By Glenn Koster
Walking Through Life
It does not take long in walking the streets of Hutchinson to notice the number of churches that line our streets. As I walked through Hutchinson this past month, I encountered more than 70 currently active churches inside our city and a number of others right on the outskirts. These churches are not only a piece of Hutchinson’s history, they are a true source of hope.
The churches range in age from the founding of Hutchinson in 1872 to very recent times. Some remain in their original locations, but not the original buildings. Some have moved as our city changed. One of these historic churches, First Baptist Church (800 N. Main St.), will be celebrating 100 years in its building this year.
As you wander past these churches, you will see a plethora of architectural styles.
Some of these structures are ornate, such as St. Theresa of Alva Catholic Church at 225 E. Fifth. Ave. St. Theresa’s is classified as “Romanesque Revival” architecture, which was popular from the 1850s to the early 1900s, right in line with St. Theresa’s erection in 1910. This particular church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
Others are of simple construction, blending in with the neighboring buildings. An excellent example would be Berean Baptist Church at 1620 Center St. in the Careyville neighborhood on the east side of Hutchinson. Formed in 1925 as a mission of First Baptist Church, Berean Baptist retains the charm of old country-style wooden churches.
Others have taken over empty buildings and restructured them to full functioning facilities. One excellent example would be Crosspoint Church at 1410 E. 30th. It occupies what once was a bowling alley. Crosspoint may be the largest church in Hutchinson.
Our churches cover a wide spectrum of the Christian faith as well. One thing that has been noticeable in Hutchinson has been the cooperation of churches throughout our history. Even now, there are multiple opportunities for churches to cooperate—from weekly pastoral coffees to monthly pastor lunches to Kansas State Fair booths. For several years, our city even hosted a regular revival ministry that travelled monthly to different churches. Many of these churches also come together to cooperate in meeting the needs of the residents of our city—including the homeless and poverty-stricken.
Our churches also vary in congregational size, from the very small churches with less than 50 members to churches that routinely have thousands joining them every Sunday.
One thing that must remain prevalent for our city to not only survive but to thrive is faith that comes alive in the community, offering hope to all who live here. Let us strive to make this an even greater reality.
Glenn Koster is a former reporter, a retired pastor, and a retired IT professional who spends most of his time now walking and working with various Reno County non-profits. He can be reached at Glenn.Koster@gmail.com or by phone at 620-960-4492.