Since its earliest days, Oklahoma City has had deep religious roots. Six days after the Land Run of 1889, a service was held in downtown Oklahoma City by a Presbyterian minister. Two weeks later, a Methodist Sun School was organized. Four weeks after the Land Run, on May 19, the first Catholic service was held on Main Street between Robinson and Harvey at Indiana House. The First Methodist Episcopal Church Society was not far behind for on June 23, they organized their society with 17 charter members. The Baptists met and organized on July 21, 1889.
Today, worshippers of any religion can find a place to worship here. Look in the local phone book and you will find page after page of churches. If you are looking for a church, synagogue, temple, or mosque, then not only check the phone book but also ask friends, coworkers, and neighbors for suggestions. Searching on the Internet is also a good idea.
In this chapter, you will find five churches with large and growing congregations. Each of these churches is unique in that each embraces technology or offers programs beyond worship, a message, and prayer. Also in this chapter are two historic churches that have been a part of Oklahoma City since its founding.
Oklahoma City has many Christian and religious organizations, like Proactive Faith Ministries, Feed the Children, and the Oklahoma Conference of Churches. Over 70 organizations can be found listed in the yellow pages. Some are connected to religions and others are faith based, but all are community oriented. Denominations like the Nazarenes, Church of Christ, and Methodists have colleges in the Oklahoma City area. Oklahoma Christian College (www.oc.edu) is a four-year, private, co-ed college located in Edmond. The Southern Nazarene College (www.snu.edu) was founded in 1899 and is located in Bethany on a 40-acre campus. A second, smaller college, Southwest Christian University (www.swcu.edu) is also located in Bethany, a little west of the Nazarene College. Finally, following the United Methodist tradition is the Wimberly School of Religion and Graduate Theological Center (www.okcu.edu/religion) located at Oklahoma City University.
Oklahoma City has plenty of worship centers for all its residents. They welcome anyone who wants to worship.