100 YEARS of MAKING CHRIST KNOWN

A HISTORY OF LONGWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

1896 – 1996

compiled by
Pamela Wilburn
August 1996

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PREFACE

Longwood Baptist Church has spent 100 years "Making Christ Known."

It has not been easy. There have been financial struggles, difficulties in keeping pastors and members, changing times and cultures; but the church has remained. It began as a church built by pioneers to serve the rural community and today it serves a modern Ponca City. Even though Longwood is a "country" church, it is made up of a wide variety of people from various professions and walks of life, living in town and in the country, young and old. What brings them together is a love for Jesus Christ, a desire to walk closer to Him, the wish to serve others and tell them about our Lord and Savior.

The Centennial Committee prays that as you read this history of Longwood Baptist Church, you will learn something about the spiritual heritage left to us by our predecessors that struggled here. No matter the circumstances they still had their eyes to the future: proclaiming Christ, preparing for growth, seeking ways to serve, and "Making Christ Known" to all.

Centennial Committee:
Marlena Freeman, Chairman
Nancy Challis
Floyd Harden
Kenny Ladner
Dora McGee
Chris Orr
Pamela Wilburn

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AREA

In 1893, President Cleveland issued a proclamation declaring that the Cherokee Strip would be opened for settlement on September 16, 1893. This was after the Civil War and the country was going through a major depression, the "Starving 90’s". Men by the millions were unemployed, those that were working were paid very little, banks around the country were failing, families were hungry and homeless, and Indians had been displaced.

The opening of the Strip was advertised throughout the U. S. and the world. Therefore, people of every class, character, and nationality were lined up on the day of the run, hoping for a home for themselves.

The Kay County area had been a choice hunting and camping ground for the Indians. The soil was rich and by 1910 agriculture was booming with a variety of crops and livestock. Stone quarries were started and later there would be oil and natural gas discovered.

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THE BEGINNING OF LONGWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

Even before the settlers had "proved" their claims on their homesteads, a group of believers from the small community of Longwood began meeting in a brush arbor. They asked for help from the general missionary for Oklahoma and Indian Territories to assist them in organizing the First Baptist Church of Longwood. On August 30, 1896, Rev. L. J. Dyke arrived from Lawrence, Kansas. He was assisted by Rev. Whitaker from Newkirk. That fall a sod building was built and seats were made from the area's cottonwood trees. The door jams and window frames with glass were bought at the nearest trading post.

The new church began with eighteen charter members, they were:

H. T. Simmons M. L. Smith M. Hile Armstrong Mrs. Emma Foulk Mrs. Josephine McDaniel Thomas McWilliam Daniel Putnam B. H. Riggs J. J. Hall

Mrs. E. Simmons Mrs. Leta Smith Mrs. Kate Acton Nora Riggs Samuel McDaniel Louise McWilliam Charles T. Simmons Mary C. Riggs Mary C. Hall

They met one mile north and one-quarter mile east of the present church. On August 30th, H. T. Simmons and B. H. Riggs were selected as the first deacons. By the end of 1896 the membership had grown to 29. The first Sunday School teacher was Mr. H. T. Simmons.

Rev. L. N. Warner was the first minister that the church called. He wasn't available, but he did recommend the Rev. W. J. Black. Beginning in May 1897, Rev. Black preached three sermons each month at Longwood. There was a shortage of preachers in those early years and it wasn't uncommon to share the minister with another congregation. The pastor was met at the train by different members, entertained in their homes, then returned to the station.

Now that the church had a pastor, the deacons were ordained on June 13th. Then, on August 7th, the first baptisms were held east of the present church in Coon Creek. The Charley Bilyeu farm, east of Coon Creek, was the location of the first revival.

In August 1897, a storm caused the north wall of the church to collapse and a tarpaulin was used as a temporary wall. By November the members realized that the sod building was no longer adequate for services. They were able to hold services at the District 73 Oak View School. When Rev. Black was appointed as missionary to Oklahoma Territory, he resigned as pastor of Longwood.

Rev. C. W. Hammer, preached the first service at Oak View on January 1, 1898.

The first building committee elected was Bros. Smith, Hall, Ellison, Williams, and H. T. Simmons in August 1898. A second committee was selected to solicit anything useful in building the church. The lumber from the roof of the sod church was auctioned for $9.45, and the first building fund began. This money was loaned to J. J. Hall at an interest rate of 10% so that the money would not be sitting idle. Bros. J. H. Burkman and D. F. Ellison drove a team around the community "from early morning until late at night and never met a man who would not help on the new church." It seemed that the settlers didn’t want to live in an area that didn't have a church. It was announced to the community that other religious groups would be able to meet in the building when the church was not using it.

