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The history of the Church of God has been one of humble beginnings and of consistent growth. A congregation which became affiliated with the National Church of God with general offices in Anderson, Indiana, first began worshipping in the home of Rev. and Mrs. Marion C. Cox during 1919. But the small band of Christians grew rapidly until they needed more room, so they began worshipping in a room in the Creek County Court House. Soon after a one-story frame building. For the first time in Sapulpa, the sign, "Church of God", took its place above the church door. The congregation purchased a six room frame house on South Park and Bryan Streets, and after about four or five years this structure above it, however, this plan did not mature. The above progress was made by the following pastors: Rev. Marion C. Cox, Melissia Oldham, Emory Shipman, Bro. Taylor, Jewel Stinson, R.R. Phillippe, Clyde Close, and the Divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. May we give thanks for all those who sacrificed, struggled and with faith, made it possible that we might have the Church of God in Sapulpa. It was during the five or six years of Rev. H. A. Woolman's pastorate that the congregation purchased the Methodist Church building at Lee and Walnut Streets in Sapulpa. This was indeed a great step forward for the church and the pastors as leaders. After some major remodeling on the building, Rev. H. A. Woolman and the congregation moved into their newly purchased building which was to be their place of worship for some time to come. In 1948, Rev. Woolman resigned his duties as pastor, and Rev. Stephen V. Pound was called to be the pastor. In November, 1952, his resignation became effective. Following Rev. Pound was Rev. John Bailey and his associate, Dave C. Williams, and H. C. Hathcoat. Ross Atkins, came next and was followed by George A. Arnold and Rev. Charles L. Freed In the year 1971, the church began worshipping in their beautiful new sanctuary. Following Rev. Freed was H. C. Adams and his associate Terry Tope. Pastor Merlin Mosher assumed his duties as pastor in 1973. Under Brother Mosher's leadership and his faithful workers, the congregation grew until it became necessary to erect an additional building for which another campaign was launched. The old building was sold and the new structure was completed, consisting of a large gym and six additional Sunday School rooms with all the modern conveniences. In recent years, Pastor Russell Robold was responsible for guiding the congregation through many changes and additions, the burning of two mortgages, selling the parsonage on Brown Street, and purchasing the one on Hastain Street. He helped raise funds for a large bus, van, bus barn, along with a new piano, organ and bells. He retired from the pastorate in 1989. Following the retirement of Pastor Robold came Pastor Tommy Dove and associate Darren Wilson from 1989-1995, Pastor Steve Phelps and associate Dale Neace from 1995-1998, while in a transition period we were blessed to have Interim Pastor Loren Stephenson lead us through one year until Pastor Stan Vavra came in 1999 with associate Pastor Troy Holifield arriving in 2000. Then once again through a transition time Interim Pastor Loren Stephenson came from Aug. 2001-March 2002. We have now been blessed with Pastor Ken Price April 2002-present, associate Pastor Troy Holifield from 2000-present, and associate Pastor Lynnette Kautz 2003-present, to shepherd our flock. With their leadership we will continue to harvest the fields of Sapulpa and Creek County for the Lord. |