The M. E. Church, South
The services under the auspices of this denomination in Sedalia until 1871 were under the Sedalia circuit, hence the history of this church as a distinct pastoral charge begins on the aforesaid date. During that year (1871) under the direction of Rev. Preston Philips a church building on the corner of Third and Massachusetts streets was completed at a cost of about $3,500. In August of the same year it was dedicated by the late Bishop Marvin, and the first quarterly conference convened, November 20, 1871, with Rev. Dr. W. M. Prottsman presiding and H. C. Riggs pastor. J. R. Bennett, C. C. Woods, Milton Adkisson, WI. M. Pugh and C. L. D. Blevens officiated as the early presiding elders. The first members of the church were J. S. Lingle, Preston Phillipps and wife, A. G. Hudson and wife, Mrs. D. D. Fear, James Dickerson, George L. Bell and Henry Franklin and wife. Meetings were held first in a private room on the second floor of a main street store and in that place the church was organized. The present church building, located on the corner of Fifth and Osage avenues, is a good, substantial and artistic brick and will seat 400 people. The parsonage in connection with the church is situated at 315 West Fourth street. The church building is valued easily at $20,000. Church membership is 688 with a Sunday school attendance of 300. Rev. W. T. MeClure, D. D., is the present minister. The following gentlemen constitute the board of officers: H. R. Camp, E. W. Coney, E. M. Shultz, W. W. Rose, G. D. Malone, S. W. Rickets, A. M. Harlan, who is also superintendent of the Sunday school; D. H. Hoffman, L. Martin, H. C. Thornton, J. E. Roark, E. H. Harris, B. F. Burford, C. M. Licklider, H. T. Rapp, A. C. Melton, Lon V. Ware and L. D. Mellor.
(History of Pettis County Missouri by Mark A McGruder 1919)