A CENTURY OF BLESSINGS

Oklahoma was still Indian Territory in 1905, but Bartlesville had an Opera House at the corner of what is now Frank Phillips and Dewey, and there, nearly 100 years ago, First Presbyterian Church was born.  The original 29 members, organized by Rev. Ralph J. Lamb on September 3, 1905, purchased the land at the corner of 5th and Dewey.  The first church building was completed in 1907, the year Oklahoma became a state.

Bartlesville and First Presbyterian Church grew steadily.  Sixty-nine members served in World War I, and the women became active in Red Cross work, sending boxes of supplies to the troops in France.  In 1918, when influenza ravaged the world, the Presbyterian Church served as a hospital.  During the twenties, the church facilities were enlarged.  By 1930, membership had grown to nearly 800.

Bleak times affected the community and the church during the early 30’s.  Members provided help to each other, and the women served supper at the church on Wednesday nights for 25 cents, often serving 200 people.  Efforts begun during the 20’s to help the poor in Bartlesville, and the city’s growing hispanic population, continued.

During the dark days of World War II, activity once again focused on the Red Cross and other types of relief efforts.  Eighty-seven men from the church served in the Armed Forces.  During the post-war period, the church helped a steady stream of displaced persons from Germany, Indonesia, Cuba, and other nations.  A spurt of growth lead to the construction of a new education building.

In 1954, the church received the gift of a six-acre tract along Highway 75, and the congregation determined to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary by establishing a Presbyterian Church on the growing east side of town.  Approximately 130 members “colonized” the new church, which became Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.

During the 60’s, the church became one of the founders of the Concern Center.  A less formal worship service was initiated, and church concerns were directed toward civil rights issues in Bartlesville and elsewhere.  Toward the end of the decade, the congregation decided to raze its crumbling original structure and build a new church on the original site, remaining a downtown church.

The present church was dedicated in the fall of 1970.  In 1973, the church helped establish the Samaritan Counseling and Growth Center.  Efforts to improve the quality of life in Bartlesville continued in the 80’s with participation in Women and Children in Crisis, Habitat for Humanity, and Eldercare, as well as the establishment of Green Country Retirement Village.  The church also began the annual Family Life Symposium.

More recently the church has continued a strong Bible study program, and a revitalization of the ministry to older adults, as well as children and young people.  We have endeavored to become truly “A House of Prayer.”

In 2003, we welcomed our current minister, Rev. Andrew S. Odom, and adopted our mission statement:  "Leading people to God through Jesus Christ."