History

Ward Parkway Presbyterian Church (WPPC) began in 1928 as a vision of a man who would never see it built. The Rev. Dr. J. Layton Mauze, soon to be called to serve as Central Presbyterian’s senior pastor, was committed to church growth in Kansas City. As a condition of accepting the call, Dr. Mauze asked that Central began setting aside funds for future growth in the southwestern part of Kansas City.

Plans for a new church at the corner of Ward Parkway and 74th Street began in earnest in 1934 when the first lot was purchased. But because of the Great Depression, Central had to divert funds to help other young churches, and the money saved was depleted. 

Work began again in 1948 and by 1950 the land necessary for the new church was purchased.  Construction was completed in 1952 and the new church, with 125 members, began services on June 15. It was the 8th church in greater Kansas City sponsored by Central Presbyterian Church. Because of rapid growth, an education wing was added in 1961. On April 19, 1964, the large Covenant Window, located at the front of the sanctuary, was dedicated.

WPPC has served Kansas City in many ways including sponsoring Boy Scout Troop 83 (1957-1989), establishing an onsite food pantry (1983-1997), and creating the Ward Parkway Preschool (1966-present).

Service continues to be a major focus of the congregation. As a Matthew 25 church, WPPC seeks to make a difference in people’s lives by (1) building congregational vitality, (2) dismantling structural racism, and (3) eradicating systemic poverty. The church also partners with other Kansas City non-profits including Crosslines Community Outreach, Unexpected Blooms, Girl Scouts, the Ward Parkway Homes Association, and Kansas City Public Schools to provide a variety of services within the Kansas City community.