The early years of the church were spent participating in the denominational activities in the area, liberally supporting Baptist causes and helping to organize new churches in Oklahoma. Sunday afternoons were a time of fellowship with the members of the church and others in the community. Many times services were held on Saturday and Sunday when a minister had to travel some distance.

In February 1899, the church called Bro. Richardson as pastor. Towards the end of 1899, there was a "tabernacle" meeting led by Rev. Reese. It lasted fifteen days and there were eight additions to the church. His pay for the meetings was $4.65.

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The 1900's

Leonard Simmons, a member of the church, was called to the ministry and was pastor from 1900 to 1901. March 1901 was remembered as the time when John and Sarah Berkman needed the ice on Coon Creek broken before they could be baptized into the church.

During April and May of 1901, a search began for a building site for the new church. A member of the Longwood community, Mr. Cunningham, donated an acre of land west of the cemetery for the church. The estimates to build the church were around $1,000. By August they had only been able to collect $350. By October they had collected $50 more. So much for the hopes of being in a new church building by Thanksgiving or Christmas. But, they did have many volunteers for labor, material and pledges for more funds.

The following years brought many struggles. In 1902, there was discussion about uniting with First Baptist Church of Ponca City. Because there was no church building, it was hard to call ministers and it was difficult to build without one. Several ministers, Revs. B. H. Riggs and Green, and students from Oklahoma Baptist College in Blackwell preached during this time.

Because of an inability to get clear title to the land donated by Mr. Cunningham, the church decided to accept an offer of land from Mr. J. H. Jones for one acre directly South of the cemetery. This is where Longwood Baptist Church is now located. There were strings attached to Mr. Jones' gift: the land would revert back to himself or his heirs if church services were not regularly held.

Trustees of the church were first elected September 7, 1904. They were H. T. Simmons, S. D. Simmons, J. M. Burford, J. H. Burkman, and D. F. Ellison.

In the Spring of 1905, the new church was finally built, and on May 6th the first services were held. Boxes and planks served as the first pews. Rev. Ellison led a devotional service that morning and Rev. Leonard Simmons preached the first sermon that evening.

The following week the first funeral was preached in the new building. Charter member H. T. Simmons passed away. God had allowed this farmer, blacksmith, and man of God to see the new building.

Longwood had spent eight years meeting at the school. The new church cost $1,273.35. At the dedication on June 4, 1905, $216.85 was still owing on the loan. This building was built by the work, prayers, and faith of these settlers.

Sabbath School was begun in the new building and was held each Sunday morning. Sunday School has been in session since 1905. Music was important to the life of the church, as it still is. Squire Simmons, the son of H. T. Simmons led the choir for many years. The choir was well known throughout the countryside. Longwood even had a men's quartet made up of H.T.'s sons and later a grandson, Walter.

Rev. J. W. McAtee became pastor in August 1905 after he had led a series of meetings. He was also a teacher at the Oklahoma Baptist College in Blackwell. In December, Frank Ellison, S. D. Simmons and J. M. Burford were elected as deacons. The church also voted to "take out Articles of Incorporation."

Financial difficulties were a part of Longwood's history. In 1906, Rev. McAtee's salary was in arrears by $198. So, a revival was held for thirteen days with the Revs. Ihde, M. M. Munger, and Oscar Gibson. During these revivals the children slept on pallets made of blankets and coats placed under the pews so that they were able to sleep.

The pastor's salary was finally "caught up" in January 1907, when pledges of $240 were made. In August his salary was noted as $246 a year. He pastored until January 1908.

Rev. L. A. Blair was the next pastor. He was called April 8, 1908, and was succeeded by Rev. Mclverry on October 2, 1909. He remained until November of 1910, with a salary of $300. Requests had been made on several occasions by the struggling church for help from the Mission Board but they were always denied.

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The 1910's

New Year's Day 1911 began a series of meetings with Pastor Hoover. The meetings lasted for 25 days. Throughout 1911, the church set up a committee to divide the church roll into resident, non-resident, active and inactive members. They were to call on the "careless and indifferent members" to find out what their desire was as to their membership with the church.

Until May of 1912, Rev. W. M. Hoover was pastor. He began the church's Baptist Young People's Union. After him came Rev. Miller on May 4, 1912, and then Rev. George St. Pierre on November 2, 1912.

