A Wesley Star: Member Profile of Helen C. Hicks (1904-1974)

Helen C. Hicks was born in 1904 and reared in El Reno, Oklahoma.  From 1926 until her resignation on June 30, 1967, Miss Hicks was employed by the Oklahoma City Schools as an elementary teacher, an elementary principal, and a consultant for the textbook division and the audio-visual center. 

She was an avid traveler and while on a world tour she became ill in Nepal in November 1974, and died at Kathmandu, Nepal, on November 30, 1974.  At that time, Nepal would not permit embalming, and Miss Hicks’ body was cremated and the ashes were shipped to Oklahoma City in a beautiful metal urn. 

A memorial service was held for Miss Hicks at Wesley and her ashes in the urn were buried next to her father in the familyplot in El Reno.

Miss Hicks was an active member of Wesley, serving on the administrative board at the time of her death; and was an alumnus of Oklahoma City University.

 

[Source: A "Did You Know" article for the Wesley UMC Newsletter, in 1989 written by Marion R. Baker]

1969

 

Ministers From Wesley

The names here are from the 1976 history, The Dynamic History of a Forceful Church, and reflect people who entered the ministry from Wesley Church. No attempt was made to keep the dates of connection so they may be from 1910 - 1976.
 Anyone with information on any of these people, feel free to leave a comment or email researcher marilynahudson@yahoo.com. 

J.E. Burt

Charles Catican

Richard E. Cies

Bill Collins

John R. Diller

Cliff Elliott Jr.

Steve English

G. Lemuel Fenn

Richard Gibbens

A.E. Gilbert

Joe Hathaway

Melbourne Headrick

Carolyn Hoffman (Only woman listed)

Frederick Hunter

Robert Ives

Robert L. Jones

Larry Jones

Ollie C. Jones

Paul John Jones

John Kapp

Wight Kessler

Owen Langseth

Eddie Light

Fred Lyon

Glenn Miller

Robert Montgomery

Charles Mowery

James Neely

William A. Nighswonger

Carl A. Nighswonger

Jerry Perryman

Richard Proctor

W.T. Pugh

J. Glore Reneau

John Russel

Golden Shook, Jr.

Lewis Stockwell

John C. Stowe

Leslie Thompson

James Whaley

 

Leonard Williams

 

 

The Triangle Parking Lot: A Classen Gift

In the early days of the church, Anton Classen arranged for the triangle piece of land  between Classen Blvd. and Douglas Ave. (just in front of Wesley on its east side) to come to Wesley and later, when the sanctuary was built, Mrs. Classen had the area landscaped with rose bushes. Wife of Oklahoma City business leader, Anton H. Classen, Ella Classen and sister-in-law to early member, Anna Classen Wahl, this image was donated to Wesley by the Wahl family

Mrs. Anton Classen: A Friend of Wesley







Wesley Church Archives
 Wife of Oklahoma City business leader, Anton H. Classen, Ella Classen and sister-in-law to early member, Anna Classen Wahl.. This image was donated to Wesley by the Wahl family. 





A Classen File

These were among some donated images to Wesley by Anton H. Classen's sister Anna Sophia Classen Wahl and her daughters, Mrs. Pauline Wahl McBride, Mrs. Frances Wahl McAlister, and Mrs. Lydia Wahl Rhodes, all  members of Wesley. "Aunt Ella" was the former Ella Dell LAMB who married Classen in 1903.



"Uncle Anton H. Classen and Aunt Ella Classen"

Symbols in Light

As a Gothic sanctuary, Wesley UMC was built to include various symbols of the Christian faith.  These include symbols such as the Greek letters the "Alpha and the Omega" signifying the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet or the beginning and the end of life.  There is the grapevine. There is the shield. Many other symbols, colors, and concepts are employed in the sanctuary in wood, stone, and in the stained glass.

 

Grapevine - Symbol of the teaching of Jesus that " I am the Vine; ye are the Branches."

Shield - recalls Ephesians 6: 16 " Take up the Shield of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked."

