The history of Sapulpa’s First Church of God

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The history of the Church of God has been one of humble beginnings and of consistent growth. A congregation that became affiliated with the National Church of God, with general offices in Anderson, Indiana, first began worshipping in the home of Reverend and Mrs. Marion C. Cox during 1919. But the small band of Christians grew rapidly until they needed more room. So they began worshipping in a room in the Creek County Courthouse.

Soon after, a one-story frame building was built and for the first time the sign “Church of God” took its place above the church door. The congregation purchased a six-room frame house on South Park and Bryan Streets and after about four or five years this structure was dismantled and a stone basement was created with future plan to build a structure above it. However, this plan did not mature.

The above progress was made by the following pastures. Rev. Marion C. Cox, Melissia Oldham, Emory Shipman, Bro. Taylor, Jewel Stinson, R.R. Phillippe, Clyde Close and the Divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. may we give thanks for all those who sacrificed, struggled and with faith, made it possible that we might have the Church of God in Sapulpa.

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It was during the five or six years of Reverend H.A. Woolman’s pastorate that the congregation purchased the Methodist church building at Lee and Walnut Streets in Sapulpa. This was indeed a great step forward for the church, the pastors, and the leaders.

This 1922 typewriter was owned by Pastor Woolman, who used it when he was in the pastorate during the 1940s. Current Pastor William Wimmer has it on display for everyone to see, complete with a tea-stained sheet of paper, made to look like Pastor Woolman was just starting to prepare a sermon.

After some major remodeling on the building, Reverend H.A. Woolman and their congregation moved into the newly-purchased building which was to be their place of worship for some time to come. In 1948, Reverend Woolman resigned his duties as Pastor, and Reverend Stephen V. Pound was called to be the pastor. In November 1952, his resignation became effective.

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Following Rev. Pound was Rev. John Bailey and his associate, Dave C. Williams, and H.C. Hathcoat. Ross Atkins came next and was followed by George A. Arnold and Rev. Charles L. Freed.

In the year 1971, the church began worshipping at their beautiful new sanctuary. Following the Reverend Freed was H.C. Adams, and his associate Terry Tope. Pastor Merlin Mosher assumed his duties as Pastor in 1973. Under Brother Mosher’s leadership and his faithful workers, the congregation grew until it became necessary to erect an additional building for which another campaign was launched. The old building was sold and the new structure was completed, consisting of a large gym and six additional Sunday school rooms with all the modern conveniences.

In recent years, Pastor Russell Robold was responsible for guiding the congregation through many changes and additions, the burning of two mortgages, selling the percentage on Brown Street, and purchasing the one on Hastain Street. He helped raise funds for a large bus barn, along with a new piano, organ, and bells. He retired from the pastorate in 1989.

Following the retirement, Pastor Robold came, then Pastor Tommy Dove, and associate Darren Wilson from 1989 to 1995. Then pastor Steve Phelps and associate Dale Neace from 1995 to 1998. While in a transition period, we were blessed to have interim Pastor Loren Stephenson lead us through one year until Pastor Stan Vavra came in 1999 with the associate Pastor Troy Holifield who served from 2000 to 2008. Then once again through a transition time the interim pastor Lauren Stephenson came from August 2001 through March of 2002. Pastor Lynnette Kautz joined the First Church of God staff in October 2003 serving as the Associate Pastor of Worship Arts and Christian Education until resigning in May of 2011.

We saw the power of God at work through the Ministry of Senior Pastor Ken Price from April 2002 to August 2012, we’ve now been blessed with the youth pastor john Greer from January 2009-present. In April of 2013, Pastor William Wimmer moved to Sapulpa to lead and to serve the church. First Church will continue to harvest the fields of Sapulpa and Creek County for the Lord.