Kansas Delaware Tribe of Indians, Inc.

01/04/2026

The Kansas Grinter Chapel and Cemetery is a cherished historic site with deep roots in our community. Moses and Annie Grinter, devoted members of the Methodist Church, once hosted services in their home before building the chapel in 1865 on land allotted to Annie, one of the original Kansas Delaware Indian adults. In 1868, they gifted the chapel to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for over 160 years, it served as a place of worship and community gathering.

Sadly, the chapel held its final service in April 2021 due to declining attendance and other factors. Since then, the building has sat unused, and during the winter of 2021, a water pipe burst, flooding the basement. The damage affected ceiling tiles, floor tiles, fixtures, and furniture. Insurance declined the claim due to caretaker negligence, and while emergency cleanup was performed, much restoration is still needed to preserve this important landmark.

Funds raised will be used exclusively for the repair, renovation, and maintenance of the Grinter Chapel and Cemetery. Your support will help the Kansas Delaware Indian Tribe protect this historic site for future generations. Please consider joining us in preserving a vital piece of our shared heritage.

GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/4d387f51b

12/15/2025

Update on the Grinter Chapel project from the December 2025 Newsletter:

The Great Plains United Methodist Church continues to be very helpful in researching and documenting all of the information necessary for a successful transfer of the Grinter Chapel and Cemetery property to the Kansas Delaware Tribe of Indians.

We have reviewed the initial title documents and the title company is working to answer some questions concerning the title to the property so we understand the full and detailed history of the property. The title company will be issuing the Tribe a general warranty deed.

The target date for the transfer of the property is January 5, 2026.

Bishop David Wilson, a member of the Choctaw Nation, wants to have a formal ceremony to recognize the transfer of the property.

The Church asked us not to remove any of the damaged furniture, kitchen cabinets or appliances from the Chapel until the Tribe takes possession of the property. They are concerned about any possible liability should someone be injured.

We have a firm quote on both the liability insurance and owners risk insurance for the property, both of which will become effective on January 5, 2026.

The new exterior lighting and motion detectors near the main entrance to the Chapel have been installed and they look great. The Chapel now has the appearance that someone cares about the Chapel!

We have received a bid from a roofing contractor to replace the flat roof on the north and east sides of the Chapel. The bid for this portion of the project is over $30,000. Until the flat roof replacement is complete, we will not be able to begin the renovation in the lower-level of the Chapel.

The Tribal Council will appreciate any and all donations to assist with this and other projects.

10/13/2025

Over 80% of our Tribal Members who voted are in favor of accepting the Grinter Chapel and Cemetery property. In addition, many members indicated that they will provide cash contributions to assist with the renovation and maintenance of the Chapel. We have opened a separate bank account to accept these funds.

It is also rewarding to know that seven of our members have volunteered their labor to help with the renovation and maintenance of the Chapel. Our general contractor welcomes this assistance and will help to coordinate their efforts.

In addition, four of our members have volunteered to help to write grant applications to request funds for the renovation and maintenance of the property. This effort will be critical for the renovation and especially the ongoing maintenance of the property. We will immediately form a Committee to start the process of applying for grants.

Thank you to our members for their wonderful support!

07/25/2025

The tribal newsletter for July is out! Read it here:

07/14/2025

A recording of the 2025 Annual Meeting held on June 7th, 2025 in Bonner Springs, KS is now available on our YouTube channel.

Recording of the Zoom meeting portion of the 2025 Kansas Delaware Tribe Of Indians, Inc. Annual Meeting.

06/11/2025

Our 2025 annual meeting was a time of wonderful fellowship and community. Thank you to everyone who was able to make it this year, and blessings to the rest of our tribe across the country!

06/07/2025

Newly elected Chief, Lynn David, and Honored Elder, Anne Heaton, at the 2025 Kansas Delaware Tribe Of Indians Annual Meeting in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

06/07/2025

Kansas Delaware Tribe Of Indians, Honored Elder 2025: Anne Heaton.

06/04/2025

The Kansas Delaware Tribe of Indians 2025 Annual Meeting is this Saturday, June 7th at the George Meyn Center (126th and State Avenue, Bonner Springs, KS 66012). We are looking forward to seeing you there!