 

A combination of the Fleur-de-Lis ( a symbol of the Trinity) and the four lobed blossom (symbol of the four Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)

The Shield with Cross



Wesley in Print : A Short Bibliography

Information about Wesley Methodist Church and Wesley United Methodist Church can be found in the

following:

       Brill, H.E.  The Story of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Oklahoma City, University Press,1939.

Brill, H.E.  The Story of Oklahoma City University and its Predecessors. Oklahoma City, University Press, 1938.

Clegg and Oden. Oklahoma Methodism in the Twentieth Century. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Conference of Methodism/Parthenon, 1968.

Edwards and Ottoway. The Vanished Splendor: Postcard View of Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City: Abalache Book Shop, 1982.

Stewart, Roy B. Born grown: an Oklahoma City History. Oklahoma City, Fidelity Bank National Association, 1974.

Wesley United Methodist Church. The Dynamic History of a Forceful Church. Oklahoma City, WUMC, 1975.

Wesley United Methodist Church. These Stones Will Shout. Oklahoma City, WUMC, 1988.

 

 

 

Stained Glass At Wesley

From an upcoming history of the windows:

 

"The stained glass in the sanctuary of Wesley Methodist Church use a combination of methods and consists of four :

(4) large "story" windows (approximately 12 x16 feet) set high in the walls of the four cardinal points of the compass (East, North, West, South). 

Below two of these large windows are set four (4) smaller and narrower "story" windows (in the North and South Transept). 

Along each of the north and south sanctuary cloisters are two  (2) sets of three (one set on the south and one set on the south ) 

(6) above them sets of common stained glass (three on each side).

The total number of stained glass panels (story and common glass) is approximately thirty (30). There are four (4) large story windows, eight (8) tall narrow story windows. Six (6) cloister story windows. Eleven (11) common (without story) glass colored windows.

 The original contract price for the windows was nearly $4,112.00. They were donated by various families to honor family members, most who were connected with Wesley.  Some reflect individuals significant to both local and denominational history. They were acquired from the Kansas City Stained Glass Works, Inc.  (514-516 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City). Their work shop was at the St. Joseph Art Glass Co., (Paul H. Wolff, president) at 806-808 North 2^nd Street in St. Joseph, Missouri.  This company had produced stained glass in several Kansas City churches, homes and businesses across the country." -- Used by Permission

 

Select Biographies: Benjamin Franklin Nihart (1854-1945)

Benjamin Franklin (B.F.) Nihart received his B.S., A.B., and A.M., from Valparaiso University Litt.D. Oklahoma City University. He taught in the areas of Psychology  and education and served as Dean Emeritus in the 1930's.   At Wesley he served as chair of the Official church board 1922-23; Chair of the Trustees, 1923;  Nihart was born in Nov., 1854 in  Indiana and died in Oklahoma City in  1945.  He is buried in Fairlawn Cemetery.

The First Building at NW 25th and Douglas

In 1910, on leased property at NW 32nd and Military, a group of people used nearly $300 to buy lumber to build a simple and temporary church.  Within a year as membership soared new opportunities presented to the group and they purchased for $600 several lots at NW 25th Douglas, just off Classen Blvd.

They moved most of the materials from the first structure to this location in 1911 and reused it in the newly redesigned, and slightly larger, facility.  Its heavy use of tarpaper  and large prop up windows earned it the name the "sheep shed."  Soon, however, an extension was added and this can be seen in the image on the right.  As a new minister arrived in 1919, there had been some changes made and by the 1920's renovations, paint and new building made the most of the  structure and the land (see bottom image from 1921).

The lovingly labeled "Sheep Shed"

 

Due to improvements pushed by Dr. Dutton this revamp was labeled the "Dutton Tabernacle"

Select Biography: Rev. Willis Hugh Germany (1886-1987)

Rev. Willis Hugh Germany was born July 19, 1886 in Brookhaven, Mississippi.  He was admitted on trial to the Gulf Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1907 and was ordained as an Elder in 1912.

