The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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September 14, 2008

Beginning of Oakwood Christian Church can be traced back to 1977

Oakwood Christian Church is celebrating its 30th anniversary Saturday.

In 1977, the leaders and congregation of Davis Park Christian Church recognized the need to establish a church on the west side of Enid. From Oakwood’s inception, it was dedicated to the winning and nurturing of souls for Christ. Realizing the two small acres the chuch owned on West Randolph were too small to meet their dream and the existing need, they sold the parcel of land and purchased five acres, now 10 acres, where Oakwood Christian Church now is located.

In the spring of 1978, Davis Park called R. Joe Wilson and family to come as the founding minister of Oakwood. They started meeting in homes on Sunday evenings and began the work of building Oakwood’s first building.

On Sept. 17, 1978, Oakwood Christian Church held its first service with more than 250 in attendance. On Oct. 1, 1978, they dedicated their new building, with a total of 157 charter members at the close of a month-long membership drive.

Since that time, Oakwood Christian Church has continued to grow, having nearly quadrupled the size of the building and having purchased an additional five acres of land adjacent to the original five, as well as the Rock House and a another house, a white cement-block building and snow cone stand.

In 1994, the congregation approved the building of Family Life Center and pledged the finances needed to see the project through.

The church’s goal is to continue growth through winning and nurturing souls in Christ.

Other eventful dates in the church’s history include:

• August 1979, Oakwood begins weekday preschool program under direction of Paul Wilson. In 1984, Fae Wilson became director. The current director is Terry Woods.

• June 26, 1983, Oakwood dedicates new auditorium, which seats 675 people, expending to 1,100.

• December 1986, first living Christmas tree, under the direction of David Moscrip.

• Easter 1988, first Easter drama “Tenebrae,” under the direction of Dan Wilson.

• October 1989, first Halloween alternative, now called “Festival of Light.”

• Jan. 30, 1990, Oakwood dedicates classroom expansion paid for by special Easter offering of $40,000.

• Sept. 19, 1993, celebrated 15th anniversary and talked about dreams for the next 15 years.

• May 1994, purchased the Rock House, which was remodeled and dedicated Jan. 29, 1995, as youth and family center.

• August 1994, congregation approved building campaign for new Family Life Center.

• February 1995, mortgage on sanctuary is paid off.

• April 28, 1996, groundbreaking ceremony held for Family Life Center.

• March 1999, Family Life Center dedication.

• 2004, new church offices completed in the GAP (between church building and Family Life Center).

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