Our Story

Begins over 125 years ago…

First Church of Sapulpa sprang from a sermon at a general store and seven people who longed to follow Jesus in 1895, while Sapulpa was still a part of the Indian Territory. Officially organized in November of that year, First Church has been a constant in the life of the town and townspeople.

The early years

The early years of First Church were fraught with all the concerns of a fledgling congregation including financial difficulties and finding a place to worship. By 1908 a permanent building was erected, and the little church grew over the next decade, quadrupling in size and service to the community. Tragedy struck two days before Christmas in 1920, when a fire ravaged the church building.

Menifee's General Store

Reverend Detlev N. Leerskov preached his first sermon in Sapulpa on February 16, 1894, at 7:30 P.M.

Construction of First Presbyterian Church building at Oak and Lee.

The Building Fund Drive for the new building got off to a rousing start. Pledges totaling $31,575 were received.

Rebuilt

Undaunted the members of First Church of Sapulpa immediately started rebuilding the edifice into the historic building that stands today. First Church held the first worship service in the new building on September 10, 1922 in the completed stained glass window lined basement and continued to worship there until the rest of the building was ready for occupancy on Easter morning 1926.

The legacy continues

Over a century later, First Church of Sapulpa remains an active member of the community, with a legacy of service and ministry not only locally but world-wide as well. Through the ebb and flow of the years, First Church has enjoyed times of growth and prosperity and endured times of less. Times of joy and times of sorrow. As the campus has grown, so has the mission of First Church of Sapulpa. We are blessed to have a beautiful place to worship, however, we also have a beautiful calling to serve our neighbors, proclaim the Gospel, and continue to embrace what God has in store for this congregation.

Present First Presbyterian Church building.

“We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

– 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Learn more about what we believe as Presbyterians.