In south-central Miami County, Kansas, where county road 343 and

Block Road intersect, a large metal sign marks the location of this rural

crossroad for the passing motorist; it is a blue sign with bold white

letters that says simply, "Block Corners." To an uninformed traveler

the name means nothing, but one hundred years ago these four comers

clamored with horses, wagons, and people. Block Corners served as a

gathering place and commercial hub for the German-Lutheran community that had grown around the spot. Today, asphalt roads, houses,

and trailers have replaced the dirt roads, small businesses, and post

office, and the traveler no longer needs to speak German to buy, sell, or

converse with the residents.

One-half mile south of Block Corners, a two-story parsonage comes

into view, and soon one sees the church grounds spreading along the

west side of the road. 

The cemetery south of the church reveals the history of the congregation, and over four hundred tombstones attest to those who died in

"faith." A few hundred yards away school children played outside their

rural schoolhouse amid an array of buildings, playgrounds, and open

pasture. The two-room Lutheran schoolhouse and the wood-framed

house for the teacher complete the church grounds. 

— Carol K. Coburn, “Life at Four Corners”