Okemah, Okfuskee, OK - First Baptist Church of Okemah, 1953-1970 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Submitted by: Donna Barnes Email address: okfuskee@losdos.org Date submitted: 5/15/1999 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by noncommercial entities as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files by noncommercial entities and libraries is encouraged. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Source: Pamphlet published by First Baptist Church HISTORY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH May 3, 1953 - May 17, 1970 Compiled by Mrs. O. F. Fahnestock On May 3, 1953 the First Baptist Church of Okemah, Oklahoma celebrated its Golden Anniversary, Joe L. Ingram, pastor. Several former pastors participated. A 50 year history was compiled and read by Mrs. O. F. Fahnestock and an Educational Building fund was started with a nest egg of $442.00 given that day; which grew to $25,855.00 by February 1962. We entered the new Ministers' Security Plan; bought property across the street East, which be came the home of four nursery departments and known as "Babyland"; adopted a Constitution and By- laws; had several outstanding revivals including one led by Dr. C. Y. Dossey and E. Powell Lee with a Love Offering of $362.00. 1953 marks the largest number of additions, 65 being baptized and total additions 118. Cooperative Program was raised to 32%, the highest in history. 1954 marked a period of highest peaks during these 17 years. The Sunday School reached an average attendance of 355 with J. V. McKinney, Superintendent; the Training Union reached an average attendance of 136 with Melvin Cock, Director; and the W.M.U. reached its highest enrolment of 151 with Opal Spillman, President. "Bro. Joe" resigned February 6, 1955, having completed a most memorable pastorate of 2 years, 10 months. Lawrence Stewart became pastor March 13, 1955. His first Sunday here was designated "S" Day, with 456 in Sunday School. H. D. Harmon was called the next month as full-time Director of Music and Education. He served almost two years. The years 1955-59 were marked by a cut in the Cooperative Program to 20%; the beginning of a Food Service Committee with Mrs. Linnie Roberts, chairman; the making and equipping of 4 class romms in the balcony; the Robert Fling-Carolos Gruber Revival; the beginning of Social Security for church employees; paid back a $200.00 loan from the Home Mission Board made in 1906, giving the money to a Mission point in Colorado; purchase of 250 Baptist Hymnals at $474.00; sponsored Boy Scouts with J. D. Kezer, Scout Master; took a very definite part in the Dry Campaign of 1959, having furnished Dr. C. A. Cashman, Director and Mrs. O. F. Fannestock to man the down town headquarters office; started the $250.00 O.B.U. Scholarship Fund; installed a $6,800.00 Westinghouse air-conditioner in the auditorium and Fellowship Hall; a church council became semi-active; licensed Lawrence Matlock and Ronnie Breedlove to the ministry; baptized 106 with 323 total additions. Hearts were saddened by the sudden death of our beloved Sunday School Superintendent, J. V. MoKinney, or "Butch" to most of us, on May 1, 1958. He had filled his office faithfully for 5 years and 7 months and was in the Wednesday night service prior to his death a few hours later. He was also an active deacon. Bro. Stewart resigned August 30, 1959 having had a ministry of 4 years and almost 6 months The latter part of October 1959, Rev. Young Land became pastor for a little less than 8 months. The "Little Parsonage" was dismantled and used by the pastor; the Morning Worship Service was put on radio by means of a contract with Ted Hill for $936.00 per annum; in November we had a "Get Acquainted Revival" with Bro. Lang preaching and Bob Sanders leading the music; a committee on committees was appointed who updated some, deleted others and added many new ones; the Constitution and By-laws of 1954 were voided; detailed plans were adopted for rotation of deacons; church voted that for a motion to be carried more than one half of the members present must vote for the motion; Preston Clark, Lem Ball, Jack Case and V. H. Weldon were elected deacons. Dr. James Timberlake became supply pastor June 1960 and served about 9 months. On June 26, 1960, Preston Clark, Lem Ball, and Jack Case were ordained as deacons with Dr. Bill West preaching the sermon. The Fall Revival was led by Joe L. Ingram and Carlos Gruber. A set of rules for calling a new pastor was adopted November 1960 and are recorded in the minutes. The 1961 budget raised the Cooperative Program to 24%. A mission Sunday School was started in the Davis Nursing Home through the efforts of Marette Wood. The church took it over later. Eulis Grisham came to the pastorate on March 5, 1961. He led in revival with Ken Huffman the next month. A renewed spirit was evident in our church and plans were made for participation in an Associational-wide Enlargement Campaign, the Baptist Jubilee Revival, and a School of Missions all of which were consumated. Other accomplishments were the purchase of 34 mattresses and a 52 gallon hot water tank for Falls Creek; started a new Sunday School Record System; ordained Lawrence Matlock at the request of the Butner Church, September 1961; participated in an all church census; added 2 new Adult Departments; reupholstered the choir chairs; began renting out our Falls Creek Cabin; Church Council functioned properly; and organizational heads became the budget committee. In January 1961 negotiations were started to purchase the