2nd Pastor of Wesley

1911/12 - Dr. Harry Claude Case (1873-1921)

'WESLEY HISTORY PLAY" (Typed from Original Documents)

[Retyped from original documents – note many names misspelled and historical inaccuracies – play intended for presentation for the 50^th anniversary in 1960. It was written and performed by church teens. ]

OUTLINE OF WESLEY PLAY

SCENES:

I    - Organization of church. October 12, 1910. Hymn (Gladys). Building.

               Characters:  Rev. Colwell (Rosebrook),

                Mr. Turner (Kilgour),

                 McCullah (Gary Antone),

                 Stevenson (Korn-),

                Bradshaw (Buddy),

                Mr. Smith,

                Tyler, Layer (Hartronft),

                Little Ralph Bradshaw (Susie).

                Mrs. Bradshaw, Mrs. Paul, Mr. Smith

                Close hymn singing (Gladys)

II    -      First service Christmas day, 1910.

III.         Sunday School Organized. 1^st Sunday, Jan. 1911.

IV.          Tabernacle moved, 1911. Epworth U discontinued. Methodists there moved membership to Epworth and to Wesley. Narrator tells this.    Goes into mush and milk supper scene, dust in cracks, etc.

              Characters: Turner (Dick Kilgour) ;                                      Ralph Bradshaw (Buddy)

                                    McCullah (Gary Antone);                                Mr. Smith (Jim Kornmaier)

V.            WMU formed (Ladies Aid) Song, scene (Martha)

Characters:

VI.            Service in tabernacle. Ice air conditioning, etc.  Scenes of old church building on slides (Bob Spears). Pantomime on ice air conditioning.

Characters:

VII.   Music. Palmer. Jolson, etc.

Characters:

Clyde – trombone

Dick Rosebrook – trumpet

Dick Kilgour – clarinet

Buddy – Piano

VIII. Hard cider youth party    Characters: (Elliot writing)

IX.   1929 and on, crises. On through 30’s (Doughnuts), debts.

Characters:  Mrs. Wall (Susie)

X. Narrator—accomplishments review. Go into short of Nuell Crain preaching.  Fade. Dr. Walker. Wailson Garner

XI. Family night dinner. Dr. Walker (Elliot)

  

OUR HIGHEST HOUR

Pro Logue

 

CURTAIN: (SCENERY 1 easy chair, upstage right

                   Projection screen – upstage center

                   Slides – in projector

                   High stool – down stage right

                   Stage and foot lights on – house lights out).

Narrator: (Seated on easy chair holding candy cigarette in left hand, projector switch in lap and holding hand microphone in right hand.)

                Good evening! I’m Ed Collingswood. The name of the program is “Parson to Parson.”----Tonight through the magic of electronics we take you to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where a momentous occasion is taking place. Fifty years ago, a  group of courageous, enterprising, God-fearing people began a new Methodist church, which was named “Wesley Tabernacle” after the founder of Methodism, John Wesley.  This year has been set aside to commemorate the golden anniversary of this occasion.

                (Stage lights are turned out.)

                Unbelievable progress has taken place in that period of time - - (slide), until now a beautiful structure stands at the corner of Northwest 25^th St. and Douglas Avenue in that City.  It is an attractive building which readily catches the eyes of the many people passing by on busy Classen Boulevard. – (slide)

                The interior of this building (slide) houses one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in this part of the United States.  Its stain glass windows (slide) are exquisite in breath-taking beauty -- - (slide)---The early morning sun (slide) streaming in through the east window richly bathes the entire sanctuary and renders it conducive to prayerful worship.  For the exceptionally warm Oklahoma summers (slide) this giant air conditioning unit is utilized to make the building a more comfortable place in which to worship.

                It takes a rather large staff to adequately a church of these proportions.--- (slide)---_ wonderful people work together with understanding, dedicated laymen to co-ordinate the functions of this house of God.

                (Projector off – stage lights on. Narrator gets up and walks downstage right - - peels paper from candy cigarette and takes bite.  Curtains close.)

                Most great things have humble beginnings.  Wesley Methodist Church was no exception. It wasn’t always a large, beautiful, well staff structure as we have seen here tonight.

                (Rise ((Takes seat on high stool, down stage right.)

                Tonight we would like to take you back in time - - Let’s turn the calendar back and review some of the incidents which have taken place over these 50 golden years. Names and exact dates have been obscured by the sands of time, but - - - well, let’s go anyway.

 

OUR HIGHEST HOUR

(History of Wesley Methodist Church)

Scene I

 

Beginning              October 10, 1910

Narrator:               To most citizens of Oklahoma City, October 10, 1910 was just another crisp Fall day. In fact, the

Conversation on the street, which has long since been forgotten, at that time was shocking. These two ladies are on a shopping expedition in the boom metropolis.

In front of curtain

Sarah Jane:            Nellie, don’t look back now, but did you see that brazen woman back there in that dress that clear up to her ankles? (While talking they slowly walk across the stage in front of curtain)

Nellie:                    Yes, I saw it all right. All the men in town did, too. Nothing good will come of her. It’s disgraceful.

Sarah Jane:            Oh, what’s going on in this generation? It really scares me to think that they’ll be running the world in a few years. (Walk off shaking their heads)

Narrator:               To a handful of people in Oklahoma City, this was a very special day. The ladies would more likely be enthusiastically discussing the possibilities of becoming charter members of a new church. That very evening this little group of families was to have a meeting to discuss it.  Let’s look in on that meeting now.

Scene:    The living room of one of the charter members.  The families are seated in a semi-circle while Rev. Caldwell stands to conduct the meeting.

Curtain Opens

Rev. Caldwell[MAH1] :          Let us bow our heads and pray for the Lord’s blessing our planning.  Our Father, we have many important decisions to make tonight in order to erect a house of worship to the glory.  We pray that thou wilt guide our every decision.  We ask it in Jesus name and for thy sake. Amen.  First, I’d like to announce that the following people have accepted trusteeship: A.H. Tyler, B.E. Bradshaw, H.B. Turner, Mr. J.M.Smith, Edwin Stevenson, and A.C. McCollough (list on piece of paper). Stewards are: Mrs. A.H. Tyler, Mrs. A.G. Paul, and Mrs. H.B. Turner.

Mr. Turner (Standing): Rev. Caldwell, we’re all anxious to know whether you have found a place for us to erect a church building.

Rev. Caldwell:            I was just getting to that Brother Turner. I have found some lots at 32^nd and Military that I feel would be very suitable.

Mr. McCollough:     But Reverend, that’s clear out of town. Shouldn’t we get a place nearer to our homes?

Rev. Caldwell:      Well brother McCollough, I realize that seems pretty far out to most of you, but we have a plan

MUSH SUPPER SCENE  -  FALL 1910

Curtain rises on a group of five men who are engaged in cleaning tabernacle – sweeping, etc.

R.E. Bradshaw: “Well, our cleaning details around quite often. But I guess we should be grateful. We do have a new church building.”

C.A. McCullough: “Yes, we have a lot to be thankful. For example, we can sweep this dirt through the cracks of this platform. (at this point he does). Makes it easier – don’t have to bother with a dust pan.”

R.E. Bradshaw: “Well, fellers, since we talked last week about having this dinner for the women folks – I did some thinking.  Our wives have been doing all the work here – making money that is.  So we could turn our treat for our wives in a money making project for the church: But – all the men I talked to about it seemed to feel that the best we could do as far as food was concerned is MUSH – with sugar and milk. Do you think friends would buy mush – even to help the church?”

 H.B. Turner: I have a suggestion. Down at the store we have tin cups and spoons on sale cheap. Why don’t we sell cups and spoons for .25. I can probably get a good discount on the hardware.

 A.H. Tyler: There goes our pal Turner – always trying to get a little free advertising for S.H. Kress Co.  I admit though, it’s nice to have one of Kress big shots in our church.

 McCullough: Your ideas suit me fine – and I’m hard to please.  But who’s going to make the mush?

 Archibald: “Now me! I can’t even boil water. Last week my wife was sick for two days, and I practically starved and so did she.  Don’t expect me to do any food fixing.”

Tyler: We all will and I think the idea is a good one.  I am sure our wives and friends will overlook the fact they’re eating mush and join in the thing to help the church. I suggest we have some kind of program for entertaining after supper.

 Bradshaw: That’s fine. We’ll plan on this two weeks from tonight.  Turner, you see about the cups and spoons.

End of scene:

 [Deleted Scene – note says “cut to short narration tableau]

 PROPS: In the background of the narrator piano playing, “In the Good Old Summertime” or “Summertime”)

 Narrator:    On a Sunday morning in the summer of 1917, old Sol had begun to scorch the skies with soaring temperatures that had already passed the 75 degree mark and was rising fast. But, for the newly organized Church of Wesley Tabernacle this was believed to be a small matter, for the Sunday Service would continue despite the (growing) oppressive heat and the lack of a good cooling or ventilation system.

