Eastside Baptist Church - Okmulgee, OK - Baptist Churches on Waymarking.com

Zion Bethel Church had outgrown its small frame building at this location by 1920, and this two-story brick building was constructed in 1921. It is one of two oldest black churches in Okmulgee, and one of the oldest black churches in Eastern Oklahoma. Okmulgee had one of the largest black communities in Oklahoma Territory, behind Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Muskogee.

Organized religion by the blacks in Indian Territory began in the 1830s when the Five Civilized Tribes were relocated here and brought their black slaves. Baptists were the most active denomination among blacks due to strong missionary work. By the 1890s, the black Baptist churches had organized into the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention which was totally separate from the white state organization.

In the black community, the church represented more than just a center of spiritual inspiration. Since the church was one social institution over which blacks had reasonable control, it became a focal point, not only for religious reasons, but to escape the problems of living in a segregated society. It was a place for self expression, recognition and leadership. It represented stability and cohesiveness.

This two-story brick building has its main entrance on the west side, with 13 stairs leading to a recessed entry under a two-story portico. The portico is supported by four columns. The basement is partially exposed. The slightly pitched hipped roof leads to a center domed cupola. Services have been held in this building continuously for the past 90 years.

Eastside Baptist Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 (#84000306).
[Information concerning the history of the black Baptist community was taken from the NRHP nomination.]

Date Built: 01/01/1921 Age of Church building determined by?: Other reliable source Service Times: Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Worship 10:45am Wednesday Worship 6:00pm Church Address: 219 N. Osage Okmulgee, OK US 74447 Website: Not listed

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