Meetings of the MS and LC were usually well attended and included many guests. Professor G.T. Fairchild, President of Kansas State Agricultural College (now KSU) was a frequent guest at MS and LC meetings. (He was also a frequent guest in the Hugh Cooper home as they had become good friends when both still lived in Michigan). Other professors at the college were often guests at these meetings and frequently provided part of the program.

IV.  THE DECLINE AND REBIRTH OF THE SEDALIA COMMUNITY CHURCH

           With the start of World War II in 1940, the Sedalia community population began to decline and with it, the Sedalia church. The widespread use of automobiles also contributed to the church's decline as members became more transient. Finally in 1948, the community decided to close the church because so many community members had moved away. A reunion was held that September of all present and past Sedalia church members. A collection was taken to raise the money needed to pay off the mortgage held by the Presbyterian Synod and buy the church. A total of eighty people donated money to raise the less than three hundred dollars needed to pay off the mortgage. The Presbyterian Synod had held the mortgage for almost 50 years, but charged the Sedalia church no interest during all that time. 48 With the church now the property of the Sedalia Community Cemetery Association, the church was closed with the hope of someday reopening it.

The church quickly fell into disrepair. Community members provided only a minimal amount of upkeep. Shortly after the church's closing an unidentified teenager wrote the following poem, expressing the community's feelings about the church. 49

Little church by the side of the road
What secrets do your stone walls hold?

              Christenings, marriages, deaths, all you have known,
              Your cemetery stood waiting to add another stone.

              Your steeple bell peeled gaily, calling the congregation in
              within your walls they found fellowship, seeking refuge from their sin.

              Now your steeple bell has rusted, and will be heard no more
              Swallows are your congregation, wasps build homes above your door.

              Yes, you have been deserted, but stand proud upon the hill.
              For you have known more truth in life than mortal man ever will.
 

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