As the morning progressed and prayers were offered in humble unity. A few silent prayers were given up for a deliverance in the condition of the ever present heat. 

The long ponderous clothing the women wore was proving burdensome and did nothing to improve the situation that was beginning to be almost too much to endure.

One solution seemed to be that of fanning oneself with the Sunday program, but that was short-lived because the noise interfered with the speaker and you couldn’t keep up with the singing because the numbers of the pages on the program would be all wrinkled from fanning yourself and more often than not, unreadable.

A solution had to be derived at or the new church would soon be an old church with few or no members…

CH-H-H!!! BUT, wait??? In the mind of one of the members an idea was lurking. OH< WHAT AN IDEA, WHAT AN IDEA??

MEMBER:   Fellow members and guest. It has been drawn to my attention that a problem exists in our church and it needs to our immediate attention. So, let me be the first to suggest a plan were by next Sunday we may sit in the pews in ease, comfort, and I hope coolness throughout the morning service. NOW, if each of you will bring as much ice as you can possibly carry next Sunday, I will provide us with a fan that will be placed behind the stack of ice.  As the air blows through the church we can enjoy its blissful comfort. Does everyone agree????

NARRATOR: It was unanimous and on cue each member brought as much ice as they could carry, drag or push to the church.  A few members didn’t seem to mind that the pounds of ice they were carrying had begun to melt in the back of their new or nearly new automobiles causing the floor-boards to be covered with water that scattered and splashed on every thin at each stop the automobile made.

As each one brought their contribution to the cause,  the back of the church began to fill with tons and tons of beautiful, cool, gleaming ice.

As the morning advanced and service began the large fans were turned on.  The cool air was rewarding as it bounced off the tons of ice.

The enjoyment and pride felt by the congregation was shared by everyone and the Minister got everyones undivided attention.

They had started to desolve.  Slowly at first but gradually increasing its speed as the morning passed and the hear outside the church became more intense.

Halfway through the serve the water was running over the tops of the tub containers and finidng its way down beneath the pews.

The sight of such an unusual thing seemed a handsome reward for a little boy who can’t quite understand how anyone can be turned in to salt but, can very well understand that what he is seeing, running wildly beneath these old hard chairs, was of real great value!  Especially if you have a Mother who is mean enough to make you wear an old stiff shirt that scratches when you move and on top of that SHE made you wear shoes today.  Can you beat that??? “SHOES” .  The old things hurt your feet real bad and besides they SQUEEK.  Now if one could just slip them into the water running under his chair and all around the room, just think how refreshing it would be and besides they wouldn’t squeak anymore and just look at all the fun you could have splashing the water on old pal Stevie boy in the next row!!

Like most good things they must end.  Some sooner than others but after careful consideration of the new situation and the facts that little Stevie caught a bad cold that lasted all summer and the new floor in the church had begun to buckle and the women’s dresses were all water stained, it was needless to say that after only a few weeks of cool living in the church, the Sunday service of fanning with the programs returned.

 

CRISIS 1929    SCENE VII

 NARRATOR:  To every soul, saint or sinner, comes one great hour, for out of the grief and the despair can come true greatness.  At such a time, a child of God can actually reach for and touch the hand of God.  Sometimes that child has been struggling to live, to achieve happiness.  The darkness strikes around him everything seems lost.  He falls to his knees, crying out for help.

 The people, who were the founding mothers and fathers of Wesley Methodist Church realized that God, and only God, was their guide.  On Wednesday nights, the emphasis was on a close, loving, comforting, personal contact with God. Those Wednesday nights, prayer meetings – remember?  It was like being baptized by the fire of the Holy Spirit then rising again to new heights for the next hard day of living, to be part of that great time of prayer and testimony.  This was an hour, two hours, longer, a time of listening to the voice of God within.  No, it wasn’t always a still small voice that the olden day saints heard as they meditated.  More often it was a sure, strong Voice showing them right and wrong, guiding their visions, their minds, their hearts.  All they needed to do was to reach up, up, up ----- and there was their comforting, caring, loving God.

 This time of grief and despair began in 1929. Remember? The story began December 20, 1926 when the educational unit was planned and was occupied by January 9, 1927.  Then came the sanctuary. According to the Daily Oklahoman records on May 21, 1928 pledges of $76,000 were received for the sanctuary of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church.

