Alexander (Sandy) Broadfoot, who was part of the F. W. Grant brethren from Iowa, came to Kansas in the period 1910 to 1917 to visit and hold Gospel meetings in one-room schoolhouses in the area south of Abilene in mid Kansas. The Bonnacord schoolhouse was one of these. Many were saved including Robert Alexander (“R.A.”) Robson. Mr. Broadfoot instructed Robert Robson and others about the Lord’s Supper and plural leadership, and an assembly was begun. The Christians met first in the large home of Alexander McBoyle and took the name "Bonnacord Assembly". For many years, the Christians met in homes; Bible Conferences were held in tents each fall, followed by revivals. In 1918, the assembly (Noah Martin handled the construction, at a cost of $4000) built "Grace and Truth Gospel Hall" eight miles south and four miles west of Abilene, on property graciously donated by Mary McBoyle Deardorff. 20 oak pews were purchased at $20 each.
During the 1920s and 1930s Bible conferences continued to be held each fall in the Gospel Hall. One of the leading men in the assembly at that time was Frank Nicholson, who would set up a book table in the back of the hall, where he sold Bibles, Christian books and wall plaques obtained from Louizeaux Brothers in New York.
Some of the preachers in those days were Dr. Carl Armerding, Dr. Harry Ironside, George MacKenzie, Tom Carroll, Dr. Walter Wilson, Ed Bucheneau, Leonard Lindsted, Tom McCullagh, O.E. McGee and Richard Burson.
Some of the early families to fellowship at the Hall were the Roggendorfs, Gruens, Millers, Engles (Grant), Emigs, and Jurys, in addition to the Deardorffs, McBoyles, Nicholsons, and Robsons.
In the 1930s the assembly changed the name to Grace and Truth Gospel Chapel. Also in the 1930s, an outreach south of Carlton resulted in a group of believers meeting in the Elm Springs schoolhouse. John Walden from Colorado held meetings in a tent. Later they built the Elm Springs Bible Hall.
In 1933 there was a parting of ways with some, and some believers left to attend other churches. Over the years strong friendships redeveloped among those involved in the situation.
Servicemen came from Fort Riley, and found a warm and inviting fellowship, where the word of God was consistently and systematically taught.
Orville and Lois Robson had key responsibilities from the 1950's until they moved to Colorado to be with their daughter and son-in-law, Dave & Orla Silver in 1993.
In the early 70's due to their geographic location, some of the families wished to start a testimony in Salina, and with the encouragement and blessing of the leadership, Sunset Bible Chapel was born. Some of the families that went there were Easters, Blairs, Beckers, Owens, Smiths, Burkles, Johnsons.
Some missionaries were sent out through the years including Ken Engle and Kevin Dyer. Following his return from the Philippines in 1975, Ken found the acoustics in the basement of the chapel suitable to record and master programs to air on radio.
Those who fellowshipped there at various times since the 70's were Christners, Unruhs, Dycks, Lahrs, Kings, Keith Engles, Ken Engles Greens, Gruens, Moores, For many years Edith Unruh and Cleo Engle played the piano, and MaryLou Engle the piano and organ. Later Lynette Stanger and Doug Engle played the piano.
In March of 2010, Grace & Truth Gospel Chapel closed.
