 | Indian Nations Presbytery (405) 524-0990 * (405) 524-1037 Fax * 1001 NW 25th St., Ste. 206, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
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 First Presbyterian Church | ||||||||||||||||
Contact | Activities | |
| (580) 323-1376 PO Box 264 Clinton, OK 73601 | Sunday 9:30a Bible Class 10a Meet and Greet 10:30a Worship 3rd Wednesdays 7:00p FaithTalk 2nd Thursdays 1:30p Presbyterian Women |
| Map Location: 700 Gary Blvd Clinton, OK 73601 | Print/Large Map Driving Directions |
A HISTORY OF
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
CLINTON, OKLAHOMA
Our church began its life as a Dutch Reformed Church. This denomination was very similar to the Presbyterian Church, except for the different name designation of its governing structure. In 1904, Rev. George Korteling of Chicago, Illinois, was sent by the Reformed Church of America to Clinton to organize a church. Clinton was formed two years previously.
On March 4, 1905, Lots 1 and 2 in Section 39, Original Town site 12NT17 WR of Washita Town site were given by or bought from (versions differ) the Town Site Company. A manse was built on the south end of the lots, and in all probability, the first services were held there.There were 18 charter members, including the new bride that Rev. Korteling returned to Chicago to marry and bring back to Clinton. The date given in Rev. Korteling's notebook for the first services held by the new church was June 13, 1905. A small frame church was built on the north end of the lots adjacent to the manse. It was completed on November 15, 1905, and was named The Dutch Reformed Church. The ledger shows that during his ministry here, 74 members joined the church, but the actual number at the time he was transferred to the Fairview church in the fall of 1909 is unknown. In 1906, our church bell was presented to the church by the Women's' Classical Union, Albany, New York, and bears the inscription, plus the sentence "Let all who heareth say ‘Come'." The Tower was erected by the Big Brothers Class.
Because the Reformed Church Mission Outreach had established more churches than the denomination could support, even with finances raised by the local churches, they "sold" several churches to the Presbyterian Church, U.S. in 1911. Rev. A. K. Timmons came to be the First Presbyterian Church's first pastor on June 1, 1911. He was here until February 1, 1913.Rev. H. R. McFadyen served as pastor from June 1913 to March 1918. On June 21, 1915, the Ladies Society of the church gave a Communion Service. (This was used until 1973 when the Medbery Family gave the silver Communion Service in loving memory of Mr. M. B. Medbery.) On this same date in 1915, the Ladies Society suggested to the Session that additional lots be purchased for the proposed new church and manse. It took until the end of 1916 for the purchase price to be raised, and Lots 3, 4, and 5 in Block 39 were purchased.
By this time World War I was a reality, and on May 23, 1918, the congregations of the First Presbyterian Church and the First Methodist Church became a Federated Church and met at the Methodist Church until November 19, 1919. The congregation then returned to the Presbyterian Church. Rev. N. F. Garvin served as pastor from February 14, 1920, and the reorganization was effected and officers elected February 29, 1920. It was at this meeting that a unanimous decision was made to withdraw from the Presbyterian Church U.S. and to become a member of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. These requests were granted, and a charter was issued to the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, Oklahoma, June 11, 1929. E. A. Humphrey, L. N. Farr, and I. U. Smith were the incorporators.At a congregational meeting February 9, 1925, it was voted unanimously to build a new church. Rev. F. A. Munneke was called to become pastor and served from April 8, 1925, to November 29, 1932. The members worked hard to raise money to build the new church, and by March 25, 1926, $19,000 had been pledged toward the building fund by only 100 members. More hard work, plus a $5,000 interest-free loan from the Presbyterian Board of National Missions made possible the building, and on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1927, the first service was held in the new church. Its cost, complete with pews and organ, was $26,000. The next year the manse next to the church was built at a cost of $5,000. (The old manse had burned and the church was forced to borrow money for this venture. The loan was paid off August 1942.)
The depression brought an end to Rev. Munneke's pastorate and severe economic hardship for the church. He resigned November 29, 1932, and from then until October 1, 1934, when the Rev. J. W. Hudiburg was called, the church had to rely on a missionary supply pastor, Rev. H. J. Reemstma from Colony, Oklahoma, for twice a month services. Rev. Hudiburg was here for seven years and he was followed in February 1, 1942, by Rev. F. K. Mullendore. He left at the end of 1943 to become a chaplain in the U. S. Navy.Rev. Earl Peters became our pastor in April of 1944 and served until February of 1948. Our membership was 193, and work was done to pay off the $3,500 still owed on the loan from the National Missions Board. In November 1945 it was paid in full.
Rev. August Beck was called in May 1948 to lead the congregation in an effective ministry. He was helped greatly by his lovely wife Ruth, a woman of extraordinary talent and ability. A Mariners Group was formed, and the youth groups were very active. Pulpit furniture was purchased, and two Syrian dinners provided the amount needed for sanctuary aisle carpeting. The sudden death of Rev. Beck on March 27, 1955, was a shock to both the church, the community, and of course, his family.Dr. N. Salyer, son-in-law of Rev. Hudiburg, began his ministry in November 1955, and retired from the ministry in May 1960. During his ministry, we reached a peak of 219 members. Many Presbyterian families moved into the area. The manse was turned into a Christian Education Building and a home at 505 South 7th was purchased as a manse on March 25, 1956.