 Then Spring of 1929.  Like a thief in the night, headlines eased into the picture from a back room, through an unlocked window.  Then came September. [Note: Actually the date was October 29, 1929] Remember? The stock market crash! Ominously this cruel evil thing passed through the beautiful new sanctuary, slowly he crept through the congregation, a monster called fear. The courageous band of Methodists saw him then they felt his presence.

Now there wasn’t enough money to make the payments. The parsonage payments were due, also. The people were willing.  But in case after case, their income was almost nil.  Family after family found there was no possible way to meet their pledges.  By the end of 1929, the situation was dark, hopeless.  The prayers at prayer meeting were deeply earnest. For those people truly loved their church.

 Curtain opens for group in prayer positions.

 

[DELETED SCENE IX]  ---  Prayer Meeting:

(Music : “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” in minor, sing a verse in minor key as curtain opens).

Rev. Zentz: (Rises, kneels.  Others kneel by their chairs, press hand over eyes reverently). Prays a prayer, deeply emotional.

One by one, the others offer simple, humble prayers – asking God for help.

Mrs. Wahl testifying of her love of her Lord and her church, she sings a simple verse a cappella of Amazing Grace or similar song.

In closing, Mrs. Wessel prays earnestly to God for help for her church. Prayer along this line:

“Lord, our Lord: show us the way. How we love our church you have given us. Won’t you give us work to do – anything- anything-, Lord. As for me, just tell me what to do –and I’ll do it for you and for your own church…”

Another voice, that of Mrs. Potts: “Amen Lord. Just show us the way. We’ll really work. Truly we will…”

Sing a strain of The Church’s One Foundation a cappella on knees.

Second Scene (Same characters)]

 

Narrator: It wasn’t long before that “way” came to the devout saints who had prayed that night.  In the fine, new church kitchen, they made doughnuts, by the dozens, by the hundreds, sometimes two hundred dozen in one day.  The men brought in supplies, ran errands to help. But, of course, the men in the families had to make a living each day and it was impossible for them to work to save the church only when they were free.

                               How willing were these early-day Wesley Methodists?  Well, take this scene in the church kitchen – at three a.m. – yes, three a.m. in the morning.  It’s Mrs. Wessel again and that’s Mrs. Potts there with her.  Two other women, Mrs. Gibbens, and Mrs. Bradshaw.  That’s Mrs. Wessel frying the donuts in deep fat. Mrs. Potts is sacking them.

 

Mrs. Potts:  Mrs. Wessel, this makes 84 dozen doughnuts. Do you think we ought to let up for a while.  You look sort of red faced. That grease will splatter a lot won’t it.

Mrs Wessel: My dear, my face isn’t as tired as my feet. I’ll admit they ache.  But we’ve got to keep frying doughnuts if we are going to make that church mortgage payment next week.  Mrs. Gibbens, can you bring me some lard?

Mrs. Gibbens: Of course, Here you are. But really, Mrs. Wessel, you’re actually burning your face with so much frying.

 Mrs. Wessel: (turns brushes an arm across her face a little wearily) I’ll put a little lard on my face…It does burn a little. But I can’t stop! (she laughs)  I just can’t stand the thought of letting this grease get cold when it could be making doughnuts to save Wesley.  (She gets a little grease, rubs t on her cheeks and nose).

Mrs. Potts:  You know, I know that the Lord intended that Wesley church be here - -- or it wouldn’t be here.  I feel that the Lord is guiding us here - - just as he guided me yesterday when I was going out North Classen.

Mrs. Gibbens: What happened to you?

Mrs. Potts: I was driving along on that icy payment as carefully as I could in my model T. Suddenly, my car turned out of control - - and before I knew it I had turned a complete circle on the ice.  But do you know the Lord was with me – and my doughnuts – there were eleven dozen in the back seat.  Not a one spilled. I wasn’t hurt, though I’m still shaky.

 

Mrs. Gibbens: It’s a wonder that car didn’t turn over.

 

Mrs. Wessel: It didn’t turn over because God was present, and taking care of us. The others will agree.  (The other women nod and murmur agreement)

Mrs. Wessell: I’m like the rest of you. I love my Lord.  I love this, His church.  I would do anything for this Church. Why, I would GIVE MY LIFE for it!

 

---

 [MAH1]  Should read Colwell, Rev. Frank Colwell was the first pastor.

