2/27/20

Cushing, Oklahoma - Methodist Episcopal Church, 1893 -

The Sac and Fox territories were opened for settlement by non-Native Americans through presidential proclamation on Sept. 22, 1893. Although many had leaved in the region through federal leasing or status as a member of a tribe, that date would mark the shift of land use and occupancy in the area.

The Church Planted, 1893
The first Methodist Church services in the community of Cushing was organized in September as a group of people met in a grove of trees southwest of Cushing. They were led by "Brother Sharp" in September 1893.

The First Church Building - 1894 - 1910, Little and Walnut Streets
Later, services inside the site of Cushing town proper were held in a blacksmith shop located on Main Street. The first building was erected shortly after the town was chartered in 1894 on the corner of Little and Walnut streets. Men hauled lumber all the way from Guthrie by wagon on primitive roads and ferried across the river to construct the outside walls and roof.  Nearing completion, one of those famous Oklahoma wind storms blew past taking the roof and rafters with it and the task had to begin all over again. The building was finally completed in 1899 and valued at $600, would serve as church and a residence for the pastor.

The Pastors 1894-1909:
1894-1896 - Charles A. Owens, A.P. Nichols, and D.W. Ross
1896-1897 - J.S. Davies and W. T. Bilby
1897-1900 - T.W. Albertson
1900-1903 - W.E. Jones, W.E . Derr, J.M. Meloy
1904-1905 -J.M. Laird
1905-1906 - R.M. Rainsberger
1906-1908 - C.C. Brannon
1908-1909 - A.J. Taylor and W.W. Gerrys
1909-1910- George W. Martin

The Second Church Building, 1910-1926, Moses and Steele Streets
Another church building was erected on the corner of Moses and Steele Streets and was ready for occupancy in 1910.  In 1923, that church valued at $20,000.  The church continued to grow and a new church was proposed.

Pastors 1910-1926:


The Third Church Building, 1926-1975
The new church was a modern facility with a full basement, including a kitchen, fellowship hall and classrooms, and two floors above containing a sanctuary with stained glass windows, parlor, office, choir room, and Sunday school rooms. The building was completed in 1926. An educational building and chapel were added during the years 1959-1960. The value of the church property in 1960 was $405,000.

The Pastors 1927-1939:

Church Merger and Name Change, 1939 
The Methodist Episcopal Church reunited with two breakaway groups, The Methodist Protestant Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. These combined groups formed the new Methodist Church.

The Pastors 1940-1968:

Church Merger and Name Change, 1968
The Methodist Church united with  the Evangelical United Brethren Church.

The Pastors 1969-1975:

The Church Fire - September 24, 1975.

The Current Church Building - October 3, 1976, Ninth and Little Streets

The Pastors 1976-Present:

No comments: