First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a history that goes all the way back to the Oklahoma Land Run. On April 28, 1889, the first Sunday after the Land Run, people of all different faiths united for Oklahoma City’s first worship service. Some of those present would soon form First Christian Church of Oklahoma City. From its inception onward, the goal has always been to be, ‘A church with a heart, and a message of sharing God’s love.’
By 1902 the congregation had moved to a building at 3rd and Robinson. That same year a church orchestra formed, beginning a tradition with an emphasis on the fine arts that has been a part of the character of the congregation. In 1911 the congregation moved to a new church building at 10th and Robinson where it would be for forty-five years.
In the 1940’s, Pastor Bill Alexander envisioned spaciousness for the church activities. When the school land commission announced that a golf course would be sold at auction in 1946, Rev. Alexander immediately began talking to board members, deacons and other members of the congregation about a church with a forty-acre opportunity to serve the community. Soon the people of First Christian Church were hiking, picnicking and playing ball on their new property.
In August 1947, a 3500-seat amphitheater was dedicated. Friday evening “Twilight Time” entertainment filled the space with guest artists and musical talent. Sunday evenings at the amphitheater were billed as “Edgemere Under the Stars,” which was a worship service for the community. Finally, in December 1956, the “Church of Tomorrow” welcomed an overflow crowd to Sunday morning worship. Thus began the years of fellowship and service “Under the Dome!” In 1957, the Jewel Box Players, a drama troupe that began in 1911 back at 10th and Robinson, became the Jewel Box Theatre when they began performing a six play season each year.
In 2013, Rev. John Malget came to us from Houston to become our new Senior Minister. With him, we have moved forward with outreach ministry into the community. In late 2013, we formed Chain Reaction Ministries, a bicycle ministry that helps give bicycles to the homeless and working poor so that they have transportation for employment. You cannot keep a job if you cannot get to a job. To date, we have given away over 3,500 bicycles.
In the summer of 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, we moved one more time to our current home at 321 NW 36th Street, rebranding ourselves as “Disciples First! Followers in the Way of Jesus.” Though we had to worship online for over a year, we were able to come back together to worship in person on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021. We are excited to invite you into our current worship space and the Jewel Box Theatre, now in its 66th season.
Many generations have worshiped with us, appreciating the Spirit of God’s Love that has been shared since the days of the land run. As a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), we welcome you as we continue today to “Love ALL the People” here in Oklahoma City and beyond!
We are a Congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).