The Rev. Charlton came to Bartlesville Indian Territory in 1897 to be the principal speaker at a Fourth of July celebration. While here, he began a protracted meeting on the south bank of the Caney River in what is now Johnstone Park. Two weeks later, 36 persons joined the church, and its organization was formalized as the First Christian Church. In February, 1908, the congregation secured the lot at 6th Street and Osage Avenue. The basement of the present building was built by M. E. Graybill. The congregation met in the basement for about three years and, in the spring of 1910, work was begun on the main church building. An education building was added in 1927, and the sanctuary has been remodeled twice, first in 1924, and again in 1950. The Gothic building with columns was the first structure, and later the side steps were added. Now those steps have been enclosed and are present when one enters the church through the large double doors.
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First Christian Church
520 SE Osage Avenue
66