Flesher Class 1928

A group photo of the class on the front steps of the new sanctuary in 1928 was taken by Mitchell Byfield Studios, 907 N. Hudson, Oklahoma City.  Members identified in the photo included: Beatrice Joy Nelson, Jean Thoburn Wyes, Jean Keister Lundquiest, Siri Anderson Carlson, Ramona Allen Cheatwood, Laura Allen Rucker, Julia Alice Goff Wiley, Helen Sellers Sain, Lilliam Snipes,  Aline Carruthers Pfaff, Elly Anderson, Dorothy Downing Larkins Burg, Naomi Alfred, Dorothy (Dottie) Kennedy Davis, Margaret Thompson, Ima Strickland, Frances Aycock, Margaret Klein Wahl, Thelma Louise Saxon Baker, Mrs. William E. Flesher (Abbie, Teacher), Mary Carnahan, Lorraine Springer Schuneman, Mary Wallace, Isabelle Hugh Spangler, Marian Dierdorff, Mildred Armour Frizzell,  Elva Brown Alexander, Jean Alexander.

"How To Write and Publish the History of A United Methodist Church" (1969)

The Commission on Archives and History of the UMC published this small booklet just in time for the writing of the 1975 church history.  Significant areas are underscored and the outline of the finished work clearly follows the suggestions of the booklet by Wallace Guy Smeltzer.  

In the introductory remarks he notes: "An accurate, well written history of a local church has real value. It lifts up the achievements, services, and sacrifices of past generations in the church. It inspires pride and loyalty on the part of present church members...It can enhance one's appreciation and love of the church of our Lord which is a "thousand years the same." 

At the time the guide was written the General Conference made the compilation of such a history the responsibility of a local church history committee under the guidance of a local church historian.  The history was to be compiled and then brought up to date each year.

The booklet was divided into subheadings:
First Step
Source Material for the History
Exploring Local Church Sources
Annual Conference and Denominational Sources
Community Sources
Organizing the Material for the History
-Table of contents
-Forward
-Preface by the author or the committee
-Chapter 1 How United Methodism came to (name of community)
-Chapter 2 Our Connectional Relationships
-Chapter 3 The Story of Our Church Property
-Chapter 4 The Story of Our Church Organizations
-Chapter 5  The Record of Our Spiritual Life and Concern
-Chapter 6 The Growth of Our Church and Its Future
-Chapter 7 Our Present Church Organization
-Chapter 8 Our Current Membership Roll
Origin of the Church
-Connectional Relations of the Church
-Church Property
-The Organized Life of the Congregation
-The Spiritual Life of the Church
-The Progress of the Church
-Current Organization
-Membership roll
-Publishing the History

It is interesting to note that in the "Spiritual Life of the Church", the author says "the spiritual vitality of a church is difficult to measure. Some indication of it is provided, however, by evangelistic activities, such as camp meetings in earlier days, revival services, visitation evangelism campaigns, and preparatory class training.  An important indicator is the number of full time Christian workers produced by the church, such as ministers, missionaries, religious education directors or church music leaders....A social conscience of the church can be set forth by recording participation inactions for the causes of temperance, economic justic, civil rights, benevolent controbutions, and charitable relief..."

OKC Methodist Churches of 1912

Wesley was established in the fall of 1910 but by 1912 the list in local newspapers revealed the growing city was well represented by Methodism.

• First Methodist, Methodist Episcopal Church, North, West 4th and Robinson, Dr. R.A. Chase
• St. John's Methodist, South, 12th Street and Geary,  Rev. R.S. Satterfield
• St. Luke's Methodist, M.E., South, West 8th and Robinson, Rev. Robert E. Goodrich
• Epworth Methodist Episcopal, South,  West 16th and McKinley Ave, Rev. J.O. Peterson
• Methodist Tabernacle,  2nd street and McKinley Ave., Rev. Robert Thompson
• Free Methodist, 1512 Lincoln Blvd., Rev. G.M. Haddock
• Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, North, Northwest 25th and Classen Blvd, Rev. S.E. Betts
• First German Methodist, 8th street and Lee Ave., J.A. Klein

Selected Biography: Dean C. Dutton, PhD. (1871- )

Dean C. Dutton came to Wesley in the late teens and led the church through a significant growing phase.

According to the U.S. Census for 1920 he was living at 1403 NW 25th Street.  It revealed he had been born in about 1871/72 in Virginia, he had married a woman named Katherine (b. 1875 in Iowa) and there were two daughters at home, Helen A. (b. 1899, IL) and Adena (b. 1901, IL). An article in a local newspaper indicated he had been born in Wisconsin and reared in Seattle. He had received his education from the Upper Iowa University and took his doctor of philosophy from Kansas City University.  He pastored at Animosa, IA; Webb City, MO, and at Oakley Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. While in Oklahoma City he served as president of the Ministerial Alliance and was director of the Oklahoma Epworth Institute (held at Shawnee). In 1923 he left Wesley in OKC  for the University of Oklahoma to become a "community lecturer and vocational counselor, a new department and take charge of the 'Hearthstone University', a home service department."  ["Dean C. Dutton Leaves Church." Oklahoman (Sept.16,1923):39]

Assorted records give clues as to the character and interests of Dr. Dutton.  He is mentioned as being a presenter-lecturer on the Redpath-Horner Chatauqua on the Pioneer (B) Circuit under supervision of C.M. Hirst. He was on the second day of a 1918 event. (Lyceum Magazine, Sept. 1918, p.38).

