was the African Methodist Episcopal Church QAMEJ. A religious spirit is evident through- out Topeka. as well as at THS. This spirit shows itself in solitude as well as organized groups such as Campus Life or FISH Club. Since the time of Father Padilla, who came with the first explor- er, until today, this spirit has been con- tinually growing and affecting our lives. , 11333 4? x N' ' i .1

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