A sculpture in the middle of the park – inscribed with a Scripture reference. Designed by Alexander Phimister Proctor, and dedicated in 1927, this bronze sculpture sits near the Santa Fe Trail, inscribed with Ruth 1:16, to commemorate their “unfaltering trust in God.” Watch on VCY.tv
Transcript:
Welcome to Kansas City.
We’re here at the site of a fascinating monument: the Pioneer Mother statue in Penn Valley Park. This location sits near one of the summits of the city, overlooking much of Kansas City.
What you see is a statue not dedicated to a single individual, but to a concept—the Pioneer Mother. It was presented to the people of Kansas City by businessman Howard Vanderslice in 1927 to commemorate the pioneer mothers who, with unfaltering trust in God, endured the hardships of the unknown West to prepare for us a homeland of peace and plenty.
As we look at the statue, there’s an inspiring quotation carved around the base from the Book of Ruth: “Whither thou goest, I will go; where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”
It’s noteworthy that here, at one of the high points of the city, the monument highlights themes of faith and family. In the distance, you can even catch a glimpse of the Liberty Memorial, honoring World War I veterans.
This isn’t your typical “Christian heritage” site in the traditional sense, but it does mark an important aspect of our nation’s history: the deep Christian faith that sustained many pioneers as they built this country. Dedicated nearly 100 years ago on November 11, 1927, the Pioneer Mother sculpture—created by renowned western artist Alexander Phimister Proctor—honors the courage, determination, and trust in God of those early settler women.