On March 4th, 1908, 172 students, 2 teachers, and a rescuer perished in one of the biggest tragedies in Cleveland History. Laura Baldwin was one of the students that perished that tragic day. She was only 11 years old.
Laura's parents Emma and Nicholas Baldwin were given money in restitution for their loss. With that money, they purchased several lots on Pawnee Avenue and their families moved onto the street together. One parcel on the corner of E. 193rd Street and Pawnee was donated to build a church in honor of all that perished. On October 1st, 1917 the congregation was born and In 1927 Emma's brother WIlliam Kost and his 2 sons finished building the church that stands today. William was the first Pastor of the Church. Laura's father Nicholas was the first funeral held at the church.
The original name of the church was Sunflower New Thought Spiritualist Association Church but later was changed to Memorial Spiritual Church as a memorial.