In the early 1900’s a gospel preacher named Cliff Johnson moved to Oklahoma City
from west Texas. At that time, the only Church of Christ in Oklahoma City was located
at Northwest 10th and Francis Street. Brother Johnson came from a congregation that
sought to restore the gospel and church of the New Testament. He approached the
elders of the 10th and Frances congregation and questioned them concerning the differences
in their practice and the scriptural teaching in 1Cor 14:35 and 1Tim 2:11-12. After
several efforts at reconciliation, the elders advised Brother Johnson that the only
way all parties involved would be satisfied would be to start another congregation
without bible classes and women teachers, to which Brother Johnson answered, “I
believe I will.”
In less than three years, the small building was overflowing. Property at Southwest
33rd and Pennsylvania proved to be an acceptable location for a new church building.
Utilizing voluntary help from membership of the church, construction began. On
the first Sunday in January 1950, the congregate assembled in its new location with
thankfulness and praise to the Almighty God. The new congregation assumed
the title of South Penn Church of Christ. Under the leadership of elders Buster
Boyd, Jimmy Ramsey, and T.F. Stapp the little congregation increased and prospered.
Over the years, many congregations were established across the state of Oklahoma,
due mainly to the efforts and leadership of the elders of South Penn Church of Christ.
It was during these years that the “South Penn Summer Meetings” began. Many young
people from several states came for Bible teaching, instructions in vocal music,
Christian living, and to enjoy Christian fellowship.
Since that day, three new elders now serve, Marty Barris, Mike Minson and
Dale McDaniel. James York, Doyle Blue, Robert Pitt, Keith Schlittler, Matt Pannell,
and Larry Fuller now serve as deacons. Since moving to our new location, the Lord
continues to bless us and membership steadily increases every year. Proverbs 29:18,
"Where there is no vision, the people perish:" With a prayerful eye to the
future, a building fund is in place and the leadership envisions a new building
within the next few years, with the Lord’s help. We invite you to join with
us as we reach forward to the future. It is the hope and prayer of this congregation
that God will continue to bless us with growth, both in number and in Spirit; and
that His Glorious Name will be praised and magnified in this community through each
member of His body, the church.
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Upon purchasing a 25 X 150 lot and building a small frame
building at 2215 S. Agnew, a new congregation was established in Oklahoma City.
Some of the early families of this congregation were those of: Allen Adams, Troy
Adams, Pleas Barris, Buster Boyd, Bertie Arterberry, Ode Boswell, Rosa Brashiers
Standridge, Les Davis, Merlin McCorkle, Jimmy Ramsey, Earl Ridens, Ara Satterfield,
Oscar Smith, Rube Williams, as well as the Akins family, Fowler family, Rackley
family, and the Winchester family. After
WWII, the church membership seemed to explode. In 1948, some of the members of the
Agnew Church of Christ decided to establish a congregation in the southeast part
of the city. On May 1, 1948, twenty-eight members met together in a little church
building at 315 S. E. 16th. This small building served as home for the congregation
for a short time. Pleas A. Barris, Buster Boyd, and Jimmy Ramsey served as appointed
elders. Later, T. F. Stapp was also appointed an elder.
By the early 70’s the building was expanded to accommodate the crowded conditions.
In the years following, deacons were appointed. Delbert Worthy, Rube Williams, Wesley
Dean, Ara Satterfield, Kenneth Nelms and Melvin Murphy served as deacons. Later
on, Billy Gilbert, James York and George Ramsey were also appointed to the
office of deacon. In 1975 John Barris and Tommy Shotts were ordained as elders
and George Ramsey in 1993.
Unfortunately, the 90’s were not as prosperous. Our community deteriorated,
crime increased and other congregations were established in suburban areas. Attendance
declined as young families moved to newer areas of the city and older members moved
to their “long home“. Meanwhile, in the late 90’s Bros. Marty Barris and Mike Minson
were ordained as deacons. The leadership then began to formulate plans for a new
location. Property in the Penn South Addition proved to be a suitable location
for a new building. Amid tears and fond memories, we bid farewell to our church
home for almost half a century. On a Wednesday evening, April 8, 1998, the first
service was held at our new location at 2444 S. W. 89th and the South Penn Church
of Christ became the Penn South Church of Christ.
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