Church in The Okemah Community

The congregation’s second location was a donation for temporary services by a resident and member, Rev. E. D. Hankins. The site was located at 38th Street and East Superior Street under a tamarisk tree behind his home. The third congregational site moved to a protected area called Bush-Arbor Garden on the east side of the San Francisco Canal (which is directly behind the existing Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 3244 S. 40th Street).

In 1936, Rev. Hardinson and his members built the first church in Okemah on Miami Street.  The church members literally built the church from adobe bricks; church services were held in this newly constructed building for several years.

Mary Hardinson, wife of Rev. Hardinson, worked diligently along beside her husband.  During the earlier years of the church she held various offices.  She was instrumental in setting up the mission program designed to help people in need.  The program was called The Penny Offering. Rev. Will Easter and family settled in Okemah community, and became an assistant minister to Willow Grove Baptist Church.

 Baptisms for Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church were done in the San Francisco Canal on 40th Street north of Anne Street, and south of Superior Street; where currently stands the Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church. This canal was also known as Okemah’s swimming hole!  Where children enjoyed diving, belly flopping, water splashing and cannon balls, while some took satisfactory in teaching others to swim.  During times when canals waters were low, children had fun catching fish with their hands!  The canals were a fascinating place of adventure.

N.G Mitchell Jr. had the first home built in Okemah at, 3620 South 40th Street with 20th century amenities.  The home featured inside bathrooms, running water and central cooling.

Rev. Dabner’s first active work on behalf of the association started in 1948, when he redeemed some land that had been given to the association by the Women’s Auxiliary.  Rev. Dabner secured the present site at 3049 South 40th Street (across from the old Fortieth Street School). In 1949, members of the Salt River Valley District Association unanimously elected Rev. Dabner as its moderator, and Rev. Hardinson was appointed to the office of treasure.

In this era, Rev. Jesse Wheeler, served as Superintendent of Sunday School and later became an associate minister at Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

During this time Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rogers, opened their home to foster care.  In the preceding years they successfully reared 75 to 100 children. Also established in the community, a rest home for the elderly and handicap owned by Mrs. Jones and Mr. Shirley. 

Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1950

Baptisims held at The San Francisco Canal

Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church Senior Choir

S. A. Dabner General Baptist Temple Grand Opening 1962