|
Our
History
In 1955 there was a
need for a new congregation on the northeast side of Ponca City
and a search for property was initiated. On April 17, 1955, 72
people transferred from First Christian Church, joined by 58
others, forming the charter membership of Woodlands Christian
Church.
The first worship service
was held in the gymnasium of Washington School. On August 15,
1955, the grounds at 14th & Hartford were dedicated as the
building site for the new church. September 1, 1957, the first
worship service was held in the new sanctuary/fellowship hall.
Woodlands now had a membership of
280.
During the early years,
Woodlands grew rapidly. Seven Sunday School classes were
held in the sanctuary/fellowship hall, one in the balcony, and
one in the hall. The need for an education wing became
a priority. On May 8,1966, ground was broken and early in
1967 the 429 members moved into the new education
wing.
The baptistery was built
and finishing touches were made to the front of the
sanctuary/fellowship hall in 1975. In 1979, the kitchen was
finally remodeled into a real, workable
kitchen.
On January 18,
1981, the Rev. Paul M. Krueger was called to be the Pastor of Woodlands Christian Church. As the
church grew, it had a need for additional ministerial staff and in January
1989, the Rev. Marilyn Merle was hired as part-time Associate
Minister.
From January 1981 to
December 1993, the church’s participating membership grew
by 59%, with an average of 167 in morning
worship.
Groundbreaking for a
major remodeling project took place on April 8, 2001. The
project included enlarging the chancel and the gathering area,
adding new offices, installing an elevator, and
creating a new entrance.
On July 8, 2001, the
congregation moved into the Ponca Plaza Twin Theater, across the
street from the church, for Sunday morning worship services.
During our time at the theater, we welcomed six new members.
Woodlands returned to our new facility on January 14,
2002.
In
October of 2006 the Rev. Marilyn Merle moved to another community.
Patricia Leonetti was called as "Interim Worship Leader" and Choir
Director" and Rev. Mary Lou Bryan became "Interim Director of Christian
Education". These two will serve until permanent staff is
called.
At the October 2006 Regional
Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in
Oklahoma, Woodlands Christian Church received five awards for growth in
membership and stewardship.
In September
of 2007, Stephanie Council was hired as Worship Leader and Choir
Director.
In October of 2007, Woodlands Christian Church was
awarded a $41,000 grant from the Lily foundation to fund a sabbatical for
the Senior Minister, the Rev. Paul Krueger. After more than 25 years
of service as Pastor at Woodlands, this grant will allow him an extended
time of rest, study and revitalization. Woodlands was one of only
133 churches in the USA to receive such a grant this year. Only two
of those grants were awarded to churches in Oklahoma.
Woodlands Christian Church will continue to grow
because of the loyal Christians whose faith and prayers sustain this
ministry.
|