World War I was another difficult time for the church. Special days were set aside to cut wood to heat the church and each family brought fuel to help with the heating.

When Rev. G. S. Manness became pastor the summer of 1917, the salary was in arrears and attendance was very low. His call was for an "indefinite time." This may sound strange, but up to that point, a pulpit committee was selected each year and the church voted to call the pastor for the coming year or search for a new one.

A two-week meeting was held beginning August 19, led by Rev. G. M. Workman, and ten new members joined the church. At the end of the two weeks, "not only did they raise money for the deficient pastor salary, they raised $388 for the new pastor's salary, and enough to pay the next pastor's salary for a year, plus $5.00 extra." Rev. Bowles came as pastor in December of that year.

The only business meetings for the years 1918, 1919, and 1920 were for the purpose of electing messengers to the annual meeting of the Perry Association and approval of the church letter.

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The 1920's

Rev. Bowles served as pastor during the last year of World War I until 1921. During that time he traveled by train from Stillwater to Uncas. During the winter months, sometimes the snow would be too deep for a surrey or wagon to get him, or when horses were unavailable, a member would walk the pastor back and forth to the station.

August 27, 1921, Rev. Ule Combs was called as part-time pastor at a salary of $500. A revival was held during his first month led by Rev. Combs and Rev. M. M. Munger. During these services 19 people accepted Christ as Savior and 6 joined the church by letter. A Ladies Aid was organized that year and served for many years raising money and hosting social events. In November 1921, Pastor Combs resigned.

The flu epidemic of 1922-1923 closed the church for the only time in its history for three weeks. During 1922 the pastor was Joseph Boles from August to December.

Rev. E. T. Smith of Ralston was called as pastor in March of 1924. In September 1925, Curtis Lewis was licensed to preach the Gospel. Rev. E. T. Smith remained pastor until July 1928.

On August 19, 1928, it was reported in the minutes that the church had 43 members; 22 residents and 21 non-residents. Rev. J. H. Peters of Shidler was called in August as the next pastor and stayed until July 1929. He resigned because his work in the oil field prevented him from serving the church.

A revival began October 1st, led by Rev. C. C. Bowles of First Baptist Church, Ponca City. During this revival 23 were saved, 10 baptized, and 1 joined the church by letter.

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The 1930's

When Rev. Lee Burton became pastor February 16, 1930, the offerings were small again. His salary was paid by donation lists. He was a "half-time" pastor who preached morning and evening services on the first and third Sundays of each month. Rev. E. T. Smith became pastor again in January 1931. When he came on the field he was greeted with a shower of groceries, chickens, and $2 in cash. His salary was $10 per month. He remained pastor until April 1936.

When Chester Tapp was baptized on October 24th, his was the first "inside" baptism. It was held at the First Baptist Church of Ponca City.

The Women's Missionary Union was organized January 1, 1933. The first president was Mrs. Nora Simmons. The ladies met the second Wednesday of each month in each others home. It was reported that at one meeting, a woman was saved, so they did more than just talk about missions at these meetings.

At the business meeting in November of 1934, it was voted that “an offering be taken every first Sunday for the preacher and the incidental offering taken the other three Sundays.”

By November of 1935, discussions began about adding more room to the church building.

Rev. O. S. Robinson began pastoring in May 1936. He was a "half-time pastor" shared with Uncas. During December of that year, subscriptions were solicited for the BAPTIST MESSENGER. In August of 1937, he enrolled at O. B. U. but remained as a part-time pastor. During 1937, there had been 19 additions and no subtractions to the church's rolls.

September 1, 1937, the church voted to go on a budget system. That first budget, presented in October was as follows:

Possible Income per month Cooperative Program - 10% Assoc. Missions Baptist Messenger Janitor S. S. Literature W. M. U. Literature B. T. U. Literature Insurance Pastor's Salary Miscellaneous & Flowers Monthly Expenditures

$50.00 $  5.00 $  3.00 $  2.75 $  2.00 $  2.72 $  1.00 $  1.00 $20.00 $  5.00 $45.22

 From the minutes of 1938, it seemed that internal controversies were abounding. In January it seemed that when trying to get plans accepted to make repairs on the building, “The pastor then made an appeal for all to lay aside all prejudice and with forgiving hearts pledge themselves to cooperative effort in repairing (the) church and in trying to reach the unsaved of (the) community.” He later recommended that the doors and windows be repaired and let God lead in the other repairs and until the church had accumulated the necessary funds.