 

Rare WCTU "White Ribbon" Window at Wesley UMC

All of the glass windows of Wesley features scenes from the life of Christ rather than scenes from throughout the Bible.  The exception is this small window along the south cloister. It is called "The Tie Around the World" and was dedicated "For God, Home, and Every Land." by the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of which many members called Wesley home.  A more correct title would be the "White Ribbon Around the World" as the white ribbon was the symbol of the WCTU. It symbolized for the people who memorialized it a pledge that members of the WCTU made to pray for members around the world each day at noon. In this way they kept their concerns always before God. The WCTU was specifically concerned about the devastation resulting from alcohol abuse in homes and society. The campaigned to educate youth, change laws, and influence their society. Their zeal stemmed from a strong conviction that the promotion of temperance was a part of their response to the Great Commission.

Is this the only window its kind?  Attempts to locate and identify similar memorial windows has been unsuccessful so far.

1957 BSA Troop 23




1957 BSA, Troop 23, Wesley UMC, OKC

Can you name anyone? Post a comment to add information.

Mystery Woman

This small thumb sized image was found inside a book with the inscription "Theron C. McGee".  A 1944 city directory indicates a "Theron and Donie McGee" lived at 1539 NW 24 in Oklahoma City.  He was listed as an instructor.  The book was a 1912 Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

In 1947 he was listed as Associate Professor of Religion at Oklahoma City University according to their yearbook. Since Wesley had many instructors and administrators from the university attending over the years, it may be assumed this is the same man and he donated the discipline to the library there.

Easter 1955

This image reflects an early dramatic effort by the youth of Wesley in 1955.  They produced several plays from 1948 to the early 1970's helped by the occasional adult thesbian, including, "A Man Called Peter" about the life of minister and senate chaplain, Peter Marshall and various Biblical plays.

Select Biography: Dr. Robert L. Allen

Allen was ordained as a Deacon in Oklahoma in 1971 and ordained as an Elder in 1973.  He came to Wesley in 1981 and under his tenure attendance at worship doubled, a television program was aired [1] over two local stations weekly and after the Murrah Building bombing in 1995, the Mayor of Oklahoma City tapped him to organize a chaplaincy team to work in the recovery process (the team numbered some 600). In 1983 he did Post Graduate Study at St. Mary's College of the University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland. He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Drew University (1983) and wrote his thesis on the television ministry he began at Wesley. 

 

He was an associate minister at First United Methodist Church in Blackwell, Oklahoma; minister at the Geary First United Methodist Church; minister at First United Methodist Church in Watonga and senior minister at Wesley for fourteen years (1981-1993).

 

While in Oklahoma he was chair of the Emerging Social Issues group of the Oklahoma Conference Board of Church and Society.  He served as chair of the Wesley Foundation Board and Building Committee at Tahlequah. He was a delegate to Impact Briefings with members of the U.S. House and Senate, he served on the Muskogee District Board of Ministry and was delegate to the Clergy Economic Conference. 

He authored several books while serving as pastor of Wesley.   He transferred out of the Oklahoma Conference and went to Wichita Falls, Texas  in 1996.[2]

---

[1] Perry White. "Church Reaches Out With TV." Oklahoman (Dec.8, 1984)pg.27.

[2] http://newsok.com/united-methodist-pastor-moving/article/2527514

THE PASTOR'S SPOUSE

For much of Wesley's history the spouses of the senior pastor were obscured in the customs of the day.  Through the 1970's it was customary for a married woman to be referred to only in light of her relationship as a wife.  Thus she was "Mrs. John Doe" and her first name often lost.

As customs changed the church now has also seen the addition of the clergy husband.  Some of the same issues may be found in attempting to adapt to this changing clergy spouse profile. 

Some records (conference, census newspaper, and church) simply cannot supply the names of the person who shared their live with the clergy of Wesley.  Here, however, are some of the names discovered.  They may be incorrect in spelling and other factors, but this is the best available at this time.  Please leave a comment if you have corrections or additions.