In 1929 he served as the president of the National Cigarette Law Enforcement League, Inc.  His name is on the letterhead of a letter from Alva B. Jones dated May 25, 1929.  (Dear President: Letters to the Oval Office from the Files of the National Archives, ed. Dwight Young. p.42).

An undated publication, The Beautiful Ministry of Womanhood: A Survey of Opportunities for Ministties of Kindness for Christian Womanhood, Including Social Service Circle Programs shows him as author of "The Great Life" Library.  The booklet was published by The Great Life Publishing Company, 321 N. Chelsea, Kansas City, Missouri and sold for fifteen cents.  It may be a publication of the Methodist Episicopal Church for their women's ministries.

In about 1930 he published Quests and Conquests through  The Life Service Publishing Company (19230) or Oklahoma City (presumed). Description of the Quests include "A search for the Wealth of Life, Truth and Assurances of Reality. Conquests - Building this Wealth into Personality. TWO VOLUMES IN ONE. Part One - Gems of Literature arranged in One Hundred and Twenty-one Lessons in Life Building. Part Two - The Supreme Philosophy." The work apparently included all the material of the author's two editions of Heart Throbs of Truth for Life Building. His other written work include My America and the open road : a textbook directing "The National Awakening" ... / : Bridgeport, Ill. : Thought Wealth Press, 1948.  Fellowship / Cincinnati, Ohio : International Character Education Associations, 1933.

In 1922 he addressed the O.C. Baptist's Pastors Conference on "The Ministry of the Spirit"
(Baptist Messanger , April 5, 1922; pg. 13).

An exact date for his death is not known, however, there is a Dean C. Dutton  in the Bridgeport City Cemetery, Bridgeport, Lawrence Co., Ill, listed as born Dec. 15, 1871 and having died Oct. 16, 1954. He visited to speak at Wesley and it was noted he was living in Illinois.   He is buried with a Carrie L. born 1884 and who died 1959.  It is unclear if this is first or a second wife.

Rebuilt Wesley to hold nearly 800 people, structure dubbed "The Dutton Tabernacle" by congregation, 1920.

Bishop William Alfred Quayle and the Birth of Wesley M.E.Church

In October of 1910, the annual conference of the Oklahoma Methodist Episcopal Church approved the creation of a new church work in what was then the far north west corner of the growing city.  That work would be assigned to the Rev. Frank A. Colwell and would become Wesley Methodist Church formerly that November.

Colwell and Quayle were, according to family story, known to each other from joint service in Kansas and by the summer of 1910 Colwell was already at work in Oklahoma City as minister and evangellist.  The length of time between the October conference and the first service of December 25, 1910 may not account for the construction of the first building as revealed by photographs.  It may be that Colwell was at work evangelizing and building the core of a new church before it was formerly approved. Cowell's daughter would later relate several humorous encounters with the Bishop as a child growing up in Oklahoma City while her father launched the new work.

The presiding Bishop of this time was William A. Quayle.  William was born 25 June 1860 in Parkville, Missouri, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Gayle) Quayle. William married Allie Hancock Davis 28 January 1886. They had a son, William R. Quayle, and a daughter, Allie Gayle Quayle (who predeceased him) (Wikipedia).   He was a much beloved leader in the M.E. church and respected in Oklahoma. He died in Baldwin, Kansas from heart disease in 1925.

In his obituary his qualities were clear and significant.  He was "author, lecturer, educator and for more than a quarter century" and "one of the outstanding figures of the Methodist Episcopal church."

He was "An outspoken Republican, an active and keen political observer, and a renowned orator. Bishop Quayle had held pastorates in Kansas City, Indianapolis and Chicago before his elevation to the bishoprie in 1908."

"He studied in the preparatory department of Baker university, at Baldwin, Kansas and later in the collegiate, where upon his graduation, he was made professor of languages and vice-president of the institution. ...He was pastor of the St. James church, Chicago, when called to fill one of the highest offices in the Methodist church. His Episcopal residence was in St. Paul until 1916, when he removed to St. Louis."

He was well known as a speaker of high merit.  "The lectures of Bishop Quayle were not of the chautaqua variety, although he sometimes spoke from chautaqua platforms. From life-long study---it is said he read a book a day while in college---he had an unlimited repertoire of addresses and humorous punctuations frequently were resorted to."

A man of education and learning his Ph.D. was conferred "by Allegheny college, and that of D.D. by DePauw college the same year. Baker university honored him with the degree of LL.D. in 1900, and Lawrence college of Wisconsin, conferred the same degree in 1908."