property of the Church of Christ on 6th and Ash, which resulted in our paying $12,500.00 for the property on February 28, 1962. This was financed by borrowing $10,000.00 from the Educational Building Fund (to be paid back $200.00 monthly) and taking $2,500.00 from the Repair and Maintenance Fund. We took possession of the building August 1962. The Jubilee Robinson-Copeland Revival reported 26 additions and a love offering of $556.00. The School of Missions showed a total attendance of 609. W. P. and Marette Wood presented a beautiful baby grand piano to the church as a memorial to their parents. After many years of conscientious and faithful service Mr. Wood resigned as trustee in 1962. The fire alarm awoke many about 6:00 A.M. on Sunday, December 30, 1962, only to find our church building was on fire. Extensive damage was done to the Northwest corner with heat, water, and smoke greatly damaging the auditorium. A building committee was elected: W. P. Wood, chairman, Virgil Landers, V. H, Weldon, Howard Franks, and Tom Coale. At a later date both Mr. Wood and Mr. Weldon resigned and were replaced by Don Ross and James Copeland. On January 30, 1963 the church accepted $63,862.00 on the building and $9,112.00 on contents, a total of $72,975.00 from the insurance companies. The church met in the old Calvary building and the Church of Christ building, (as long as it was standing), at which time all services were in the Calvary building. Some time was consumed in getting a majority vote as to what the Building Committee was to do. In the meantime, we ordained Ronnie Breedlove at the request of Morse Missionary Baptist Church. A Content Committee was elected by the church as follows: Melvin Cook, chairman, Mrs. O. F. Fannestock, Secretary, Maralea Cashman, John Franks, Asa Smith, Clyde Ross, and B. K. Williams. This committee was charged with the responsibilities of disposing of old contents and replacing new, subject to the vote of the church. In April 1963 Lyle Garlow and Roger Copeland led a revival with a love offering of $552.00. The rotation of trustees was begun. On May 29, 1963 the church voted to adopt "Plan B" which included the construction of a ground-floor sanctuary on the corner of 6th and Ash, and remodeling the 5th and Ash building into an Educational Building, the two to be connected by a long hallway. In June, Mr. Bob Berry was hired to prepare blueprints and specifications for the construction at a cost of $1500.00. On December 18, 1963, we gave the Freeman Construction Company of Shawnee the contract to build our plant for $144,449. Only one other Shawnee firm made a bid. We added several thousands of dollars to tile the basement floor, black- topping, cement walks, drive, etc. During these tying days the Sunday School averaged 228 in 1962 and 305 in 1963 and total receipts reached a peak then of $40,306.00. In 1964, we sold "Babyland" to Mr. & Mrs. Clyde Ross for $3,000.00. Joe L. Ingram and Bob Evans held a spring revival with a love offering of $605.00. W. P. and Marette Wood paid the difference between a new baby grand piano and the insurance collected on the former one given, to have a new one in the new sanctuary. In August 1964, we borrowed $47,000.00 from First Federal and Loan Association of Wewoka for 20 years at 5 3/4% interest, monthly payments to be $330.00. The debt still owed May 1970 is $24,154.00. We took adequate insurance on all church property. We licensed Dick Higley to preach July 1964. The first services in our new sanctuary and educational building were on July 1964. There were 365 in Sunday School and 118 in Training Union, 3 professions of faith, 2 rededications, 4 baptisms, and an offering of $820.00. There were now 2 Intermediate, 2 Junior, and 3 Primary Departments. We had services each night that week conducted by Joe Ingram, Lawrence Stewart, Lawrence Matlock, Ronnie Breedlove, and Dick Higley. The new building was dedicated on October 11, 1964 with Dr. J. W. Hodges, E. A. Spiller and Dr. James Timberlake speaking. The old hymn books smelled of smoke and a special offering was taken to buy new "Red" hymnals for use in the sanctuary. Many of these books contain the names of the donors. The total receipts reached about $53,000.00 a high at this time. The church renewed its lease on Lots I and II at Falls Creek for 25 years at a cost of $200.00. That will expire in 1990. Lucille Coale resigned as church secretary after 15 years of efficient and faithful service. The church honored her with a fellowship at which time many tributes were paid her by those with whom she had worked so well and many many gifts presented. The witty "M. C.", Clyde Ross, kept back a few tears. She was followed by two sisters, Carolyn McCasland and Leta Kay Bartlett, until September 1968 when Mrs. Lorieta Sweeney became church secretary. Evelyn Ross became Falls Creek chairman and promoted extensive repairs and additions needed badly. These were done at a cost of approximately $3,500.00; the two Intermeiate and Junior Departments in Sunday School went back together, Junior High and Senior High Departments were formed from the teen age department. The grading system in our Sunday School was changed to the school grading system in 1967 preparatory to the changes suggested for 1970. Twelve eight foot banquet tables replaced the old heavy ones and Frances Grisham collected sufficient stamp books to get new silverware. L. D. Smith and Charles Cottrell were ordained as deacons September 17, 1967. The Bristow-Runyan revival was outstanding with a love offering $598.00; also the Ferguson-Gruber