Abstract Richard Cordley began working as a pastor in 1857, working in Lawrence at the Plymouth Congregational Church. The congregation moved into its first permanent building, called the "Stone Church," though not completed until 1862. Cordley was an abolitionist and supported the free state movement. During the American Civil War, several members were killed by pro-Confederate forces led by William Quantrill in the Lawrence Massacre of 1863. Cordley's home was burned, but the church building...