In addition his business life as church leader, speaker and family man he also wrote many books setting the example for both lay and clergy members of the church:

“The Poet’s Poet and Other Essays,” A Study in Current Social Theories,” “A Hero and Some Other Folks,” “Books and Life,” “In God’s Out-of-Doors,” “Eternity in the Heart,” “The Prairie and the Sea,” “Lowell and the Christian Faith.” “God’s Calendar,” “The Book of Ruth,” “The Song of Songs,” “The Pastor-Preacher,” “Laymen in Action,” “The Church of God,” “Poems,” “Beside Lake Beautiful,” “Recovered Yesterdays in Literature,” “The Dynamite of God,” and “The Throne of Grace.”

(Find many other delightful notes and quotes in the full obituary  located at http://iagenweb.org/boards/vanburen/obituaries/index.cgi?read=387029)

A Pastor's Wife Speaks: Mary Elizabeth Thigpen (Mrs. Charles R.), ca 1964-1967

Over the years, a church will be blessed by people of numerous gifts and graces.  Each new clergy has a spouse accompanying them who support their ministerial spouse as wife or husband, attends to the needs of family, often a job outside the home and to the needs of the local church as a faithful member.

Sometime in the period of 1964-1967 when Charles R. Thigpen was pastor of Wesley his wife Mary Elizabeth compiled a short history of Wesley.  She had access to first person witnesses to the events she describes and connects with the basic mission fervor of the early pioneers who sought to build not merely a building but people of God.

'WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (USA), the stately English Gothic sanctuary, today stands in the exact population center of the metropolitan city.  This is a far cry from October 1910, when the Rev. F.A. Colwell was appointed by Bishop Wm. A. Quayle to the task of organizing a church in the far north west of section of Oklahoma City.  One of the charter list of twenty eight members remembers the corn meal mush dinners, served with clattering tin spoon and cups, that helped finance the infant church.  A dog eared membership roster gives mute testimony to the early day struggles of the church.

A hastily constructed tabernacle was built at Military and 32nd and when Bishop Quayle preached the first sermon on Christmas Day, 1910, the furnishings consisted of a floor of sawdust, some donated chairs, and a square piano. In the spring of 1911 the tabernacle was moved to the corner of 25th and Douglas, site of the present building.  Wesley closed its first conference year with 136 members.

In December 1925,plans were made for a much needed new building and the Educational Unit was started June 7, 1926 an completed January 7, 1927.  The ardor of the spirit of building never died down in June 1927 ground was broken for the present sanctuary, dedicated May 20, 1928, a tribute to the faith and trust of the  membership of 771.  Depression years brought a crisis to Wesley, but church members managed interest payments on a towering mortgage by proceeds from doughnut sales.  Church women rose to the occasion, spending long hours turning out thousands of doughnuts.

Wesley is located near Methodist Oklahoma City University and is called The University Church. One of its pastors went from the church to the presidency of the University, and one of OCU’s presidents came to Wesley as minister.  Since its beginning, 20 ministers have served, and the membership today of 3800, makes it the third church of the denomination in Oklahoma.

It is a progressive, metropolitan family church, well known for the friendly and cooperative membership, its unusually large contribution to the ministry from among its members (one of whom has recently begun the Skyline Urban Ministry in downtown Okla City), and it “humbly invites the world to come and see what God and His faithful pioneers have wrought.”

--Compiled ca. 1964-1967 by Mrs. Charles E. Thigpen (Mary Elizabeth), 

wife of Pastor Thigpen (1964-1967) 

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.

1955 "Victory Dinner"

Goals set, pledges met, achievement of crucial goal met - more space for educational activities opened in 1953 and celebration as final payments were made.

Dreams and Plans: The Early 1950's

The church was bursting at the seams by 1952 and a new generation was filling the pews and faced with a challenge.  In the 1952 overview book, the pioneer achievements and story were held up as the standard and the congregation challenged to press onward to keep the momentum of growth and ministry alive.  An archictect's drawing envisioned expanded education wing, a second chapel and covered cloisters linking the two.  The primary need was for education space for adults and children.  The classes were packed, shoulder to shoulder with strong, dynamic adults who reflected the "can do" attitude that  had set to work changing the world.

Boy's Sunday School Class ca 1922

Who are they?  Where did God's direction lead them in life?  What story of the ministry and impact of Wesley Methodist Church could they share if asked?

A "Method" To Their Work

In 1936 the '2 in 1 Class' (also sometimes the Two in One Class) printed a small booklet of the class Constitution and By-Laws of the Two in One Sunday School School Class of the Wesley M.E. Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This eight page (6 with text) booklet was approx. 5 inches by 4 inches.  It established in Article I the name of the class was to be the "The 2 in 1 Sunday School Class". 

It specified the object or purpose of the class as an organization for the "regular and systematic study of the Bible under competent leadership; the achievement of Christian culture through the spiritual, intellectual, and social development of every member; mutual helpfulness and the extension of Christ's kingdom."  The motto for the class was simple and direct: "every member present every Sunday on time with a liberal offering, a studied lesson, and a mind to learn."

The name came from the 'two shall be one' and was made of younger married couples.  Some fifty years later they members had aged but the class still met.  It finally disbanded in the 1990's.

The committee for the booklet was comprised of Virgil A. Alden, H.B. King, and Ellis Margo and the last amended date for this copy was October 30, 1936.

The Church Cooks

The history of every church is a history of the women who supported the fledgling endeavor through numerous church meals to raise funds, countless baked goods sold to fund missions, and endless creative activities designed to find a way to move the church - and its work - forward.

