1500 N. Randall - Elk City, OK 73648
(580)225-7801
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Our
History
A Brief History of the
First Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
of Elk City,
Oklahoma
1903
to Present
The idea of a Christian organization was conceived in the
minds of the first early settlers on the Cheyenne and Arapaho reservation
in April of 1892. The first meeting place was in a brush arbor near
Grissom's farm. Charter members then began holdings services in the early
part of 1903 in a store on Elk City's Main Street. In December, 1904,
formal Articles of Incorporation were filed, establishing the Church as a
legal entity. "The First Christian Church of Elk City, Roger Mills Co.,
Oklahoma". The first church house was built at the corner of Adams and
Third. There were 125 attending Sunday School by 1910, and Ladies' Aid
Society was organized.
When a fire in 1912 destroyed this
building, members met in the downtown theater until they came together in
a bungalow at 211 N. Washington in 1914. The Opera House on Broadway was
purchased in 1922 when the congregation outgrew the bungalow. Dedication
was held on Easter Sunday that year. During this time, a men's bible class
was formed and they held their meetings across the street in the basement
of the Carnegie Library.
In June 1928, $22,000 was raised toward the
building of a new church home. Property was purchased at the corner of
Broadway and Walker in March 1929. When the Opera House was destroyed by
fire, the church family held services in the Baptist Church's Educational
Building, and then moved to the high school until the new church could be
completed.
On Sunday, September 15, 1929, the congregation met at
the high school and marched to the sight of the new structure, waving
banners and singing. They witnessed the laying of the cornerstone. On the
face was "First Christian Church, 1929", and a quote from Ephesians 2:20 -
"Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone." Dedication service was
held on May 11, 1920. The first Vacation Bible School lasted four weeks,
and the church sponsored two Boy Scout troops.
When the Depression
Years saw the church burdened with debt, the ladies served dinners in the
basement to the public, whose response was very supportive. The year 1929
saw the debt liquidated. When the mortgage was burned in 1945, it was one
of the happiest occasions of the church. In 1953 the old parsonage was
replaced by a two-story house east of the church. The Golden Anniversary
was observed in November, 1953.
Church life was strengthened by the formation of a Young
People's Organization, a B.P.W. Guild, a Young Matrons Circle, and a
Junior Church. The Women's Council redecorated and refurnished the parlor.
In the 70's, the popular singing group, The Proclaimers, was
organized.
For the third time, fire struck on April 7, 1976. Heavy
damage prompted the members to completely rebuild. An eight-acre tract was
purchased at the corner of Randall and Country Club. Members again met at
the high school while the new church was being constructed.
In
October, 1977, dedication services were held for the present building.
During the 1977 dedication services, a time capsule was buried. Members
filled it with letters and memorabilia, to be opened 50 years later, in
2027.
The love and support of the entire community was evidenced
by the financial contributions to the building fund by many non-member
individuals and businesses. Mortgage burning services were held in May,
1980. That same year, the formal corporate name of the Church was amended
to include "Disciples of Christ", to express affiliation with the national
brotherhood.
The 80th Anniversary was celebrated in November, 1983, and
the 90th Anniversary, with the theme, "Catch the Joy", was observed in
1993. Through the 80's and 90's, the youth programs were strengthened by
the Logos Program, followed by Kids for Christ, Christian Children's
Fellowship, Chi Rho, and Christian Youth Fellowship. All are successful in
bringing the young people into the church.
During this time, a Bell Choir was formed, now called the
"Disciple Ringers". A New Life Band brought a group together with music to
share during church services and around the area. Attractive shelves were
added to the parlor to hold the library books.
In 2003, we celebrated our Centennial on May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, with an Open House on the 2nd and 3rd (Fri. and Sat.), a Banquet at the Convention Center on Sat. evening, the 3rd, and then a special Worship Service that Sunday.
As the Church enters its second century, its members remain
committed to the Body of Christ with the same devotion and enthusiasm as
its founders more than one hundred years ago.
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