Village Church marked its 75th anniversary milestone on Feb. 13, 2024. The church was founded on Feb. 13, 1949 with 282 charter members. It all started as a grand experiment, with a dynamic pastor and dedicated congregation.
Presbyterian Church leaders sent a 21-year old minister, Robert (Dr. Bob) Meneilly, to spread the good news about this village church to be built at 67th and Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas. Rev. Meneilly went door-to-door talking to people and looking for houses where diapers hung on clothes lines, inviting young families to join before the church building was even finished. The church grew massively from that point, propelled by founding pastor Dr. Bob Meneilly’s preaching and strong mission, Christian education, music and youth programs. We give thanks to God for the faith and faithfulness of all those who have gone before us, those who are with us now and those who will come after us.
Presbyterian Church leaders sent a 21-year old minister, Robert (Dr. Bob) Meneilly, to spread the good news about this village church to be built at 67th and Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas. Rev. Meneilly went door-to-door talking to people and looking for houses where diapers hung on clothes lines, inviting young families to join before the church building was even finished. The church grew massively from that point, propelled by founding pastor Dr. Bob Meneilly’s preaching and strong mission, Christian education, music and youth programs. We give thanks to God for the faith and faithfulness of all those who have gone before us, those who are with us now and those who will come after us.
Explore Village Milestones
Special thanks to the Village Heritage Committee and Darla Hajinian (posthumously) for providing most of this information and preserving our church history for future generations. Photos: Village Archives, Lori Locke, Mark McDonald, Roy Inman and the Johnson County Museum Archives.
Watch Past Celebration Events
75th Anniversary CelebrationVillage marked its official 75th anniversary on Feb. 13 with the "75th Anniversary Celebration: A Story of Faith, Mission and Good Cheer."
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Solo Organ Recital: Elisa BickersElisa Bickers celebrated Village Church’s 75th anniversary on March 1 with an evening that included works by Bach, Barber, Weaver and a brand-new piece by Brenda Portman.
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