At the 1928 ddedication of the new sanctuary a special church meal was planned and offered at a price ($.35 a plate) so all members could attend. All funds went, of course, to reduce the debt on the new structure.

Sometimes the men also contributed to the overall effort through loading supplies, setting up and sometimes even cooking!  A one point men served as 'singing waiters' to delight diners!  

Over the course of time the kitchen became an integral aspect of Wesley life and ministry through church dinners, fundraisers, and special events. For its 100th celebration in 2010 WUMC/OKC put together a cook book (available for sale on the webpage).  

Reprising the "Singing Waiters"

The Oklahoma City University and Wesley Methodist Church Link

The university buildings first constructed on the NW 23rd street property was the towering administration building.  Designed by architect William T. Schmitt of Oklahoma City, it faced NW 25 and reflected the collegiate gothic style.

When the Wesley sanctuary was rebuilt a few years later it too was concieved in the gothic collegiate style. Senior pastor Dr. Hovis suggested the design and layout and architects Leonard H. Baiiley and Virgil D. Alden of Baily and Alden Architectural  firm drew the final plans.

it may be inferred that Dr. Hovis envisioned a close relationship between the closest Methodist church and the budding new incarnation of a Methodist academic institution in Oklahoma City. The school had begun its life in 1904 as Epworth University, moved to Guthrie as the Oklahoma Methodist University and then returned in 1919 to Oklahoma City. In that process other schools in Texas closed and transferred their records and programs to the newly named Oklahoma City University.  It would be natural for Wesley to become the university church as such relationships were very common among institutions and the closest local church.  That was exactly what happened as faculty and students attended Wesley, served on staff, and more than once Wesley people left to serve OCU.

In 1924, Dr. James W. Baker served as an OCU trustee while a preacher and district supertendent. He would later join Wesley.

M.M. Gibbens served as secretary of the OCU Trustees for many years.

C.S. McCreight and E.R. Stockwell also served as long time OCU Trustees.

In 1947, Myron Harris was awared an honorary degree by OCU for his faithful service on the OCU Board of Trustees.  William "Bill" Harrison was a member of Trustee Advisory Committee on Finance.

In addition, at least four (4) OCU Presidents were members of Wesley Methodist Church. Over the years, many faculty also called Wesley their spiritual home.

The OCU Presidents

Edwin George Green, President 1919-1923

Dolphus Whitten Jr.

Aaron George Williamson, pastored wesley from 1933-34 and then served as OCU President beginning 1934

Jack S. Wilkes

The OCU Faculty

Clinton M. Allen

M.J. Binford

Dr. Nathan Boggs

Frank G. Brooks

Dr. Clarence Burg

Clifton Grossman

Harry H. Houser

D.M. Hart

J.C. Hoover

Leona Dale Hulet

John Lansing

Fred C. Meyer

Lena Misener

Francis McAlister

Wayde McAlister

Theron McGee

Therm T. Neilson

Nellie Melton

B.F. Nihart (Dean)

Oscar Lee Owens

T.F. Pierce

Acton Porter

Milton Prop

Campbell Russell

George Ryden

Mary Louise Simpson

Carrie Lee Snipes

Carl Skinner

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Soule

Lena Smith

F.L. Tibbitts

Joe B. Thoburn

Norton Wey

Selected Biographies: Marion Knapp Hurst (Mrs. Irvin Hurst)

Public Domain Image of teacher of Home
Economics

Marion was born in Marion, Kansas on January 29, 1906 to Dr. and Mrs. Bradford Knapp. Her father moved in 1923 to Stillwater to become president of Oklahoma A &M College. A year later, she married a classmate, Irvin Hurst and moved to Oklahoma City.

Her experiences in the home, the school and teaching all united during the depression as she taught classes on home economics, household management and similar vocational subjects.  

Marion Knapp Hurst authored in 1939 Household Employees Handbook (Dewing Publishing Company, 1939) and in 1946 she published The 1-2-3 of Homemaking (Prentice Hall). Its contents included chapters on Home Management, General House Care and Special Cleaning Methods, Special Homemaking Activities, Care and Use of Household Equipment, Table Setting and Service, Menu Planning and Marketing, Care and Preparation of Food, Laundry , Child Care ,Home Care of the Sick, and Household Employees.

On January 27, 1980 she died at Baptist Medical Center. Her services were conducted at Wesley. She was buried in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Cultural Setting: The Asian District

The Asian Sign at NW 25th and Classen Blvd. marks the turning point to Wesley UMC. The Asian district stretches from NW 23rd north to NW 30th and to UCO on the west and the Paseo Arts District on the east.  The pogoda inspired sign identifying the area as the "Asian District" sits at NW 25 and Classen...just make a turn to the left and you approach Wesley UMC.

The region is populated by a mix of ethnic and cultural groups ranging from Hispanic, African-American, European-Americans and Asians (most from Vietnam and Cambodia).

For more information here and here and here.
For an image of Wesley with the sign seen to the right go here.
See news article here.
A video is here, but no sound.

It is the site of the state's largest Asian grocery store.

