History

In October 1960, the Bresee Chapel Society considered launching a “minority mission work.” in the Kansas City District since this had not yet occurred within the 20 Nazarene churches already in existence.

William Goodman, a student at the Nazarene Theological Seminary, volunteered to reach out to the African American community. Meanwhile, Robert Wallace, a local pastor of an independent church contacted District Superintendent Aycock in an effort to unite with the goals of the Church of the Nazarene to provide an outreach for minorities. Thus, the first African American Church of the Nazarene was founded, The Morningstar Christian Orthodox Church of the Nazarene, which later that same year was formally changed to Morningstar Church of the Nazarene.

Only God's hand could cause the path of William Goodman, a White man from the Nazarene Theological Seminary, to cross with Robert Wallace, an African American man from the Christian Orthodox Morningstar Temple, in order that divine purpose be fulfilled around what seemed to be an improbable vision.

(Few photographs of these early years remain. If you have photos to share, please email them to info@consumingfirekc.com with a description and date if possible.)

In September of 1963, Reverend Roy Fralin was appointed as pastor. He worked diligently to reach out to the Black community. This work led to the relocation of the church from Brooklyn Avenue to a small-basement like structure on Park Avenue resulting in the name changing to Park Avenue Church of the Nazarene. These small quarters served well, but the size of the building always hampered growth. During his five-year tenure Reverend Fralin was able to grow the congregation to about 90 members and at the time of his departure, left the church poised for even greater things to occur.

(Few photographs of these early years remain. If you have photos to share, please email them to info@consumingfirekc.com with a description and date if possible.)

In 1977 Reverend Larry C. Lott, fueled with determination and motivated by helping others, made a personal sacrifice to do the unprecedented: he devoted his full-time attention to ministry endeavors. As a result of this decision, which he sincerely felt was a privilege and honor to serve the people of God, a time of dynamic evangelism occurred. As expressed by Reverend Lott in his own words, “I’m not certain why it happened, but people began to come to Blue Hills every Sunday and the building was filled to capacity. Each Sunday the altar was filled.” During this time of explosive growth the church became financially self-supporting, expanded its building capacity, and provided two worship services to accommodate growth which continued for 22 years.

(Few photographs of these early years remain. If you have photos to share, please email them to info@consumingfirekc.com with a description and date if possible.)

At the turn of the 21st Century, Blue Hills membership and attendance reached a plateau due to restrictions the church experienced by not having their own place of worship. With growth and ministry in mind, Blue Hills purchased 10 acres of land at 6812 Elmwood as part of a building relocation campaign. During this time, the ministry reached a critical juncture. Committed to evangelistic outreach, the ministry also purchased the old Bally building at 8600 East 87th Street. However, the ministry was unable to procure funding to develop either of these properties. During this time, the building belonging to Blue Ridge Baptist Temple became available. The seller was committed to selling only to another church which would continue the legacy of outreach to the community. They accepted our offer, and in 2013, we again had our own home!