By August, though, there was dissension in the church body and Bro. Robinson was asked to resign by one of the deacons. Bro. Robinson did not feel that this was God's will and a Council of Ministers was selected to help settle the problem. The Council found no unsound doctrine or lack of integrity in the pastor and believed . . . 

. . . that the seat of the trouble in the church is largely due to misunderstanding that conversions and additions are realized and other advances being made which are evidence of God's presence and leadership. We are further convinced that if the membership of this church in cooperation with the pastor will seek the leading of the Holy Spirit, great good will be done in this community and the Lord glorified in the salvation of many souls.

Needless to say, the church voted to reject the Council's findings and recommendations and Bro. Robinson submitted his resignation. That year there had been 17 more additions to the church's roll and 12 left the church. In December Dr. E. D. Jeter was called to pastor the church.

Clarence Simmons was elected as a deacon of the church in March 1939. Other deacons found in the minutes during this time were Mr. Simmons, Frank Caldwell and Frank Ellison. The church voted to participate in the Ministerial Annuity Relief by giving 3% of the pastor's salary paid by the church. This amounted to $1.05 per month.

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The 1940's

By May of 1940, the church was having financial difficulties again. A committee was elected to work out some plans of meeting the deficit in the budget. Their recommendation was that offerings should be taken every Sunday morning. But, no motion was made on their recommendation. It was decided, though, that the pastor's salary should be paid before any other bills of the church.

In July 1940, Dr. Jeter resigned as pastor and Rev. P. T. Sanford came in November and remained until November 4, 1941. His salary was $40 a month. During his time at Longwood, the church participated in 2, New Testament Relay Bible Reading. The church read through the New Testament on July 20th. He stressed the need of "getting out the Gospel to the people of the community and being out in all ways so that the church and its members could be servants."

After 36 years Longwood was able to return a favor to the Oak View School system. Oak View used the church building while their new building was being completed just west of the church.

October 29, 1941, there was a special business meeting to decide what the church would pay the pastor as salary. It was decided that what they took in, over and above all expenses of the church each month, would be the pastor's salary. They also decided that each year, at the annual meeting, the church would vote to retain the pastor or not. The minutes never show that this ever occurred.

The years during World War II were difficult times. One member said, "We prayed more and worked harder in those years. Almost every Sunday found a close relative, friend or acquaintance among the war casualties. “Things like that have a way of bringing out the best in a community and ours was no exception." During these financially difficult times the church still managed to send funds regularly to the associational mission's office and the Baptist Orphan's Home in Oklahoma City.

There were no revivals during the years 1940 through 1943. Rev. Stanford had asked for a revival meeting several times while he was pastor, but the church never took action.

The church remained pastorless from November 1941, until March 1944. They called W. A. Lacy to be their pastor and asked Second Baptist Church of Ponca City to ordain him for the ministry.

During 1944, the church voted to send $100 to the "Orphan's Home Building Fund", began having Baptist Training Union (B. T. U.) on Sunday evenings, and began prayer meetings on the first Wednesday of each month with business meetings at that time, also. On May 28th baptismal services were held at First Baptist Church, Ponca City. In August the church had its first revival in four years. It was held north of the Dean's home and not at the church itself. On September 2nd, Bro. Lacy resigned as pastor to get an education and stated he was "giving up his work for the ministry."

There are no minutes in the record books for the months of September 1944 until October 1945, and then nothing again until February of 1946. But somewhere between October 1945 and February 1946, Bro. George Williams became interim pastor; he was a layman from First Baptist in Ponca City. During the February meeting minutes read, "A discussion was held as to ways and means of increasing interest in, and church attendance of members and other people of the community. Those present agreed that prayer and visitation should be done." Plans were then made for the pastor and others to begin a visitation program.

At the August business meeting it was voted to present Bro. Williams with a gift of $50 for his services of "filling the pulpit." Plans were also made to have an all-day meeting and dinner in celebration of the church's 50th anniversary on September 1st, then around October 1st begin a revival.

During September the church asked First Baptist to ordain Bro. Williams into the ministry so that Longwood could call him as their pastor. His pay was set in October at $25 per month.

The October revival began on the 7th and was led by Rev. Quick of Second Baptist Church, Ponca City. "It was a good spiritual meeting," with 6 joining the church by letter and 3 by baptism. The meeting was cut short on the 17th because Rev. Quick was taken ill.

October and the following months were busy. In October, Bro. Williams was ordained at First Baptist Church, the W. M. U. was organized and became active again, and a donation of food was taken up for the Orphan's Horne. In November, Bro. Williams was called to be Longwood's pastor and B. T. U. was begun again. Bro. Williams remained until February 15, 1948.

