Independence in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
F.M. Smith Study
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2015
1. F.M. Smith Study Marker
Built by the Stallcup family in the early 1830s, this structure was initially located about five miles east of its present location. Frederick Madison Smith acquired the property in 1937. Born in 1872 in Plano, Illinois, he was the grandson of church founder Joseph Smith. In 1902 Smith became a counselor in the First Presidency of the church and he succeeded his father as president in 1915.
Smith's faith and ministry were dominated by his desire to build "Zion," a model community that would be the "social expression of Christ." He struggled to balance his decisive leadership with the democratic consent of the church members, and his clear vision for the church often conflicted with other church leaders' opinions. Despite the setbacks resulting from two world wars and the Great Depression, he continued to call church members "onward to Zion" until his death in 1946. The legacy of Frederick M. Smith for the Community of Christ and the Independence area can be seen in the construction of the Auditorium, expansion of Graceland University, and creation of Independence Regional Health Center.
Erected 2003 by Community of Christ.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 39°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Kansas City. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Flournoy House (a few steps from this marker); Flournoy Home (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stone Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Temple Lot (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Temple Site (about 500 feet away); Confederate Line (about 500 feet away); Joseph T. Noland House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Battle Line at Railroad Cut (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Independence.
Regarding F.M. Smith Study. This structure is one of the few pioneer homes left in Jackson County that represent the era of the early Saints. It was built as a farmhouse out of soft yellow bricks which were commonly used in this area. The home was built by the Stallcup family in the early
1830s and is reported to be one of the oldest slave cabins in Missouri. The fireplace is made of native Missouri limestone. Being sensitive to history, Dr. Smith decided to have this structure preserved. The restoration
Courtesy Community of Christ Archives
2. Marker detail: Frederick Madison Smith in front of his study
Also see . . .
1. Frederick Madison Smith. Wikipedia entry:
Smith was known for his interests in applying the principles of the newly emerging fields of sociology and social welfare to the Church's thinking on the principles and doctrine of Zion. As part of his modernizing program, Smith was an early adopter of radio. In 1924, the RLDS Churchs radio station, known as KFIX (later KLDS), became the first church-owned radio station in the United States to be licensed. (Submitted on September 18, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Independence, Missouri Historic Places. Community of Christ website entry (Submitted on May 2, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2015
3. F.M. Smith Study Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2015
4. F.M. Smith Study
Credits. This page was last revised on March 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 657 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 18, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