1. 1910/11 - Frank A. Colwell (1860-1937); Mary
2. 1911/12 - Dr. Harry Claude Case (1873-1921)
3. 1912/13-  Samuel E. Betts - Emma C.
4. 1913 - Thomas Pingry (1848 - 1916) ; Nancy
5. 1914-  E.R. Houck ; Ruth, son Matthew
6. 1915/17 - John W. Cater
7. 1916/18- C.C. Smith (Charles Clark?)
8. 1919/22 - Dean C. Dutton (1871-1954); Katherine Burg; children: Helen and Adena
9. 1923- J.C. Waldron
10. 1924- Glenn A. Baldwin (or J.A.)
11. 1925/28- E.V. (Edgar V.) Dubois; Gertrude P.; children: Robert K.
12. 1925/28- Dr. William Forney Hovis; Aimee A. Parry; children, Wm F. and Keith
13. 1929/32 - George H. Zentz; Ethel G.; children: Nellie, Franklin, George
14. 1933/34- A.G. (Aaron G.) Williamson; Denice Anna
15. 1935/36- Matthew L. Simpson
16. 1937/41- Hugh B. Fouke ; Ruth
17. 1941/43 - James A. Leach
18. 1943/56- Nuell Crain ( - 1997); Catherine
19. 1956/58 - John R. Webb (1906-1974) ; Marguerite K.; children: Robert, Margaret
20. 1958/63- Earl S. Walker ; Doris
21. 1963/64- Dr. Jack S. Wilkes (1917-  ) ; Annette
22. 1964/67 - Charles R.Thigpen (1913-1967); Mary E.
23. 1967-  Fisher Blanton (  );  Mary Ellen Bell
24. 1974/77- Lonzo Battles (1922-2009) ; Barbara Nell Amdall
25. 1977/81- J.C. (James C.) Curry Jr. (1926-2009)
26. 1981/95- Robert L. Allen (1946-2004); Madalyn
27. 1996/02- John T. Ogden (1935-2004) ; Jane
28. 2002/06- T. Scott Keneda ; Angie
29. 2007 - Bishop Bennie Warner
30. 2007/13 - Diana Cox-Crawford (First female senior pastor); Bob
31. 2013 - Dr. Marvin J. Hudson ; Marilyn A.

PALM SUNDAY

Palm Sunday
I give thanks for that one day,
That one day that Jesus had--
For that shining Sabbath morn,
For that Triumph. I am glad
That the crowd acclaimed Him there
As 'Hosannas' filled the air
In that happy episode
(Ere betrayal saddened Him)
On that crowded entry-road
To Jerusalem.

I give thanks for those who went;
For the ones who waved the palms,
For the ones who spoke His praise,
For the ones who sang the psalms,
All along the thoroughfare,
On the flowers scattered there,
For the donkey that He rode
(Showing their concern for Him)
On that crowded entry-road
To Jerusalem.

On March 8, 1978 Billie Menifee of Oklahoma City wrote this poem and sent it to Wesley.  "Since Palm Sunday and Easter are almost here I wish to share this poem with you. I wrote it right after Easter last year. If it can be of any use to you (in the church paper, or any other capacity)please feel free to use it."

 

The notations on the copy indicate it was used for a church paper column in 1982 and then again in 1996.  Introductory material included reading Matt.21:1-11 and John 12:13).  A prayer was added as a conclusion: "O God, help us to see Him as The King of our lives. Amen."

FRANK W. SKINNER - A MYSTERY

#1- Hennepin County Library Special Collections (Minnesota)
#2 - WUMC Archives Collection
Used by Permission

 

In the church newspaper of November 22, 1946 was an announcement about the Wesleyan Classes' anniversary.  Significant events were shared including how brothers, Frank W. and Dr. Carl W. Skinner, donated a painting to the class and the church in honor of their late mother. "Mother Lucy Goble Skinner"  had been a long time member of the class.   The painting was donated shortly after the mother's death in 1940.  Frank W. Skinner died in 1942. His brother in the 1960's.

 

Her husband had been a Methodist minister in Iowa and they came to Oklahoma City in 1922.  When she died 14 June 1940, her obituary stated she was going to be buried in Earlsville, Iowa by her husband. She was survived by sons Frank of Beaver Bay, Minn., Carl who taught English at OCU in OKC, and a daughter Loraine Kleas of Mankato, Minn.. A granddaughter, Mrs. Joseph Wright, also lived in OKC. ("Memorial for Mrs. Skinner to Be Sunday", Oklahoman (June 15, 1940)14.

 

In the article it was noted simply that "son Frank, a commercial artist" painted in the North Woods and later built a lodge called "Studio Inn" above Duluth in Iowa.  Carl W. his brother had taught another class at Wesley for some 17 years.

 

An entry in the newsletter would describe the painting only in enough detail to know it was a landscape showing earth, trees and some water.  This was in a tribute written by Mrs. Byron White who had known Lucy Skinner.
 

An image has been unearthed of a painting shown hanging in the Parlor where the class met. It is a painting that in general style might be considered similar to other Skinner work.  No one knows what happened to the painting and in the ensuing decades two major renovations of the Parlor occurred and many decorating changes.  Images of his work appear to be hard to locate.

 

There is a story of a painting damaged from water leakage but no one remains able to identify the validity of the story or identify the image so damaged. Carl W. Skinner died in 1966.

