ills Rodeo Church Service, a Sunday morning tradition since 1972. Vicar Don A. Miller, a former rodeo contestant, delivered the first sermon; since that time, each minister has preached either while on horseback or from horse-drawn wagon. This is definitely a community event, with the churches of the county traditionally uniting for this service ("50th Anniversary"). Additional features such as these have served throughout the years to heighten the rodeo experience for all involved.Behind the continued success of the Flint Hills Rodeo, there have been two important driving forces: the reputation of the Roberts family and the incredible amount of support of the larger Chase County family. The Roberts were instrumental in getting the rodeo off the ground and sustaining the interests of rodeo-goers from outside Chase County. In fact, three of E. C. Roberts' six children were themselves rodeo stars. Marjorie Roberts, the oldest, joined the Clyde Miller Circus as a trick rider in the early 1930s; she also competed in various rodeo events such as calf-roping, steer-wrestling, and saddle and bareback bronc events. She regularly competed in bull-riding as well. In 1941, Marjorie won the women's bronc riding contest at the 1941 Cheyenne Frontier Days, equivalent to a world championship today. More often than not, she would compete against her brothers, Ken and Gerald, for prize money, prompting Gerald to remark that she was his toughest competition. As rodeo became more regulated and women were forced out of competition, Marjorie was still a popular presence in the rodeo arena as a trick rider and performer in wild west shows (Birk, "Marjorie"). Marjorie's brothers, Ken and Gerald, followed her into the rodeo business and quickly established themselves as excellent contenders on the rodeo circuit. Ken held the title of World Champion Bull Rider for three consecutive years, beginning in 1943. He was also the runner-up for the World ...
