First Baptist Central Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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First Baptist Central Church
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Location | 521 N. Central Ave., Okmulgee, Oklahoma |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1915 |
| MPS | Black Baptist Churches in Okmulgee TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000307 |
| Added to NRHP | November 23, 1984 |
The First Baptist Central Church in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, is a very old and important church building. You can find it at 521 N. Central Avenue. This church was built in 1915 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This means it's recognized as a special place in American history.
Contents
A Special Place in History
The First Baptist Central Church is much more than just a building. It has a rich history that makes it very important.
The Oldest Black Church in Okmulgee
This church is the oldest building in Okmulgee that was built for the black community. It has served the community for over 68 years! Imagine all the people who have worshipped and gathered there over the decades.
A Key Part of the Community
Okmulgee once had one of the largest black communities in Oklahoma. The First Baptist Central Church is one of the oldest buildings still standing in the area where this community lived. It's a reminder of the town's past.
An Important Church in Eastern Oklahoma
This church is also one of the oldest black Baptist churches in all of eastern Oklahoma. Its long history shows how important it has been to many people.
Building a Community
The story of the First Baptist Central Church began even before the current building was constructed.
From New Hope to First Baptist
The church started from a group called the New Hope Baptist group, which formed way back in 1892. As more and more people joined, the group needed a bigger place to meet.
The First Brick Church
So, in 1915, the current church building was finished. It was special because it was the very first brick church built for black people in Okmulgee. This was a big step for the community.
A Growing Congregation
Over the years, the church has had many members, usually around 200 to 250 people. This made it one of the largest all-black church groups in eastern Oklahoma.
More Than Just a Church
For over 68 years, the First Baptist Central Church has been a vital part of the black community in Okmulgee.
A Place of Worship
First and foremost, it has always been a place where people could come together to worship and practice their faith.
A Social Hub
But it was also a very important social center. During a time in Oklahoma when people were often kept apart because of their race, the church offered a safe and welcoming place for black people to gather, connect, and support each other. It was a place for friendship, community events, and helping one another.