Selected Biographies: John Embry

Wesleyite, John Embry at age 80 wrote The Namic Philosophy: A Philosophy of Reality and Religion (Philosophical Library, 1952).  It was orginally  published  in Oklahoma City by the  Utterbach Com- pany, 1951. 225 pp.

"John Embry, City Lawyer, Dies at Age 91" said the local paper.  It went on to detail that John Embry, 91, of 3827 N. Classen, had been a long-time Oklahoma attorney..  Services will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Hahn-Cook Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Born in Butler County, Kentucky, Embry came to Oklahoma in 1891, homesteading near Chandler. He had practiced law in Oklahoma since 1891 and headed the law firm of Embry, Crowe, Tolbert, Boxley & Johnson at the time of his death. He came to Oklahoma and was admitted to the Territorial Bar Association in 1891. He served two terms as Lincoln County Attorney, 1894-98, and was also Lincoln County Judge and mayor of Chandler.

He was elected to the house of representatives in 1900 and served one term. He was appointed United States Attorney for Oklahoma Territory in 1906-1907. He was later appointed U.S. District Attorney for Western District, Oklahoma, in 1908-11. He was Oklahoma County Attorney in 1915-16.

At age 80, he wrote a book, "The Namic Philosophy", which was published in 1952. Oklahoma City University honored him with an honorary degree of doctor of laws in 1953. He served as trustee of that university from 1922 until 1934.

He was president of The Oklahoma Children's Home Society and a member of Wesley Methodist Church for more than 45 years. He served as member of the official board, teacher and Sunday school superintendent for the church.

He was a Mason, Odd Fellow, Member of YMCA, county state and American Bar Association, Men's Dinner Club and Chamber of Commerce. He was listed in Who's Who."

(The Daily Oklahoman, July 18, 1960, p.19 c.1; Find-A-Grave)

 

Fellow Wesley member, Joseph Thoburn included Embry's bio in the history of Oklahoma he had written.

Historic Setting: The Gold Dome

The historic Gold Dome is a newer structure in a geodesic dome. It was built in 1958, as the glory road  known as Route 66  was dwindling being supplanted by airplanes.  It is now on the Register of Historic Places.  It is struggling to be preserved and recognized as a linchpin of the emergent "Asian District."

Historic Setting: Milk Bottle Building

The "Milk Bottle Building" of Oklahoma City sits along old Route 66 on Classen, just north of NW 23rd. It is another feature along the forgotten loop of the "Mother Road" through Oklahoma City.


Oklahoman reporter Kent Ruth wrote that the triangular building was built  as a grocery store about 1925.  His source was A.E. Warren and it was built by John J. Gordon. His source further claimed it had been a bootleg liquer store in the rowdy 1930's (Ruth, Kent. "Historical crooks, crannies." Oklahoman, Feb. 10, 1974, pg. 160). Ruth later heard from a long time resident who shared the building had been built in 1920-21 for Steffen ice cream. (Ruth, Kent. "Classen history inspires memories", Oklahoman, Aug.10, 1980, pg. 177).

The uniquely shaped structure of the bottle was designed by Arthur D. Nichols in 1932. The Oklahoma A & M engineering alum wass then working for the Boardman Company.  The sketch was transformed by metal worker Rudolph  Stavanuagh and another worker who built the metal frame and applied the sheet metal. Joe Flynm was the one to actually place the bottle in its location. ("Hatter Had Shop Under Milk Bottle," Oklahoman, April 7, 1997, pg. 71).

Photo by M.Hudson, 2013

The Bottle as Business
Mary Ann French said her father ran a hat shop there from 1930 to 1935. Frank Gallatin cleaned and built men's headwear before moving downtown to operate the Empire Hat Co. ("Hatter Had Shop Under Milk Bottle," Oklahoman, April 7, 1997, pg. 71).

Oklahoman columnist Robert E. Lee reported one of his reader had information about it from a decade later. Gayle Pierce said it was a "Flying Chicken" resturant that used the unique concept of delivering fried chicken by motorcycle during 1945-1947.( Lee, Robert E. "Milk Bottle Building Once Houses 'Flying Chicken', Oklahoman, Sept. 15, 1997, pg.70).

In 1951 the unique structure caused a bit of head scratching as authorities comtemplated widening the Classen street but found the building in the path.  Reluctant to destroy the feature a plan to swap the land for other park land and even moving the structure was considered.  The slight jog on Classen is the result. ("Milk Bottle Raises Classen Problem", Oklahoman, Aug. 29, 1951, pg. 6).

For years the log on the bottle promoted a now discontinued company, The Townley Milk Company, and was replaced by Oklahoman based Braums Dairy.

In 1993 the historic building and its iconic symbol barely missed destruction from fire.  Now housing a deli Hop Ky, operated by Sang Nguyen, a Vietnamese immigrant.  The area, now in a growing Asian district, was reflected in this new multi-cultural element. The article noted the building had been a grocery, a record store, the Beer Box, a florist, and a take out resturant (Owen, Peggy. "Landmark Milk Bottle Building Survives Fire, Repairs to Start", Oklahoman, April 25, 1993, pg. 11)

Historic Setting: Kamp's Grocery and Courts

In Oklahoma City, along the broad Classen Blvd. north and south of the juncture of NW 23rd and Classen are many historical gems. They hark back to days when this area was 'out in the country' and on the edge of the growing community.  They remind of heady expansion and opportunity and growth: all things well worth remembering as a new century dawns and continued renewal and rebirth occurs in its rediscovered neighborhoods and business districts.  They are examples of small businesses that succeeded and contributed to the development of the capitol city of Oklahoma.

