St. Paul Baptist Church and Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Paul Baptist Church and Cemetery
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St. Paul Baptist Church
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Meeker, Oklahoma |
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| Area | 1.9 acres (0.77 ha) |
| Built | 1940 |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000973 |
| Added to NRHP | September 13, 2002 |
The St. Paul Baptist Church and Cemetery is a very important historical site. It is located near Meeker, Oklahoma, in the United States. This special place is known for its connection to the African-American community. It is the only site of its kind in Lincoln County, Oklahoma.
The church building is on N3420 Road. The cemetery is about three-quarters of a mile east of the church. The current church was built in 1940. This happened after a fire sadly destroyed the first church in 1939. Because of its history, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. This means it is recognized as a place worth protecting.
Contents
A Look at Its History
The St. Paul Baptist Church has a long and meaningful past. It served as a central place for the African-American community. Churches often played a big role in community life. They were places for worship, learning, and gathering.
The Original Church and the Fire
Before the current building, there was another church. This first church was a vital part of the community. However, in 1939, a fire destroyed it. This must have been a very sad event for everyone.
Rebuilding and New Beginnings
Even after the fire, the community did not give up. They worked together to rebuild their church. The new building was finished in 1940. This shows how strong and determined the people were. The new church continued to be a place for faith and community events.
The Cemetery's Importance
The cemetery next to the church is also very historic. It is where many members of the community were laid to rest. Cemeteries often tell stories about the people who lived in an area. They show us about their lives and their history.
Why It's a Historic Place
The St. Paul Baptist Church and Cemetery is special for several reasons. It helps us remember the history of African-American communities in Oklahoma. It shows their strength and spirit.
National Register of Historic Places
In 2002, this site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the country that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the site. It also makes sure its story is remembered for future generations.
