Our Story
About Our Church
Rooted in rich history, growing in faith, and reaching the next generation.
Our History
A Legacy of Faith
The history of Sunflower Missionary Baptist Church (SMBC) dates back to the time when the first members migrated from slaves to Kansas, settling in Leavenworth and worshipping God from house to house. The first meeting place was on the Northeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Michigan Street in a one room church.
The church name derived from the Kansas State Flower, "The Sunflower". The hands of praying members completed all of the labor. Soon after the first room was built, another part was added, and then a belfry. A bell was then purchased and placed in the belfry which at times was used to stop traffic at the railroad crossing near downtown Leavenworth.
The community grew and so did the church. The dedicated members prayed together, had revivals, baptisms and also quilted. Little by little, updates and improvements were made to the church. In 1918, the men of the church dug a basement hoping to raise money to wall it in.
OUR JOURNEY
Building God's House
On the first Sunday in November 1966, God sent SMBC Hyman L. Jarrett. Rev Jarrett was ordained on December 2, 1966. Following his acceptance as Pastor of Sunflower, a ground breaking ceremony was held on January 15, 1967 for a new church.
On the first Sunday in November of 1967, the first worship service was held in the brand new Sunflower Missionary Baptist Church. In 1984, the Community Center was added. Rev Jarrett made many noteworthy contributions to Sunflower during his 36 years as Pastor. In 2003, he terminated his tenure and was conferred Pastor Emeritus.
From 2003-2005, Rev William Anderson served as Interim Pastor and since then (2005-2015), Sunflower has had a few others fill the slot as Pastor or Interim, with Rev George Outlaw as Interim from July 2015-March 2016.
HONORING OUR LEGACY
Those Who Built the Foundation
We honor the faithful men and women who served Sunflower MBC throughout its history.
Past Deacons
George Baker, Levi Porter, Dudley Brown Sr., Alex Jones, Henry Crossland, Robert Baker, Lucian Baker, William Smith, Clarence Harbor, James C. Evans, Chester Lewis, Leroy Brown, Walter Galvin and Robert Lee Barnett.
Past Mothers
Ellen Emery Taylor, Ann Wallace, Mary Patterson, Emma Rogers, Georgia Green, Leola Brown, Rozina Rogers, Dorothy Evans and Geraldine Thomas.
Past Ministers
Rev Willie Smith, Rev George Emery, Rev Anderson Todd, Rev L.E. Williams, Rev Barnes, Rev T.H. Johnson, Rev B. H. Johnson, Rev Walter Shook, Rev C.A. Simpson, Rev C.A. Williams, Rev Charley Brown and Rev Authur Seale Jr.
Our Pastor
Bishop/Dr. Calvin W. Lewis
Bishop Lewis has served as the pastor of Burns Chapel FWB Church in Sedalia, Missouri, and as Annual Bishop of the Western Missouri Annual Conference for over five years.
He comes to Sunflower with a powerful anointing and a God-given vision to propel this congregation to the next level - building bridges between generations and creating a space where young professionals and families can thrive spiritually.
Under his leadership, Sunflower MBC continues to grow as a place where the Word of God is revealed and lives are transformed.
Our Family
The Sunflower Community
A vibrant family united by faith, love, and service.
What We Believe
Our Mission & Values
We are committed to sharing the love of Christ and building a community where everyone belongs.
Faith
We believe in the transformative power of God's Word and live by its teachings every day.
Community
We are a family - welcoming, supporting, and growing together in love and fellowship.
Service
We serve the Leavenworth community and beyond with compassion, generosity, and grace.
Sunflower MBC
A welcoming community of faith rooted in history, growing in love, and reaching the next generation in Leavenworth, Kansas.
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Events
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Service Times
- Sunday Worship
10:00 AM - Sunday School
9:00 AM - Bible Study
Wednesday 7:00 PM
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