Kamp's Grocery and Kamp's Courts - In 1910 two German immigrants discovered what was then the outskirts of Oklahoma City and settled down to establish business. Kamp Brothers Grocery at NW 25th and Classen Boulevard was well known for top quality groceries, deli, breads, and service.

In 1928, the  business name was used  in ads appearin local newspapers.  The image of the cute apartments solicited a short ride to see the area.  The urged people to come discover the cozy but green living space where every one had their own garden.   "Kamp Courtyard" advertized they were  bringing a new style of living along NW 25.  

More recently, the business transformed - and moved - to Midtown ( "Kamps1910 Cafe."; 10 N.E. 10th ).

Yet, the history lingers on along the corridor, hinting at a past worth preserving and remembering.

A Friend of Wesley: I.M. Putnam

When Wesley built its first wooden structure in 1910 at NW 32 and Military they were helped by the donation of chairs by I.M.Putnam.  

The astute ladies also salvaged some chairs from a pavilon that had burned in Putnam Park.  Applying elbow grease and some fresh paint they augmented the rough plank seating in the wooden building with sawdust on the floor.

Putnam was one of the architects of residential planning in early day Oklahoma City. He promoted home ownership and boostered Oklahoma City via his company Putnam Real Estate.  His chief competitors where named Shartel and Classen.

For more information: http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/P/PU007.html

Putnam City Schools

A Friend of Wesley: Anton Classen Family **UPDATED**

Oklahoma Digital Collection

This early business leader of the city was also a Methodist and he supported several early Methodist colleges, churches, and outreaches. He donated land to the church  in the early days now known as the "Triangle".  For many it was thought this was merely another example of his long standing support of Methodism and Oklahoma City groups.

The Triangle at NW 25 and Classen Blvd and the later landscaping all were evidence of the same generous spirit that supported the early Epworth University effort.  To see an excellent historical overview of Classen Blvd. which fronts Wesley on the east, see this page.

Now, through research of this blog, it has been discovered  that there was more than mere civic support behind his gifts.  While searching through early membership rolls it was found that the brother of Anton H. Classen was a member of Wesley Methodist Church.

John Randolph Classen, his wife Nysa and daughter Ruth J., while living at 1512 W 30th Street united with the church on June 8, 1919.  The pastor at that time was Dr. Dean C. Dutton.

Also, it has been discovered that other relatives were also members of Wesley.  Anton's father had been a member of the German Methodist Church of Oklahoma City. There was a daughter there as well named Anna Helena Sophia Classen Wahl.  The Wahls and several of their children's families were active members of Wesley (The McBride family and McAlister family). [See entries on the Wahl's elsewhere on this blog]

In the dedication program of May 1928 it reads: "Between the church building and Classen Boulevard in the foreground to the east is a triangular plot of ground which was given to the church by Mrs. Anton Classen and her late husband.  Mrs. Classen has provided a plan prepared by Hare and Hare, landscape architects of Kansas City, Mo., and will park the triangle according to the plan, thus providing an ideal setting for this beautiful Temple of God."(pg.16)

Select Biographies: Dr Earl DuWain McBride

Another noted member of Wesley Methodist Church was Dr. Earl McBride. He was a strong member of the church, serving on numerous committees and in leadership roles including the Lay Evangelism group and donated the first loud speaker for the church sanctuary.

The son of Almeda Frances Tucker and A. Aaron McBride. He was born Jun. 15, 1891 in  Severy in 

Source: Find-a-grave.com

Greenwood County, Kansas and died Sep. 20, 1975, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County Oklahoma.  

Moved to Oklahoma around 1900 and was raised in Watonga, Oklahoma. Attended Epworth University and the University of Oklahoma. Graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University, Ny, Ny. Practiced Medicine in Ralston, Navina and Hitchcock, Oklahoma until WWI. Served in WWI as a captain. 

He was the first board certified Orthopedic surgeon west of the Mississippi. He opened McBride's Reconstruction Hospital in 1919 and later opened the McBride Clinic and Bone and Joint Hospital at NW 10th and Lee. 

He married Pauline Mary Wahl September 3, 1913 in Oklahoma City. They were married for 62 years. They were members of the Wesley United Methodist Church. He was active in the Oklahoma Society for Crippled Children (writing a history of their work), Past potentate of the India Temple Shrine (33rd Degree mason, Shriner and Jester) and an early member of the Oklahoma City Rotary Club. 

He was buried, alongside his wife, in September of 1962 in Oklahoma City at Rose Hill Burial Park.

See other photo and information here.

The Bride's Room

The Cherubs Overhead

In the sanctuary are eight cherubims who, 'hovering at the base of ceiling arches with wings unfurled,  hold aloft the triune lights.  The amber globes of the lights symbolize the light of the Gospel.