meeting with a love offering of $633.00. Bro. Grisham resigned May 1, 1968 having completed the second longest pastorate in our history, 7 years and 2 months, He will be long remembered by so many who were ill because he has long since become a "master personality" in the sick room. Dr. Timberlake became pastor interim again. The Juniors and Seniors made their first trip to Six Flags in May after their Junior-Senior Banquet. On August 1, 1968 Joe W. Howard accepted our pastorate. Once again "This Old House" was "fixed up" and much ado was evident in "This Old House" because the Howards have three sons and one daughter. He told us he preferred to be called 'Bro. Joe', a bit ironical, to start and close this periods history with "Bro. Joe"? The two get along fine as long as we do not refer to the "Old Joe and the Young Joe", said the first Bro. Joe. Bro. Joe Howard came in a spirit of love for his people and an enthusiasm of "full speed ahead." In November we called Ken Wynn as full time Music and Education Director. We bought the Collin's property on 6th street for his home at a cost of $8,000.00. Soon attendance in all services increased and a renewed spirit was prevalent in the entire church program. The Wednesday night Prayer Ministry sheet appeared; Frances Camp directed the State-wide census in our area; participated in the entire Crusade of Americas Program; a church covenant was placed in the hymnals; the Howard-Browning revival re suited in 31 additions; in February 1969 Bro. Joe brought in a wash tub and asked us to walk by and drop in $2,200.00 with which to purchase a 54 passenger bus. Let's admit more than one doubting Thomas was present, but lo, all were believers when the total was $2,364.00 (which was enough to care for several smaller needs of the bus). Later a bus rack was needed and Bro. Joe asked for $123.00, but received $205.00, showing that our people are definitely backing the finest organized youth program in our 67 year history. The Juniors and Seniors went to Oklahoma City in 1969 and to Six Flags in 1970 after their high school banquet. The youth choir made its debut by making a tour in June 1969 visiting 5 churches in Texas and Oklahoma. The church licensed Bunky McCormick to preach. The largest church budget was adopted in 1969, $55,421.00; the total receipts reported in the 1969 Associational letter shows the peak of $65,158.00. A most successful two week revival was led by Dr. J. A. Pennington and Ken Wynn in April 1970, with 33 additions and the largest love offering ever of $847.00. Bro. Joe has baptized 105 people, preached 52 funerals, participated in 6 revivals at home and led in 7 away. Only the Lord knows what He will do through this man of God and this church in the future. During these 17 years, the W. M. U. has been super-active. Fern Lambeth, Opal Spiliman, Lou Clark led one each and Mrs. O. F. Fahnestock 14 years. We have attained highest or next to highest recognition in W. M. S. each year fa om 1956 through 1967 and have been a Distinguished W. M. U. the last two years under the new plan. We've supported a child each year in the Children's Home, have kept MISSIONS, our real purpose, at the hub of the wheel. Due to Bro. Joe Ingram's leadership, we started promoting our love offerings through the church. We reached our largest Lottie Moon gift in 1968, $3,371.00; the largest Edna McMillan gift in 1969, $520.00; the largest Annie Armstrong gift in 1970, $1,008.00 The monthly W. M. S. Visitor was distributed October 1955 through September 1964 and the quarterly W. M. S. Beacon from October 1966 to the present. Records reveal 16 young men have served as part time music directors. Victor Varner is outstanding in that after leaving here June 1953, he and Joan finished O. B. U., the seminary, and became foreign missionaries. Through these years, our church has been quite liberal in helping our own members and scores of others in times of distress, fires, illness, etc.; have contributed to Child Care, Gideons, SANE, Baptist Memorial Hospital, memorials and many other groups. The church membership in 1953 was resident 675 and non-resident 450. In 1970 resident, 619 and non-resident 657. ** As a matter of interest and record we report the following information. Members currently working in Sunday School or Training Union who have worked 20 or more consecutive years: Mrs. O. F. Fahnestock in her 46th year in Sunday School Mrs. E. O. Carr in her 43rd year in Sunday School Mrs. Bessie Manwarring in her 39th year in Sunday School Mrs. Deed Huff in her 33rd year in Sunday School Mr. W. P. Wood in his 33rd year in Sunday School Mrs. Fern Lambeth in her 25th year in Sunday School Mrs. Lucille Coale in her 24th year in Sunday School and in her 22nd year in Training Union Mr. Oren (Tiny) Coale, 20 years in Sunday School and in his 20th year in Training Union. ** (This report is based on available records and may contain a few errors. Sorry about that!) It would not be fair not to report that Mrs. Linnie Roberts, the oldest church member who is active in worship services, Sunday School, Training Union, and Women's Missionary Society, had to resign in her 24th year of teaching the T. E. L. Class and just prior to receiving her 18 year pin for perfect Sunday School attendance because of ill health in 1967. Mrs. Lillie Bowlin has belonged to our church 64 years. Mrs. Ethel Warren has belonged to our church 62 years. Mr. Ervin McCulley has been the efficient custodian for 15+ years, the longest period of time for one serving in this capacity; the best in the Southern Baptist Convention.