 

Over the years he served in La Porte-Texas City (1907); Noonday-Coffeeville, Ks (1909); Overton (1910); Rockland, Mass. (1912); W. Quincy, Mass. (1914); Houston, Texas (1916); Denver, Colorado (1919); Otis, Colorado (1921); Casper, Wyoming (1923); Thermopolis, Wyoming (1925); Garber, Oklahoma (1929); Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (1932); Eighth Street, OKC (1934); Shawnee, Wesley (1944); Sand Springs (1951); Retired (1953).

 

After retirement he served five years Associate Pastor at Linwood in Oklahoma City and twelve years at Wesley in Oklahoma City.  In 1970, he retired again and moved to Methodist Manor in Tulsa.

 

He and his wife Rubye, had four children: Marjorie, Barbara Fiscus, Charles Hugh, and Ann Washburn.  In 1986 he published a book called "Reflections" containing devotionals he had written and previously published.  He was educated at the Boston School of Theology.

 

In 1986 an article ran in the United Methodist Contact about "Oklahoma's oldest UM Minister" in "Rev. Germany Celebrates 100th Birthday" (August 1, 1986.pg.1).  He died one year later at 101.

Sanctuary Views

Sanctuary, c1980 WUMC

East Window c.1980 WUMC

Business and Finance of Wesley

Seated (L to R): Cliff FARMER, General Manager of Wesley, Elliot FENTON (Finance Chmn.)
Standing : Bud NEWBERRY , Ivan FARMER, Chmn of Administrative Board.  ca. 1960 -1972.

Architects Leonard H. Bailey and Vigil D. Alden

Postcard of the Hotel Kingkade
designed by Leonard H. Bailey

What do the Masonic Lodge Building (now the Journal Record building), the old multistory Kinkade Hotel and Lawrence Hotel, an Army Chapel at Fort Sill (1933) and Wesley United Methodist Church (1928) share in common?

 

The architectural skill of Lawrence H. Bailey and the firm Bailey and Alden.  After completing training in London, Baily traveled to the United States, finally arriving in Oklahoma in 1903.  William Matthews, busy then designing the Overholser Mansion, took him on as a very junior partner.

 

As Oklahoma entered the Union in 1907 he was launching out with his own firm.  He went into partnership with another local man, Virgil D. Alden in 1920.  Both men were members of the American Institute of Architecture.

 

 

Masonic Lodge/Journal Record Building
designed by Leonard H. Bailey

Other buildings designed by Leonard H. Bailey exist around the state and some have achieved a place on the National and/or Oklahoma Register of Historic Places: The Prague Courthouse and Jail (1936), New Chapel at Fort Sill (near twin in style to Wesley; 1933).  Other jobs included the 1909 St. Paul's Parish House in Oklahoma City, the Woodward Arts Theater.



Wesley Methodist Church (UMC), designed by Leonard H. Bailey and his partner Virgil D. Allen, 1927-1928



Wesley Methodist Church Interior - Bailey and Allen architects, 1928

New Post Chapel, Fort Sill, Ok (1933) designed by Leonard H. Bailey

Sources:
http://newsok.com/architecture-firm-celebrates-77-year-alliance-in-state/article/1994830

Select Biographies: Rev. George H. Zentz (1873-1937)

Serving Wesley for three short years was the Rev. George H. Wentz.  He is listed on the 1930 census of Oklahoma City with a wife Ethel G., and children Nellie W., Franklin M., and George W. (Jr.).  He and his children Nellie and George were listed as being born in Missouri and one son in Massachusetts.  His wife's birthplace was listed as Kansas. At least two children attended Oklahoma City University.

 

In 1932, he requested permission to exchange churches and move back to Kansas.  Approval was given and the reason given was that he had achieved his purposes in building membership at Wesley and wanted to go back to northern climes.  The conference allowed the move and so he moved to Salina, Kansas and the pastor at Salina (Rev. A.G. Williamson) came to Oklahoma City. 

 

Formal statements of appreciation were issued from Wesley on behalf of the work done at the church by Rev. Zentz.  While in Oklahoma City he had headed the local Ministerial Alliance as well as serve the church.

 

About that same time his son, Franklin M. was also being assigned a probationary church in the city.