The story is told that the artisan who crafted these creatures from the Bible similar to angels was inspired by his own grief.  His small infant son had died and so he gave each of these heavenly creatures the features of his son.

Impossible to verify, 'the sweet, childish face and cap of curls which each cherub wears makes it easy to believe that they may have resulted from the wish of a loving parent that his cherished child might always dwell in the presence of God.'  (Madalayne Allen. These Stones Will Shout. Wesley United Methodist Church, 1988).

The Choir

The Baker Chapel

The Baker Memorial Prayer Chapel seats approx. 30 people. 
It has been used for small weddings, children's programs, and prayer times.

The Chapel was made possible through gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Marion R. Baker, in honor of Rev. and Mrs. James W. Baker in 1953

Mortage Burning

Church Directory of 1935-36

1935-36 Church Directory

Back Cover designby Harry Hahn

The 1928 Dedication Week

The Organ

When the sanctuary was built in the late 1920's the organ was an important aspect of the worship scheme. That organ has been built by the Geneva Organ Company of Geneva, Illinois.  It was purchased through the local branch of the John W. Jenkins' Sons Music Company.  They also installed it for the dedication in May of 1928.

The dedication occurred on May 21 at  8 p.m. in a special recital with Powell weaver, organist of Grand Avenue Temple in Kansas City, Kansas.   He was assisted by baritone, Kennis N. Wessel.

Weaver was a concert organist and composer who had received his musical education at the New York City Institute of Musical Art under the directorship of Frank Damrosch.    He later studied privately with Pietro Yon (organ) and Perry Goetschius (composer). Additionally, he spent two years studying in Italy with Remnigo Kenzi and Ottorino Respeghi in Rome. 

Wessel was a "Wesley boy" who had been educated in New York City under Francis Rogers, Bruno Hahn and Arthur Belbore.

Musical selections included "Prima Sonata", "Marche Russe", "Swing Low, Swing Chariot", "Italia Rhapsody", "Jesus Bambino", and "Toccato from Fifth Sympanthy" by Widor.  

The "Triangle": Classen's Gift to Wesley

Early Oklahoma City residential growth was the result of several leaders involved in real estate, transportation and other business. Among the the figures of the area of Wesley were I.M. Putnam, James Shartel, and Anton Classen. Each one established large residential districts that are now historic hallmarks enriching the beauty and diversity of the city.

The small leftover land west of Classen Blvd. and east of Douglas was donated to the nascent church about 1911, shortly after the move from NW 32 and Military to the corner of NW 25 and Douglas. Classen, a Methodist, was supportive of the Epworth University (1904) and many churches.    With the construction of the new sanctuary in 1928, the land was given a face lift from the widow of Classen.   It now serves as parking for the church.

The Memorials in Glass

Architect Leonard H. Bailey (Bailey and Alden) from ideas and sketches provided to him by the pastor, Dr. William Forney Hovis, designed the sanctuary of Wesley. 

The building is in an “L” shape with sanctuary and educational units and was completed in 1928. The Educational unit’s design style is termed Collegiate Gothic and when first opened was a three story, fireproof building with 40 x112 feet and with 43 rooms designed to address the religious education needs of a congregation of over a thousand. 

The sanctuary was designed to provide visual inspiration through every means possible.  The architectural style of English Gothic replicates many churches of the Middle Ages. Those great European buildings were virtually ‘sermons in stone.’  In an day when few people could read, when services where often conducted in Latin, the challenge was to teach and inspire.  As a result, the music, the architectural designs, artwork, and decorations evolved as teaching tools to share the Christian message of hope and faith. 

The sanctuary is finished in cathedral style art-brick, the wood in beams and pews a deep walnut stain, and fourteen chandeliers of Swedish iron hang from the ceilings and beams. Throughout the sanctuary are thematic representations in wood, stone or glass of basic tenets of belief.  These include the use of the Gothic arch, the use of the number three to represent the doctrine of the Trinity, and the stories in light and color seen in the many windows.

Symbols

As you examine the sanctuary look for instances of the use of triple symbols.  These represent the concept of the Trinity and are seen in the three entrances and exits into the sanctuary, the clusters of three lights and other examples. The Chi, the Grapevine, and the Shield. The Gothic Arch is often described as being hands clasped in prayer to remind of the need for daily meditation. The arch can be found on the end of pews, on trims, and in the structure itself. As such, it invites a person to come sit and contemplate on things of the spiritual world.

The Stained Glass 

The lovely windows were produced by the Kansas City Stained Glass Works Company.  Well known for producing outstanding art glass, they produced glass for The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. Luke’s Episcopal, Austin Avenue Methodist and First Christian Church (all of Kansas City). 

THE TOUR
The Tour is designed to start in the Narthex (1) and then begin on the right -

Narthex (1)
In this area, there are various donations and gifts such as plaques, furnishings, and decorations.

