New memorial to tell the story of Fort Scott's first Black church
And even though that house of worship is no longer a part of the Fort Scott landscape, it's not forgotten.
'We're working on a project called a commemorative project for the Wayman AME Chapel Church,' said Kirk Sharp, Gordon Parks Museum Executive Director.
It first opened for worship back in 1866, the first and oldest Black church in Fort Scott.
Services started in a local home, later moving to the structure at Third and Lowman, according to Kirk Sharp.
'Frederick Douglass came to Fort Scott to speak on behalf of the AME Church at the opera house that was located here in Fort Scott. Booker T. Washington's nephew and successor Roscoe C. Simmons also spoke at the church. And also, Gordon Parks and his family were regular attendees and members of the church,' said Sharp.
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It's believed the church had its largest congregation in 1888.
Those numbers would drop in later years.
'The church was condemned around 2000. And so we were very fortunate to have that donated to us.'
The donation of that church site was given by former Fort Scott City Commissioner Josh Jones.
Plans are underway for a memorial park.
'House six sign boards, storyboards. It's going to tell the history of the church, the connections, and also a timeline too. And also honor tribute to the past pastors that served the church. And we will have a welcome sign. It's going to be a part, not a playground, but more of a peaceful intervention to learn, educate, and for visitors to come and see,' said Sharp.
Meanwhile, several pieces of the past are on display at the museum.
'Toys, watches, a lot of knickknacks, some dated to the 1800s, and we also were able to excavate some bricks and lumber and door knobs, all probably over 100 years old.'
A collection that's growing—shedding more light on this key piece of the past.
'It's a wonderful way to help tell the story and keep the history alive,' said Sharp.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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