The Westport Temple is the product of two Kansas City corps which had been in
existence for many years. The Temple Corps was originally opened in August, 1886
under the direction of Staff Capt. Joseph Pugmire. The corps opened in the old Market
area of Kansas City, and from there occupied several locations until 1929 when the
building at 1319 Broadway became the center of the Army's activity in Kansas City.

In 1973, The Salvation Army property was purchased to make way for the new H. Roe
Bartle Exhibition Center. At that time, The Salvation Army Temple Corps moved to 500
W. 39th Street to combine with the Westport Corps for expansion of services in that
neighborhood. Shortly after that merger, the Day Care Center was opened at this
location in November, 1973.

In 1998 Hispanic Ministries began with a small Bible study. By October of that year
Westport had its first Hispanic worship meeting. After almost seven years we can
say that the congregation has began to show consistency , dedicated involvement
leadership, as well as financial responsibility of their church.

Now, in 2006, the Westport Corps is expanding its community center to include a new
computer lab available free to the public. We hope to glorify God by introducing and
re-introducing Him in new ways to the community around us.