Welcome to the history of Westminster Congregational Church, a historic Congregational church once located at 3600 Walnut Street in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in the summer of 1895 by disgruntled members of the Second Presbyterian Church, the initial group was led by Kirkland Brooks Armour and his wife, Anna Paynter Hearne Armour. First named Westminster Presbyterian Church, the congregation originally purchased a wood-frame church building vacated by Grace Church and hired the Reverend Dr.
William Potts George as their minister. After voting to align with the Kansas City Congregational Union in 1901, the church recognized the southward residential shift from downtown and contracted for a new building at 36th and Walnut Streets in 1904. Designed by New Orleans firm Diboll & Owen alongside local architects Bracklein and Martling, the sanctuary was patterned after New Orleans' Prytania Street Presbyterian Church.
Dedicated in January 1907, the cornerstone was originally laid on May 22, 1904. Though added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the church was sadly demolished in 2021 despite protests by neighborhood residents and architectural preservationists. History enthusiasts exploring Kansas City can reflect on the legacy of this vanished architectural landmark.
What to see at Westminster Congregational Church
- Historic church founded in 1895 by Kirkland and Anna Armour
- Patterned after the Prytania Street Presbyterian Church in New Orleans
- Designed by Diboll & Owen with Bracklein and Martling
- Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980
- Demolished in 2021 despite preservationist protests
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that the historic church building was demolished in 2021, so you can only visit the historic site where it once stood at 36th and Walnut Streets.
How long: 30-60 minutes · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Westminster Congregational Church is easy to reach on Kansas City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and Loose Memorial Park. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kansas City travel guide.
See the full Kansas City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.