An ensemble of nearly 50 trombonists play for Conferencegoers in the Exhibit Hall. Organized for Conference by Larry Kitzel, the group gave the early evening concert and participated in the opening worship.

KANSAS CITY, HERE WE ARE

Moderator elect Phill Carlos Archbold gives the invocation at the evening worship.

The 214th recorded Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren convenes for the first time in Kansas City, but the Brethren have gathered for the "Big Meeting" four times previously in the "Show Me State," and eight times in neighboring Kansas. The first Brethren congregation in Missouri was established in 1795 at Whitewater Creek in Cape Girardeau County. Annual Conference first convened in Missouri at Carthage in 1904. J.C. Early was the moderator.

Kansas City has a population of 440,000, and it was named after the Kansa Indians who originally occupied the area before the Europeans. There were some other names seriously considered for the city, including Muddy River Town, Possum Trot, and Rabbitville. Known as "The City of Fountains," there are 29 fountains within the city boundaries. Only Paris, France, has more. Kansas City also boasts of the longest river (Missouri), the first American highway, and the birthplace of Charlie Parker, Jean Harlow, and Ginger Rogers. Walt Disney created Mickey Mouse here.

The Convention Center was originally built in 1899 with the first event a concert

Board member Don Parker talks with Gene Yeazell & Congregational Life Team Area 3 member Carol Yeazell during General Board meetings.

by John Phillips Sousa and his band. The center burned down the next year just three months before the Democratic National Convention was scheduled. The city got busy and rebuilt the facility in 90 days. At the convention, William Jennings Bryan was nominated for the presidency. During the great flood of 1903 the center housed those driven from their homes by the rising waters, and it served as headquarters for the relief committee. In 1930 Kansas City constructed a larger convention center and added in the 1970s the H. Roe Bartle Exposition Hall being used by this week's Annual Conference.

-- from Saturday's "Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Journal" by Fred Swartz.