Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Inside A Landmark



In 1907 the newly formed Eastminster Presbyterian Congregation constructed their church at the corner of Benton Boulevard and Anderson Avenue right across from Concourse Park. It contains 16,000 square feet and was built for $40,000. Recently I had a chance to tour the venerable old building .... many thanks to Mike Bushnell and David Joslyn who made it possible.
L. Grant Middaugh was the architect and George W. Nelson the contractor... the price included all the furnishings most of which still exist. Above is the entry hall with the art glass windows which are on the left in the picture below.
Above, the view from the balcony... which is actually an enclosed room with windows that can be opened... pictures later on. Below, two views from the Sanctuary floor. With the overflow 700 people could be comfortably seated. All the art glass shown is original.
You can see the pipes for the organ that was installed by the Jenkins Music Company. Those pipes are actually for show.... the real pipes are behind them.
Entry hall and vestibule just outside the Sanctuary.
Below, under the Sanctuary is another space that can be used for services... complete with stage... note the shuffleboard markings on the floor. Eastminster has three floors and a massive attic.

Above, stairway to the balcony. Below, one of several old pianos in the church this one in the balcony area placed against folding doors which expand the room even more

Above, lots of old furnishings are still there including this roll-top organizer. Below, original folding chairs and a trophy from a while back.

Above, a true gem of a relic... an attendance board from 1926.... complete with readable names and marks showing Presence, Absence, or Teaching. Below other trophies, cross and a vase...

Above, 48-star flag dating it to, at the latest, 1958. This is in between the two windows show below that open showing the Sanctuary below.
The balcony above and below... lots of space and a fireplace. A cozy place for Sunday School.



The kitchen which no doubt served thousands of meals over the last 103 years.
Room below is on the opposite side of the church from the Sanctuary the kitchen shown above is on the left in this picture.
Eastminster Congregation a few years ago merged with Northeast Presbyterian Church which is located at Van Brunt Boulevard and Budd Park Esplanade. Currently the old facility is used by a Sudanese Christian Congregation. However, the structure is for sale.... you can find more info at: http://www.northeastnews.net/ I love going through these old landmarks... you can just feel the history.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Location Scouting

Was forced to visit one of my favorite places on Monday... Kauffman Gardens..... I have two bridal portraits there next week.... wanted to make sure that things were as they usually are... gorgeous. Something new every year. Enjoy.

I'd post a couple of the bridal portraits next week... but sneaky grooms can't be trusted... and no one sees the dress ahead of time... except me and moms.























Sunday, May 2, 2010

Bridge(s) Over The River Kaw


On the west side of the West Bottoms next to the Kaw are a series of bridges for foot, biking, train and auto traffic. I've used the foot bridge many times both on foot and on bike... You can bike safely from my house in Northeast KC along Cliff Drive, through the City Market, down to the West Bottoms and over the Kaw to Strawberry Hill. It's a great ride...
Train bridge above... a lot of private boating on the Kaw below.




Lots of triangles in construction.... makes for nice photographs too.
Above... standing on the pedestrian bridge looking at the Lewis and Clark Bridge (green) and the railroad bridge beyond.

Above... the gates on the pedestrian walkway are rarely closed... but are very interesting...
Above... bike path through a cathedral.... looking east....