 

The stay in Kansas was apparently not long, because in November of 1937 he is pastor of the Joyce M.E. Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He and his wife were on their way to an event in St. Paul when they were involved in an auto accident. George was killed and his wife lingered on for a little while before succumbing to her injuries as well. Local pastor of Wesley at the time was Matthew Simpson and he announced special remembrances would be made on behalf of the couple.

See photos of a vacation to Minnesota with a Wesley Church member here.

The Four Wesley Sanctuaries

First service here was Sunday, Dec. 25, 1910 with Bishop William Quayle preaching. He gave the first $100 to a building fund begun that day. The above building was built using a $300 mission grant from the M.E. North Oklahoma Conference in October 1910. The church formally organized on Nov. 10, 1910.

The "Sheep Shed" at NW 25 and Douglas, just off Classen Blvd.
An addition buts out on the right side. ca. 1911/15. They moved in the spring of 1911 to this location due to an influx of members with the closing of  Epworth University.

 

"The Dutton Tabernacle" 1920; You can see the 'bones' of the other structures if you look closely. Aggressive growth, diverse program and strong membership participation saw the church grow to nearly 1,000.

 

In 1924, F.A. Colwell, first pastor and now a contractor was responsible for tearing down the Dutton Tabernacle to make room for the new sanctuary; a building across NW 25 was used for classes and events. In 1928 the above sanctuary was completed and dedicated. Later, the house was used as a youth and education building, Hadduck Hall. It was torn down in the 1970's.

Women in Ministry at Wesley

In 2007 Wesley had appointed the first female senior minister. Rev. Diana Cox Crawford served from 2007-2012.  She had previously pastored   across Oklahoma and served in various capacities in the conference as an elder.

 

She was not, however,  the first woman to serve in ministry roles at the church.  Changing times, terms and denominational ministry classifications have meant that often these women were overlooked and their significant contributions - and history - unknown.

 

Women such as :

 

Miss Eureath White (1932-1933), Listed under "Pastoral Assistants" in the 1975 'History of a Dynamic Church' she is in a list which includes many recognized clergy indicating the importance and value of the role in the life of the church.  She may be the woman who later taught sociology at Southern Methodist Univ.

 

Nina B. McCosh - (1937-1945?). Born ca. 1893 in Kansas, Nina attended the "Kansas City Methodist Training Institute", now part of St. Paul's Seminary,  a special school for 'Deaconess and Missionaries' in the years before women were recognized by the Methodist denominations for ordination. Such schools allowed women to be specially trained to serve in specific pastoral and social justice arenas.  These women organized missions, ministered to families, communities, and saw to the spiritual formation of people in the parish. The role answered the need for more qualified, trained, and committed people to serve as leaders within the church but did not grant them clergy role or status.  Yet, they did minister in real and powerful ways within congregations. A local news article illustrates the potential scope of her work at Wesley when it says she was replacing the "assistant pastor" Rev. S. Lewis Stockwell who was taking a church in Kansas.  She was from Colorado Springs and had worked just previously in Guthrie for five years as a "helper" (Oklahoman, Sept.20, 1937:6).

 

In an undated list in the 1975 "History of a Dynamic Church" (pg.3) are included the names of  some female "Wesley Resident Ministers":

Mrs. Mabel Crabtree - She is mentioned in a 1932 article about five city church leaders to serve on the faculty of the state Epworth League at Guthrie. From Wesley she joined other instructors from various other Methodist Churches.  Epworth League was the youth organization of the Methodist Church.

Alice M. David - In her 1942 obituary she is noted to have been ordained in the 1929 in the M.E. Church . She led a long and active fight against drink being a local and state leader of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.  She was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. She died at 82 on Jan.17, 1942 and her funeral was held at Wesley in Oklahoma City.

Joyce Webster - She was listed in the 1968 book, Oklahoma Methodism in the Twentieth Center" by Clegg and Oden as being a current  clergy member of the conference who had entered it in 1927.

 

In an undated list in the same source are included some female "Local Preachers Whose Names are found on the Several Records of Wesley":

Mrs. Mabel Crabtree- She is mentioned in a 1932 article about five city church leaders to serve on the faculty of the state Epworth League at Guthrie. From Wesley she joined other instructors from various other Methodist Churches.  Epworth League was the youth organization of the Methodist Church.

