Selected Biographies: Henry Elmore Brill (1859-1956)

This member of Wesley was well known for his work recording the history of Methodism in Oklahoma and

for involvement in ministry and publishing.

Since 1887 Henry E. Brill had been associated with the Methodist church. In that year, he joined the Illinois conference, and was admitted to the Ohio conference in 1892. 

In 1906, he was transfered to the Oklahoma conference, serving in Mulhall, Orlando, Stroud, West Tulsa, Kiefer, Turley and was the pastor of the Reno Avenue Church in OKC. 

From 1912 thru 1914 Brill was a state speaker for the anti-saloon league. Following his retirement as a minister in 1924, he came to OKC and established the University Press for Oklahoma City University.  He served as a resident minister for Wesley Methodist in 1927 and served on many committees.

His first wife, Cynthia whom he married in 1885, died in 1932 and he remarried Elizabeth Anne Jeffrey, the widow of Rev G.M. Jeffrey. She  preceded him in death as did three sons and a daughter. Known names of sons include Harry Elmore Hrill (-1953), Charles J. Brill ,  James A. Brill.  

His works include a history of Oklahoma City University (1938) and the only official history of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Oklahoma (1939).


"Death Claims Henry E. Brill Rites Pending." The Oklahoman (June 16, 1956)5.
"Harry E. Brill, ATU Official, Dies of Cancer." The Oklahoman (June 11, 1953)4.