Cloister, North (3)
(West) “The Nativity” – Mrs. William E. Rowland
(Center) “The Boy Christ”- Mr. & Mrs. J. Edgar Strader
(East) “Christ at the Door”- Mrs. Clara Bell & Family

North Transept (3)
“The Transfiguration” (1928)-Mr. & Mrs. Hillard John Scott
(West) “The Last Supper” –Mr. & Mrs. L.R. Springer
(Center) “Jesus and His Mother”- Ladies’ Bible Class
(East) “The First Disciple” - The Larkins Family (Charles N. Larkins, Lucille Larkins Huguety, and Robert Carl Larkins), “in loving remembrance of our wife and mother,” this would have been Anna Maggie Larkin who died in 1924 in Oklahoma City. 

 

Chancel  (West or Choir) (4)
“The Beckoning Christ” (Come Unto Me) (1928) - Mr. Overstreet, father of Mrs. Campbell Russell

South Transept (5)
“The Good Shepherd” (1928)- Mrs. Jessie B. Fleming and Mrs. Virginia C. Shike
“Rich Young Man”- T.Harold and Captain W.E. Corkhill
“Gethsemane”- Mrs. D.G. Murray & Family
“Best Friend” – Mrs. Laura S. Day and Miss Olga Stokesberry
“Empty Tomb”- Mr. & Mrs. O.H. Putney

Cloister, South (or Ambulatory) (6)
(East) “Holy Women of the Tomb”- Mrs. N.A. Whittaker and Family
(Center) “World Encircled” – WCTU (Women’s Christian Temperance Union)
(West) “The Ascension”- Mr. and Mrs. Charles Johnson and Miss Minnie Suitor
East Window (7)
“Jesus Blessing the Little Children” (1928)- Mrs. Florida Knight.

Exterior:
Triangular Plot (East) – Fronting east entry area between Douglas and Classen Blvd. Land donated by noted early Oklahoma City founding leader, Anton Classen (before 1928).  Mrs. Classen later donated landscaping and other improvements.

Sermons in Light

New Sanctuary Connected to Historic Church

Massive Growth of 1920's Chronicled in Historic Photos

On the walls of the church Parlor are photographic evidence of the membership increases of the 1920's. Records indicate that in 1921 membership was 815 and by 1930 it had swelled to1243 members.

Young Married Boomed Wesley Growth

When Wesley was founded in 1910 the member list was just over one hundred people. In 1921, however, the membership books revealed 815 people on the list.  The growth was due to a combination of factors.  The pastors of the day emphasized evangelistic outreach and programs to address the needs of all ages. In addition, the community was expanding, improved inner urban trolleys, and the advent of the automobile made the once long distances fade away.  Wesley was in the right place at the right time for massive growth. Here is a cropped photo of the 'Young Married Peoples Class" of May 22, 1921.

Selected Biographies: Joseph Bradford Thoburn (1866-1941)

Another noted early member of Wesley was Joseph B. Thoburn  (1866-1941).  He was noted for his 6 volume work on Oklahoma history ( a standard in schools for many years).  He is thought to have taken some of the earliest photographs of the Craig Mound at the prehistoric site called Spiro Mounds, and was instumental in helping to establish both Epworth College and Oklahoma City College.

He published numerous articles (36), founded the Chronicles of Oklahoma, and wrote some eight books and was a member of the 1903 Board of directors for the Oklahoma Historical Society.  "From 1913 to 1917, while in the University of Oklahoma history department, he conducted the first scientific excavations into Oklahoma's prehistory, including the cave-dweller culture of northeastern Oklahoma, the basketmaker culture of northwestern Oklahoma, and the mound-builder culture in Delaware, LeFlore, and Kay counties. He then joined the OHS staff in 1917, serving until his retirement in 1931." 

 

Additionally, an aunt was a notable Methodist missionary to India. Isabelle Thoburn (1841-1901).  Her brother was Bishop James Mills Thorborn and he wrote a biography of her,  Life of Isabella Thoburn, (Jennings and Pye, 1903) (A Free ebook at http://books.google.com/books?id=peg-AAAAIAAJ)

Joseph Thoburn died March 2, 1941 after a stroke.  His funeral was held at Wesley Methodist Church, March 4, 1941. The services were under the direction of Watts and McAlce Funeral Services with internment set for Rose Hill. Rev. Hugh B. Fouke, senior minister of Wesley conducted the service.

His pallbearers were Allen Williams, M.M. Gibbons, Clifton Grossman, Roy Wheeler, Merle Woods, and Claude Hensley.  Honorary bearers included: C.S. McCreight, Robert A. Hefner, Dr. Earl McBride (also a "Wesleyite"), Gen. W.S. Kay, R.C. Bradshaw, and many others. 

(See general history entry here).

Joseph B. Thoburn. A Standard History of OKLAHOMA. An Authentic Narrative of its Developments from the Date of the First European Exploration down to the Present Time, including Accounts of the Indian Tribes, both Civilized and Wild, of the Cattle Range, of the Land Openings and the Achievements of the most Recent Period. The American Historical Society, Chicago and New York, 1916.

Ebook version here.

He is listed in the biographies THOBURN Joseph B. p. 760, 2192

Paul F. Lambert. Joseph B. Thoburn: Pioneer Historian and Archaeologist. Oklahoma Trackmaker Series. ublished for the Oklahoma Heritage Association by Western Heritage Books; First Edition edition (1980) ISBN-10: 0865460094 / ISBN-13: 978-0865460096