...The Simpson House was built in 1909 by Burnett Simpson, who was a prominent Kansas City attorney. The house is constructed from large-block limestone cut and numbered at a quarry in Carthage, Missouri. The limestone was then transported by rail to Kansas City and assembled according to the numbered pieces.
...Burnett and his wife, Caroline, had the house built to reflect a rare "Richardson Romanesque" style of architecture. The house's distinctive features include ornate panelled wood ceilings and trim throughout of cherry, walnut, and oak. The windows are made of beveled lead crystal and stained glass. The foyer boasts a magnificent walnut staircase with hand carved wooden balusters.
...Mr. Simpson's granddaughter, Meriam, lived in the home until she died in 1982. She left first right of refusal to purchase the house to All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church because of her long friendship with the minister, Dr. Bragg. Members of All Souls were excited about the opportunity for more space to expand outreach and impact in the community, as well as to preserve this beautiful old landmark. Such outreach has and still does include peace and justice groups, a human relations center and organizations involved in environmental, health, hunger, and neighborhood concerns.
...Restoration of the Simpson House was made possible by funding and hard work of extremely dedicated church volunteers. More than 5000 hours of volunteer labor went into new wiring, plumbing, kitchen, roofing, and painting.
...The Simpson House has been a unique place for meetings, weddings, receptions, a parties since 1984. Church activities regularly include discussion groups, choir practice, musical activities, support groups, adult education classes, and more. The members of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church are justly proud of the house and their efforts to preserve this architectural landmark and provide outreach to its community.
...We welcome you to take a moment and find out more about All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church.
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