Mrs. Alice M. David nee Harris- In her 1942 obituary she is noted to have been ordained in the 1929 in the M.E. Church . She led a long and active fight against drink being a local and state leader of the Women's Christian Temperance Union.  She was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. She died at 82 on Jan.17, 1942 and her funeral was held at Wesley in Oklahoma City.
Neva Davidson - In 1934 she was pastoring at Capitol Hill and removed to Wichita Falls, Texas.

Harriette Davis - No information found

Nina B. McCash (should read McCosh)

Joyce B. Webster - She was listed in the 1968 book, Oklahoma Methodism in the Twentieth Center" by Clegg and Oden as being a current  clergy member of the conference who had entered in 1927.

 

MISS NINA McCOSH (1937)

In September of 1937, a small article ran in a local newspaper informing the public of a staff change at Wesley Methodist Church.  Miss Nina McCash, lately of Colorado Springs, Colorado, had been named as the new assistant to the minister by pastor Rev. Hugh B. Fouke.

 

She would be replacing Rev. S. Lewis Stockwell, assistant pastor, who was moving on to Trinity Methodist in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

 

It was noted Miss McCash - actually Miss Nina McCosh - was a graduate of the "Kansas City Methodist Training School"  and had formerly been a "helper" at Guthrie for five years.

 

This is an interesting item due to the period of the 1930's and women's struggles to achieve ordination in Methodism.  In 1933 a proposal for the ordination of women in the M.E., South had been denied.  An order specific to women had been in place for many decades: the Order of Deaconess.  The K.C. school had originally been the " Kansas City National Training School for Deaconesses and Missionaries."  In 1933, it went under the briefer name noted in the news piece.

Here we see a tiny glimpse of the presence of women leader's in early 20th Century Oklahoma Methodism and hints as to the attitudes of women in leadership roles at Wesley Methodist Church.

 

Grace Garten (1907-1999 ) part 2

Grace Garten [by V.V.H.]

On August 2, 1988 a special retirement luncheon celebrated the life and legacy of Miss Grace E. Garten in the life of Wesley UMC in Oklahoma City. It was held in the Scarab Room at Oklahoma City University.  Fittingly, the cover of the program read "Amazing Grace!" and included the lines of that well known hymn. (see list of participants in the program below).

 

Grace was born, according to a biography she typed for her retirement celebration, "on a farm near Piedmont, Okla. and moved to a farm east of Hennessey when I was five years old. I had an older brother and sister who were twins (Alma and Albert). I always said that I was a middle dot in the "five spot", as in dominoes/  With a pair older than me and a pair younger, I was more or less alone.

 

Growing up on a farm, I learned to do what other farm girls did: milk cows, wash the separator, feed calves and pigs, dress chickens, cook for harvest men and threshers, churn butter, etc.

 

I heard the Bible read every morning - also had Family Prayer  together each day. I must have heard the Bible read through several times before I left for college.

 

An old-fashioned one-room rural school called College Corner was where I received my education in grades 1-8. 

 

I attended a Christian Union country church near my home from early childhood through high school - was active in all youth activities - was given a license to preach while a teenager - also participated in the program of the County Sunday School Conventions which included all Protestant denominations.

 

I worked my way through high school and college graduating from Oklahoma City University (OCU)with a major in Religious Education and Philosophy, also a major in Education.

 

Following graduation, I became a teacher in the Oklahoma City School System.
became a Methodist in 1933 when I joined First Methodist Church here in Oklahoma City.

 

In 1939, I studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.  The remainder of my seminary training was at Garrett, a Methodist College on the campus of Northwestern University at Evanston, Ill.

 

My first position as Director of Christian Education in a local church was in Dallas, Texas at Tyler Street Methodist Church.

 

I joined the Wesley Methodist Church staff as Director of Christian Education Sept. 1, 1944 when Dr. Nuell C. Crain was pastor.

 

1963-1967: was Director at Travis Park Methodist Church, San Antonio

1967-1970: was Director at Crown Heights Methodist Church, Oklahoma City

In July of 1970, when Dr. Blanton was senior pastor, I accepted the invitation to return to Wesley as Christian Education Director - the last 13 years I have served as Parish Visitor.

