In September of 1854, Reverend S.Y. Lum was directed by the American Home Missionary Society, New York, to carry the message of the Congregationalists to Lawrence, Kansas. The Emigrant Aid Company, instrumental in settling the town of Lawrence, had erected a mud brick boarding house, which came to be known as the "haytent," where the first church service was held on October 1, 1854.

During the next two years no organized services were held, but members met in private quarters. A church building was completed by 1862 with funds from the East coast and from some 70 church members. The building was located at Pinckney (6th Street) and Louisiana. By the late 1860s, church membership had outgrown the building and plans were made for a new building to be located closer to the Lawrence business district at 9th and Vermont. This building was dedicated in May 1870 and still stands.

In 1916 the church built a Parish House, directly adjacent to the main building. This addition provided space for various church social activities, Sunday School, meetings, and other activities. In 1955 the Parish House was destroyed by fire, but was replaced by 1957 with a Fellowship Hall.

After Reverend Lum came Dr. Richard Cordley in 1857, who continued as minister until 1875 when he was replaced by Rev. L.W. Spring. Rev. George H. Scott replaced Spring, and Dr. Cordley returned in 1884 to minister until his death in 1904. A succession of ministers have followed since: Rev. W.W. Bolt, 1904-1910; Rev. N.S. Elderkin, 1910-1917; Dr. Ross W. Sanderson, 1917-1920; Rev. Ray A. Eusden, 1920-1926; Rev. A.D. Grey, 1926-1932; Rev. Joseph F. King, 1933-1942; Rev. C. Fosberg Hughes, 1942-1948; Rev. Dale E. Turner, 1948-1958; Paul R. Davis, 1958-1965; Dr. Edward Felible, 1965-1972; Homer D. Henderson, who started in 1972; and Rev. Dr. Peter Luckey, who became senior pastor in 1995. In 2019 Rev. Dr. Valerie Miller-Coleman became the first female senior pastor.

Beginning with the 1900s the work of the church endeavored to meet individual church members' needs, as contrasted with the first 40 years, when the work of the church was devoted to its establishment and continuation. Services of the church have included support for home missions, university student assistance, community assistance, and betterment. Women's groups have always been active in the church, and over the years Plymouth women have raised money for many worthwhile projects, including for the church building's stained glass windows.

The church has maintained close ties with the University of Kansas, and many notable students and faculty have been among its members. Music has played a large part in the history of the church. Plymouth had one of the first organs in Kansas, installed in 1868, which was replaced by the Marvin memorial organ in 1922 and remodeled in 1970.

[Information retrieved from Plymouth Congregational Church's website.]