United Methodist Church

Wright, the church's first home, was founded in 1890 and named for a local rancher and preacher. It had a post office, a store and a school on the Canyon-Plainview stage line. When the railroad came through, the store and post office moved two miles southwest and took the name of another pioneer, George H. Kress. In 1909 a Commercial Club booklet put the new town's population near 500. In the 1980s the Missouri Beef Packers plant south of town reportedly had the world's largest beef kill capacity under one roof.

What the plaque says

United Methodist Church Organized 1906 at Wright (4 miles NE), the church was relocated in 1907 when the Santa Fe Railway bypassed Wright, founding Kress. With their own hands, members built the first section of this sanctuary (1908), sharing its use with other faiths. The bell on the lawn originally hung in a steeple, and rang for special events as well as worship. The church structure -- remodeled, greatly enlarged, and enhanced by memorial windows -- now forms a local landmark. Lay leaders and four ministers have come from this congregation. (1977)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• First Baptist Church of Claytonville — 9.3 mi
• Rose Hill Cemetery — 11 mi
• Swisher County — 12 mi
• Ozark Trails Association — 12 mi