 

In addition to this information she also had certifications for specialized Christian education and church work:
"1955 (?) -- Certified Director of Christian Education
1974 -- Consecrated Lay Worker
1977 --Diaconal Minister"

Participants:
Opening Prayer by Rev. Robert El Parker, Assoc. minister of Wesley UMC
Greetings by Earl Hiller
Music by Rosemary Hiller and Wynema Delp
Words of Remembrance by Rev. Nuell C. Crain (pastor of Wesley from 1944-1957)
Music was "One Alone" from 'The Desert Song'(Romberg) by Wiley Walker, former Choir Director
Words of Appreciation by Martha Ellen White (she was the widow of Pastor Fisher Blanton)
Music was a handbell ensemble number by G. Kingsley called "Popcorn".  Pat Crigler directed the ensemble whose members were: Paula Lauffer, Annette McEwen, Debbie Neitzel, Charlotte Teel, Leeann Brewer, Cheryl Davis.
Music by the First Service Choir of Teel's "For Six and Forty Years". Choir members were Pam Daniel, Cheryl Davis, Peter Onema, Cathy Roberts, Mary Sheets, Dana Parker, John and Kathi Spitler, David and Wanda Hoke, Chris and Nan Radke, Charlotte Teel and David Disbrow accompanying.
Words of Love were offered by Dr. Robert L. Allen, pastor of Wesley
Words of New Beginning were offered by Grace E. garten
Closing by Earl Hiller was an invitation to stay and visit with Grace
Closing music was congregational singing of "Amazing Grace"

The committee charged with putting together the honoring event included Elliot Fenton, Tom Blundell, Dannye Newberry, Robert Ramee, Charlene Culbertson, Gleen Mears, Earl and Rosemary Hiller, Madalyne Allen, Bob McKown and Bob Sheets.

Pastor Fisher Blanton

New Wesley Ties to Anton Classen Unearthed

Anton H. Classen Jr.

This early business leader of Oklahoma City was also a Methodist and he supported several early Methodist colleges, churches, and outreaches. He donated land to Wesley Methodist Church  in the early days; an area now known as the "Triangle".  For many years 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., fronting 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 and a sister of Anton H. Classen were members of Wesley Methodist Church.  Photos were donated to the church archive by the family further illustrating the link. 

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]

Anna Classen Wahl

 

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)

The Wahl Family: Lewis Gottlieb Wahl

The Wahl family....Anna and Lewis G....parents of Frances. The photo was taken at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration.    Lewis Gottlieb WAHL was the son of German immigrants, Johann Wilhelm Wahl and Wilhelmina Rosine Klein Wahl.

He came to Oklahoma October 1889 with his wife Anna Sophia Helena CLASSEN and daughter Lydia Wilhelmina. He was a real estate developer and worked with his brother-in-law, Anton H. Classen, Jr.   He was also involved in the Wahl-Klein Real Estate Company. He was a member of the Germany Methodist Church (later known as the 8th Street Methodist Church, at 8th and Lee). Then later the Wesley United Methodist Church. He had three daughters, Lydia Wilhelmina (Mrs. Walter H. Rhodes), Pauline Mary (Mrs. Earl DuWain McBride) and Frances Ruth (Mrs. Wayde McAlister).

His son-in-law, Dr. Earl D. McBride founded the McBride Clinic and the Bone and Joint Hospital. Mr. Wahl was instrumental in finding the land for the hospital on NW 10th street.

Wahl had a brother who was a member of the German Methodist Church and pastored in Ohio and Missouri. Note: at one point there was a Blondeville WAHL listed as a local preacher associated with Wesley, unknown if this person is related to L.G. and Anna Wahl.

