In the year 1880, Erastus Stone bought 50 acres in Topeka. The area included our present day parish property. Being a prosperous realtor, Stone began to build a dream castle at 3717 W 17th. He only built 18 of the planned 30 rooms before he fell on hard times and lost it. For this reason is became known as Stone's Folly. The good news for him is that Stone Avenue is named for him, as well.

In 1901 the Rev. Charles Fox Parham moved the 40 members of his flock into the building and started the College of Bethel. In 1901 on New Year's Day, a remarkable thing happened. The members received the gift of tongues. The Pentecostal movement was born, and for this reason alone many consider this holy ground.

After they moved it turned in to a sort of "honky tonk" with the authorities visiting often! In 1906 Robert and Emily Owen built a modest house on the site that is our present-day rectory.

Here is a copy of the land grant issued by President Abraham Lincoln for this property. Please note that this takes a while to download and is difficult to read.