Circuit riding preacher from Benton to travel accross the U.S.

As settlers began heading west of the Mississippi more than 200 years ago, they encountered many hardships.

Seeing an opportunity to provide encouragement and share the love of God with these settlers, circuit riding preachers began making their rounds. A particular preacher would have an area assigned to him, and he would periodically visit church groups or residents along his route.

As the frontier became more populated and churches were established, the number of circuit riding preachers dwindled.

Even though they're not common anymore, one Kansas man has decided to head across the country as a circuit riding preacher.

Cowboy Pastor Dan Boyd, of Benton, along with his wife Gracie and son Gary, will leave on horseback on Sunday and will be headed toward the Flint Hills as they begin the journey to ride through all of the lower 48 states.

Boyd will be preaching along the way, collecting stories of faith, values and hardship from country folks.

He will also be offering help along the way to those who need a hand with maintenance projects or repairs.

On Saturday, there will be a send off concert for Boyd at the Butler County Cowboy Church at 5118 SW 100 Street (old highway 54 /77, the old Walnut Valley arena), 1 1/2 miles east of Augusta. Food will be available at 2 p.m. and the concert will begin at 4 p.m. There is no charge for the food or concert. Those who plan to attend the concert are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and their horses if they want to ride.

Boyd and his family will leave on their journey after the Sunday morning service at Butler County Cowboy Church, which will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Anyone who wishes to financially support Boyd in his endeavor, or to follow his journey, can visit https://sites.google.com/site/thelastcircuitridingpreacher/home.