At Monday’s City Council Meeting, the Sapulpa City Council issued a proclamation declaring Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, would be known as “First Presbyterian Church of Sapulpa Day” in celebration of the church’s 130th anniversary.
The church—which has existed longer than Sapulpa—has survived mergers, splits, and changing times but has continued to embody “steadfast faith and spiritual guidance, compassion, and fellowship” since its beginning.
In the proclamation, Mayor Henderson called the church a “cornerstone of faith, service and community since its founding in 1895.”
The full proclamation is available here, but here is a summary of the church’s timeline:
- On November 2, 1895, seven Sapulpa residents gathered in a general store to hear a sermon and form what would become the First Presbyterian Church of Sapulpa.
- The congregation established its first sanctuary in 1908, which was tragically destroyed by fire just before Christmas in 1920.
- The members rebuilt, at their current location of 111 S Oak Street, holding their first service in the new basement on September 10, 1922, and dedicating the completed church building on Easter Sunday, 1926.
- In 1966, the church added its Memorial Chapel.
- In 1995, it expanded again and added its Centennial Hall in time for its 100th anniversary.
Mayor Henderson commended the Church’s “deep commitment to civic leadership and community betterment.” The proclamation noted that the Church has been home to seven Sapulpa Mayors and “numerous state and local elected officials.”
Caring Community Friends and Bartlett Academy are just two of the philanthropic endeavors started by the Church that continue to exist today, now as independent organizations.
The proclamation ended by expressing gratefulness to the Church for “nurturing generations through worship, education, and outreach, and serving as a beacon of hope that strengthens the heart of our community.”
