The people of our congregation at Independence, Mo., are naturally rejoicing over the fact that all remaining indebtedness on their church has been paid, and the building dedicated to sacred purposes. The church was about completed when the present pastor, Rev. W. F. Perry, took charge of the work in 1899, but a considerable indebtedness remained and the congregation decided that the church should not be dedicated until every dollar of its cost had been paid.
The debt was wiped out early in the present year, but still the congregation waited, first in order to beautify the interior of the building and, secondly, that Rev. J. C. Worley, who was pastor of the church at the time of its building, might reach the homeland from Japan, and take part on the joyous occasion of its dedication.
After these numerous postponements, the church was solemnly set apart to sacred uses on Sunday, October 16. The sermon was preached by Dr. W. H. Black, president of Missouri Valley College, and the pastor writes that "Dr. Black never preached with more power than he did Sunday. Every part of the service was a great delight to the large audience of members and friends." Mr. Worley led in the dedicatory prayer.
This congregation was organized in 1826, four miles south of Independence at the home of Mr. Gan Johnson, the father of Mrs. Margaret Chambers, the only living charter member.
A frame building was erected in 1837, on the lot one block north of the present site. Another building was erected on the present site in 1847, which was remodeled and enlarged in 1859. The present building was erected in 1898. Among the early pastors were Rev. Robt. Morrow, Rev. Robt. Sloan, Rev. J. B. Morrow, Rev. J. H. Houx, Rev. Hugh R. Smith, Rev. J. T. A. Henderson and Rev. W. B. Farr. In 1899 Rev. R. B. Ward assumed charge, and his pastorate continued to 1893. Rev. J. H. Piper next served the congregation for two years, followed by Rev. U. J. Hearon for one year. The congregation was then without a pastor for a short time, until the Rev. J. C. Worley was called to the work. His pastorate of two years resulted in the erection of the present new house of worship. He and his wife having decided to enter the missionary field in Japan he resigned his pastorate and the Rev. W. F. Perry was called April 1, 1899, as a supply, and was called as pastor and installed June 21, 1900. During the present pastorate the congregation has been harmonious and prosperous.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, October 27, 1904, page 533]