 

Was the Skinner painting lost to water damage?  Was it unknowingly discarded in a face lifting of the space? Did it return to the Skinner family?  No one, apparently knows for certain. 

 

Shown above (#1) is an image of a Frank W. Skinner painting in a museum in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ARTISTS FRANK WING AND AUGUST KAISER LOOK AT PAINTING BY FRANK W. SKINNER AT AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE and (#2) is the possible image from ca. 1950 at Wesley.  Are they by the same artist? 

A mystery sure to tantalize for many years to come. 

Anyone with information please leave a comment....

Select Biography: Dr. Marvin J. Hudson (2013- )

Dr. Marvin J. Hudson was assigned to Wesley UMC in June 2013.  An ordained minister, an experienced pastor, and a New Testament scholar, he pastored in Kansas and Oklahoma. He  taught Biblical languages, theology, and leadership on the college level.

He has a Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary, an M.Div. from Phillips Graduate Seminary, an M.A. from Southern Nazarene University, and a B.A. from Oklahoma City Southwestern College.

 

"For some twenty years I have served as a United Methodist pastor, including tenures at Drummond, Oklahoma; Nardin, Oklahoma; and for the Twelve year period from 1992-2006 served as senior clergy at Goodrich Memorial United Methodist in the Norman area (1993-2005).  During this time, a strategic action plan was developed to lead the congregation into a local and distance understanding of mission as ministry. Also during this period, a capital program for the erection of a new Family Life Center was successfully completed. A third worship service was launched with a dedicated emphasis upon contemporary worship music in a classic rock style."  Additional pastoral experiences included leading a church strategic goal setting process and plan at New Hope UMC (OKC), initiating mission programs at Wesley UMC (Shawnee), training lay leadership at First UMC (Okmulgee) and working with First UMC (Mooreland). 

His research while at Asbury Theological Seminary focused on leadership studies. His doctoral dissertation explored the facilitation of team leadership within local congregations. Subject matter included effective ministry and turn around strategies related to the various generational and cultural segments present within society. 

In 2011, he received training to become the first Intentional Interim Specialist in the Oklahoma Conference. As an IIP, he is made available to churches to assist them through a variety of transitional events or stages of their community life.

 

His teaching experiences include full  and adjunct faculty experiences at Southwestern College of Christian Ministries (Southwestern Christian University ), Southern Nazarene University (adjunct Biblical language instructor), Phillips Theological Seminary, and Southwestern Christian University Graduate School (adjunct instructor in hermeneutics, Theology, and leadership development).

He retains active membership in the Society of Biblical Literature, the Classics Association of the Middle South ,  and is an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.

The Women of Wesley

In 1869 the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society (W.F.M.S.) was formed in the Northern M.E. and in the South in 1878. The work was officially recognized by the churches in 1890.  Ladies Aid was first recognized in the 1903 Discipline.  In 1910, the Women's Home Missionary Society (W.H.M.S.)and the W.F.M.S. theoretically merged but apparently some churches continued to hold the patterns established.  In 1921, the Wesleyan Service Guild (WSG) was created for women employed outside the home.  In 1939, all groups united to form the Woman's Society of Christian Service (W.S.C.S.) but the WSG remained separate and then in 1968 all united to form a united W.S.C.S. until 1972 when they came under the new title and structure of the new United Methodist Women (U.M.W.).

First Women’s Groups at Wesley

Ladies Aid was first recognized in the 1903 Discipline of the M.E. Church and had continued to grow.  The first women’s organization of Wesley was a Ladies Aid Society established in March of 1911 with Mrs. A.C. McCullough as first president (1911-1913). The next month saw the birth of the local Women’s Home Missionary Society and that September the Women’s Foreign Mission Society at the home of Mrs. Pritchard on NW 29^th Street. In 1926 the Wesleyan Service Guild was established, in 1929 the original to Wesley group, “Sorrelle”, was established, then in 1939 the Woman’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) and in 1972 the United Methodist Women united all but the Sorelle Club under one umbrella. 

Snapshot of 1940 at Wesley

Proposed History of the Women

In 1940 a church yearbook and directory listed the “Ladies Aid Society” had an object “To promote the financial, social, and spiritual welfare of the church”.   Ladies were members of ten circles that met around the community on the third Tuesday of the month. Their calendar was from September to June and covered topics of loyalty (September), events such as the “70 and Over” Luncheon” (October), Thanksgiving and a Father-Son Banquet (November), Christmas (January) and Prayer and Lent taking up the first two months of the New Year. The Lent event would be an Organ Fund Concert. Easter (March) in April “The Women’s Work Old Fashioned Dinner”, while May saw a May Day Breakfast, Mother-Daughter Banquet and election of Officers. These were installed in a June program before the group took off the month of July.