THE DECISION TO BUILD GOTHIC



"Chicago Temple" -
Copyright Free. Antoine Taveneaux

Over the decades, a lingering question has often been raised as to why Wesley's leaders chose the Gothic style.  Legend, and the memories of early members, have claimed that a minister, Dr. Hovis or another, had made a trip to England and fallen in love with the historic style. Others would cite apparent evidence the idea came from Charter Member, and Board leader, A. Tyler. Church records indicate he presented a plan to the Board (in a meeting on Dec. 24, 1924) for building a new church along the line of the "Chicago Temple" (The First Methodist Church, Chicago).  It was noted that since it was gothic and was built in 1923, it was no doubt an inspiration.  The lack of documentation for the first explanation has often given way to the second.  There seemed little evidence to conclude strongly either way.

 

Now, however, there is evidence that Dr. William Forney Hovis, had made two trips aboard to visit England.  In 1907, as a young student he went to London for a six months stay and resided at the Thackery Hotel in London.  He went again in 1912, with his wife Ina, for a shorter visit.( National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925; Collection Number: ARC Identifier 583830 / MLR Number A1 534; NARA Series: M1490; Roll #: 151).  These excursions provide ample time for a "love" and understanding of English Gothic Churches to have developed.

 



Wesley UMC

There is yet another nuance to be considered.  When "Brother Tyler", as they called him in 1924, presented them a plan for a building what was his purpose and what part of the Chicago church building was he really citing?  To answer, let's explore the form and nature of the noted "Chicago Temple."

 

The Chicago congregation, First Methodist Church, had been founded in the 1830's and as the huge city grew around they had a choice faced by many urban churches,. Should they stay and be swallowed by the high rises and urban pace? Should they move out into the suburbs and retain the look and feel of a traditional church?  In a spurt of innovation and missioned purpose, the church chose to stay in place in the heart of the city, retain the traditional grandeur of classical Christian churches and plan for future mission and growth to the burgeoning cityscape around them.  As a result, the street entrance to the church looks like just about any other skyscraper in downtown Chicago. Instead of a lobby and offices, however, you enter a lobby and sanctuary.  The first several floors contain several worship spaces, ministry areas, and offices.  Above those floors were many others to be leased to businesses
and professional people for office space (it is not stated but this may have built in a practical ongoing funding source for development and maintenance of the church). The parsonage (the home of the minister) is on one of the floors.  Above those floors, however, are numerous offices and business spaces.  On the first top, a gothic spire holds a small "sky chapel."

 

Tyler may have read about the progress of the church in the Christian Advocate article, "Chicago Temple Cornerstone Laid in Ceremonies" ( Nov.23, 1922, pg. 1470). He may have seen the article in the local paper, "Christianity's Cross Towers Over Chicago Temples of Business" (Oklahoman, September 29, 1924, pg. 1).  In that article, the emphasis is more on the witness of the Chicago church in the beating heart of Chicago life.   A lighted cross in the building's windows reflected the heart and purpose the church in their presence and witness downtown.  Board chair George Dixon noted of the new church: "Unique in many ways as a type of ecclesiastical architecture, it will bring together the spiritual and the lay activities of the church, giving from each a means of helpful inspiration to the other...American Methodism [in this church] has recaptured the spirit of the cathedral building.."[Emphasis added]

 

It may be that Mr. Tyler was thinking about the lovely Gothic architecture of the sanctuary of that "Chicago Temple" but, perhaps, he was thinking in loftier spiritual and philosophical terms as to the purpose of the church.  Perhaps he saw Wesley too had a chance to blend that medieval grandeur with a progressive and growing urban center in vital ministry.

 

 

WESLEY YOUTH AND 'HADDUCK HALL'

In this senior high class photo of 1951 the students and sponsors are shown in front of the house that had once stood on the northeast corner of the church product, near NW 26th and Douglas.  This Hall was the place of many classes, parties, and activities.  It was later torn down to accommodate a larger youth building.

Official Chair of Wesley Church Board: 1963-1965, Dr. Dolphus Whitten, Jr.

During this time Dr. Dolphus Whitten, Jr.  was also Academic Vice-President at OCU and then interim president. He was born in Hope, Arkansas.  He attended Quachita College and the received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas. He came to OCU in 1958.  He was a delegate to the 1961 General Conference of the Methodist Church and a member of the General Board of Publications.  (Thomas Tribune, March 6, 1969, pg.1) . He died in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in 1998.

Classes