Rev. William B. Swan, Jr. gave us the longest period under one minister, serving from October 1960 through December 1968. Furnishings for a Prayer Room were given by Mr. and Mrs. Doane Farr in 1961. The room was established and the church office moved to the room west of the chancel. The congregation voted to buy lots for a new church, but the vote failed to get a majority of "yes" votes. Memorial gifts from the estates of Mrs. J. M. Shedivitz and the H. G. Jones family made possible the purchase of new church school furniture, new office furniture, and new pew cushions in the sanctuary. Following the Rev. Swan's departure, Mrs. Frank Love was employed as Church Secretary and continued in this job until she moved to Miami, Oklahoma, in 1976. The Memorial Building Fund was established in 1966.Rev. Edwin L. Hall moved into the new manse at 1108 Sherwood on June 26, 1969. The manse was purchased in April while under construction. The garage at the back of the church lot was completely renovated to become office space for both the minister and a secretary. The education building was renovated, and a brick wall was built around the church and education building. Rev. Hall was relieved of his duties in February 1971 by Presbytery and dismissed May 31, 1971. This was a most unpleasant time for the church and congregation.
Rev. Donald P. Owens, Jr. began his ministry November 1971 and continued until May 1975. The church was in serious financial trouble due to the above expansion. Good stewardship of the available monies collected and regular monthly payment of our pledge to the Presbytery toward the work of our Lord enabled us to meet our expenses. However, continuing financial problems, declining membership, plus removal of inactive members from the church roll caused the Session to seek the help of the Presbytery. Before problems could be solved, Rev. Owens announced his resignation. After the resignation of the Pulpit Nominating Committee, the session acted as such.Rev. Alex Stenhouse served as Interim Minister for two six-month sessions with a ministry of reconciliation and pastoral care ending April 1978. Rev. George L. Miller, pastor of Cordell-Colony Churches served as our Moderator from April 1978 through August 1979. Rev. M. L. Stegall, a retired Cumberland Presbyterian Minister, was installed October 7, 1979, as pastor. Thirty-five members from the church he was pasturing joined First Presbyterian Church on Christmas Eve Sunday 1978.This was truly a wondrous occasion. Chrismon ornaments were made in 1980 by the United Presbyterian Women for the new Christmas tree. A new organ, piano, and carpeting for the sanctuary were given by members. Rev. Stegall retired in September 1982.
It would be two years before we obtained a minister. Presbytery supplied our pulpit so that we were able to have worship services each Sunday. Rev. T. Gene Hodges served as our Pulpit Supply from May 1983 through June 1984. He was born and raised in Clinton, and he and his parents were members of our church. He was also ordained a minister here in the sanctuary.Rev. Paul Alexander accepted a call to be our pastor and was installed in July 1984. He served until he was removed abruptly by the Presbytery Ministerial Relations Committee on September 28, 1986, for problems not revealed in his resume or interviews. Rev. Campbell Long and Rev. Tony Rauch served us as moderator and pulpit supply. Rev. Long from October 1986 through January 1988 and Rev. Rauch January 1988 through January 1989. During this time a mission study was made, the education building was torn down and the lot cleared, and highway signs were erected on the east and west entrance to Clinton. Rev. Gene Bergstresser served as Temporary Pulpit Supply and Rev. Arch Baker, pastor of the Cordell-Colony churches was appointed moderator by the Presbytery until a pastor was called.
Rev. Fred J. Lenk was called to be pastor. His first service was April 1, 1990, and he was installed on May 6, 1990. His wife, Betty, an accomplished musician, was hired as church organist. Through the gifts of Fred and Betty, the congregation was sustained. Fred's eleven year ministry with us as pastor has been the longest-lived in the church's 100 year history. He and Betty retired in 2001.Since June of 2001, Rev. Carol Waters has served as stated supply pastor. The session recently voted to begin the process of installing Carol as pastor.
Over the years, dedicated members have donated hours of their talents in labor and materials to maintain and preserve the building and grounds. Recently the church was painted inside and out, a new roof put on, new carpeting was installed on the front steps. A new microphone was recently purchased to facilitate movement from the chancel to the nave. While our facilities are more attractive and appear refreshed, we are seeking new and innovative ways to be God's church in this community.We are a small congregation, but remain committed to God for His Glory in the community of Clinton, Oklahoma. May we remain faithful to our commitment.
Compiled from church records by Mrs. J. L. Thornbrough for the 100th Anniversary Celebration, September 24 and 25, 2005.Ministers of Our Church
1904-1909 Rev. George Korteling
1910-1911 Rev. Winters
1910-1913 Rev. A. K. Timmons
1913-1918 Rev. H. R. McFadyen
1918-1920 Federated with Methodist Church during World War I
1920-1921 Rev. N. F. Garvin
1921-1922 Rev. W. A. Roach
1922-1924 Rev. A. K. Price
1925-1932 Rev. F. A. Munneke
1933-1934 Rev. H. J. Reemstma (part time)
1934-1941 Rev. J. W. Hudiburg
1942-1943 Rev. F. K. Mullendore
1944-1948 Rev. Earl W. Peters
1948-1955 Rev. August Beck
1955-1960 Dr. N. J. Salyer
1960-1968 Rev. William B. Swan, Jr.
1969-1971 Rev. Edwin L. Hall
1971-1975 Rev. Donald P. Owens, Jr.
1976-1978 Rev. Alex Stenhouse (two, 6-mo. Interims)
1978-1982 Rev. M. L. Stegall
1983-1984 Rev. T. Gene Hodges, Stated Supply
1984-1986 Rev. Paul D. Alexander
1986-1987 Rev. Campbell Long, Stated Supply
1988-1989 Rev. Tony Rauch, Temporary Supply
1989-1990 Rev. Gene Bergstresser, Temporary Supply
Rev. Arch Baker, Moderator of Session
1990-2001 Rev. Fred J. Lenk
2001-Present Rev. Carol Waters, Stated Supply