 “Women’s Foreign Missionary Society”. In 1869 the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society was formed in the Northern M.E. and in the south in 1878. The work was officially recognized by the churches in 1890.  It formed in the spring of 1911 and the first president was Mrs. D.G. Murray (1912-1913).   In 1940, at Wesley, the group motto was “Saved for Service”, their theme “One Heart, One Way”, their guiding hum was “Brotherhood” (noted as 469 in the Hymnal).  Their study text was “Woman and the Way” and their aims were “Study-Service-Sacrifice”.  They met every second Tuesday of the month at 1-2 p.m.

The “Women’s Home Missionary Society” motto was “For the Love of Christ and in His Name” and their aim was to “Help Win America for Christ.”  The group had formed at Wesley in the spring of 1911 and the first president was Mrs. R.W. Sprigg (1911-1913).  They listed in 1940 that that their agencies included 940 Missionaries and Deaconesses serving in 180 institutions in 40 states, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Their official magazines were “Woman’s Home Missions” and “Junior Neighbors”.  The theme for the year was to be “With One Increasing Purpose” and their textbook was to be “Homeland Harvest” by Dr. Arthur Limouze and “Right Here at Home” by Frank Mead. The organization was organized into ten groups with Officers, Department Secretaries (Spiritual Life, Christian Citizenship, Thank Offering, Missionary Education, Mite Box, Lenten Offering), supplies, Chorister, Pianist, and Young People Work (College, High School, Intermediate Department, Junior Department, Primary Department, Mothers Jewels).

In 1940 were also listed the “Wesleyan Service Guild” whose motto was to “The World – To Serve”.  Its goals were “Enrichment of spiritual life, Practice in World brotherhood, Development of Christian Citizenship, Guidance in the Highest Use of Leisure”.  They had several service projects including a home mission through Leisenring Center, Dunbar, PA; migrant work; Navajo Mission School, Farmington, NM.

Their textbook for 1940 was “Through Tragedy to Triumph” by Basil Mathews.   The group met the second Tuesday in member homes and had officers covering various projects (President, Recording secretary, correspondence secretary, treasurer, spiritual department chair, world service chair, social and recreational chair, mite box secretary)

The WSG had formed in 1926 under the guidance of Maude Thomas Wolf and existed until the merger of women’s groups in 1973.

At Wesley there was also the “Sorelle Club”. It was organized in the church parlor in 1929 by Frances Wahl McAlister (Mrs. Wade), Mildred Robinett (Roscoe) and Sarah Paul Potts (Mrs. Ruhl).  Charter members were:  Deborah Heep Lower (Mrs. Paul), Iris Jenkins Miller (Mrs. Lewis), Hazel Ruedy Hornung (Mrs. Gerald ), Naomi Doty Matheney (Mrs. Jesse), Jessie Gowen Fuller (Mrs. Guy Edward), Thelma Varvel McCreight (Mrs. Warren), Mrs. Theresa Cranfield, Mrs. Cora Hayward, Thelma Carr (Mrs. Harold), Velda Marks (Mrs. karl), Betty Salmmon (Mrs. Herbert), Margaret Ireland (Mrs. “Brick”), Birdie Lasater (Mrs. Frenchie), Rilla Warner (Mrs. Judd), and Thelma Saxon Baker (Mrs. Marion).

It was organized by newlyweds and young mothers who wanted church activities and fellowship different than the Circles then offered at the church. The first presidents were: Frances McAlister. Mildred Robinett, Sarah Potts, and Thelma McCreight.

The name was submitted by a committee of organizers and means “sister.”  It was reorganized in 1938 by Mrs. Hugh B. Fouke, wife of the pastor, into a spiritual, educational, and social club with meetings held in the parsonage parlor. 

In 1940, they reflected that new threefold purpose “spiritual, educational and social.”  It was noted they used the “panel method” for their discussions and programs.  They met the third Thursday at 12:30 in the Wesley Church parlor.  The officers included a Counselor (the pastor’s wife in 1940), chairman, program committee, hostess chairman, secretary and treasurer, telephone chairman

The Woman’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) was formed in 1939 as a result of the merger between the M.E., North, the M.E., South and the Methodist Protestant churches to form the Methodist Church.   The first president at Wesley was Mrs. Joe Morgan (Ione) (1939-1940).