This aerial view in 1908 was taken looking northeast from the top of Kansas City's first modern masonry-and-steel skyscraper, the 14-story R. A. Long building at tenth street and Grand avenue. Shown at the left is the 12-story Scarritt building at Ninth street and Grand. Both of these buildings were erected in 1907. Occupying a full square-block-in the center of the picture-from Eighth to Ninth streets, Grand avenue to McGee street, is the imposing Federal building, first occupied June 28, 1900. It served as the main post office until 1933, when the new post office was built at 315 West Pershing road. The tall spired Grand Avenue Methodist church (right foreground) was finished and dedicated in 1870. The founders previously had held services in their homes outdoors, in rented homes and in a log shelter on Baltimore avenue. When, in 1866, church members bought the site for the new church, the southeast corner at Ninth and Grand was a cow pasture. It took a great deal of work and money to level the three lots, which were purchased for $1,000. A church parsonage was built south of the church. A program of farewell services was held in the church on Sunday, October 31, 1909. The sermon was entitled, The Old Order Changeth, Yielding Place to New. Plans were being made for new facilities. The church was razed that year and the present Grand Avenue temple constructed just around the corner, facing on Ninth. The 12-story Temple building, facing on Grand, was built adjoining the church. Church officials hoped it would be an income-producer, but financial problems were encountered and the church lost the property. Some of America's greatest preachers have been pastors of the church, which was known as The Church of the Stranger. Dr. William Alfred Quayle, who served as pastor from 1901 to 1905, became a bishop. Through the day melodious chimes are heard up and down Grand, inviting the busy passerby to stop and meditate. Bishop Eugene M. Frank said on the 108th anniversary of the church. Your past is truly glorious. You have mothered most of the Methodist churches in Kansas City. Your pulpit has been the voice of Methodism in the Mid-West for over a century. Your music has drawn visitors and members alike closer to God. Dr. Jans J. van der Graff, born in Amsterdam, Holland, is the present minister. Kansas City Times, July 19, 1969.
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