In December Longwood was coming into the modern age; it was voted to bring electricity to the building. Mr. Snyder had all the supplies necessary to wire the church, install six drop lights with large, white, ball-shaped shades, a double plug in the front of the church, a light at the front entrance and the back, and two switches. The cost would be about $120.

Revival began during the month of February 1947. Even before revival services began 6 persons were saved. The actual revival services began on the 17th and were led by Rev. Bridges of Sunset Baptist Church, Ponca City. By the end of the two weeks of services 7 more people had been saved, 7 came for baptism, 1 came to join the church by letter, there were 4 who came forward "to publicly rededicate or ask for forgiveness of sins," and 1 other came and surrendered for personal service. On March 30th, Rev. Williams baptized 15 converts at Second Baptist Church.

In April Mr. Floyd Culp asked the church to change the pastor's position from part-time to full-time. Rev. Williams expressed that it was his desire for the church members to tithe, which would enable him to give up working for the railroad and be the church's full-time pastor. On June 4th his salary was raised to $50 a month.

In October 1947 the church made an attempt to further modernize the church facility by contacting Cities Service about putting in a natural gas line. The request was denied.

Rev. Harold McClendon came on the field as pastor on the 4th of July, 1948. His starting salary was $40. He remained until April 1949. During his stay Floyd Culp had become a ministerial student O. B. U. and was licensed to preach by the church on December 1st.

For part of 1949, Rev. S. J. Fritz of Shidler pastored until November when his job was transferred. Floyd Culp led the services during the month of December.

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The 1950's

On February 1, 1950, the church voted to call Floyd Culp as pastor. He was ordained on April 23rd. During that month, the church received word that natural gas would be available to them. The men of the church donated their time to thread the pipe. By October the pipeline to the church was completed.

Training Union began on Sunday evenings again In April. Talk began again about adding on to the church in September. In January 1951, Rev. Culp resigned so that he could return to school.

From April until September 1951, Bro. William McKeon was pastor. It was noted in the minutes that "attendance for prayer services are growing" during his time as pastor. The church must have been struggling financially because in the October minutes a motion had been made to decrease the amount given to the association to $2 so that they could pay a pastor a better salary.

When Rev. George Allison, from Stillwater, became pastor in January 1952, his wages were $15 each Sunday. He remained until July. Discussion was held regarding his care over the weekends. It was decided that the missionary ladies (W. M. U.) were to appoint places for him to stay.

The addition of a front annex to the building began in July with a ground-breaking service. The size of the new annex was to be 12' x 28'. A carpenter was not hired until November to start building on the annex.

In September 1952, Rev. D. W. Burkhalter of Missouri was called as Longwood’s full-time pastor. He was to come on the field toward the end of October and be paid $200 each month. A parsonage was found on the Kaw City Highway. When they arrived they were welcomed with a food shower and some chickens.

In the October minutes, it was suggested that "we not forget to take up our collections as we had voted to do so, as some wanted to have a share in helping." A member had also suggested that "we make a budget and mail one to all members so that they would know what the funds would be used for."

In 1953, three new deacons were selected to help lead the church: Eldon Ferguson, Earl Clover, and Walter Simmons. Associational giving was increased for the first time, up to $7.50 per month. By April of 1953, the pastor was given permission to work a few days a week and was given one week of vacation. This was increased to two weeks of paid vacation in 1954.

In December the church voted to purchase an 18' x 40' building and have it moved to the church. The building cost $900, and it provided "ample space for classrooms" and a fellowship hall. The church used $200 from the general fund and took out a six month loan for the balance of the cost.

It was voted in September of 1954, that all money received over $70 a week, one-half of that amount would go into the building fund. By November, discussions were beginning about the need for even more classroom space, this time to be built on each side of the church and enlarging the auditorium. In January 1955, a building committee began to draw up the plans, but they voted to wait until after harvest to begin building.

A special collection was taken up for Bro. Ben Grubb in September 1954. He was preaching at the Indian Mission and attending school. Later, in December 1955, the church voted to send him a monthly gift of $20 to help him complete his education at O. B. U. to "better fit himself for the ministry."

In 1956, a church library was begun. Also, the church voted to sponsor the mission at Washunga.

During Bro. Burkhalter's stay at Longwood, he began some traditions such as recognizing mothers on Mother's Day with flowers. The Korean "conflict" was a part of the life of the church also. Therefore, they began presenting Bibles to members who joined the Armed Forces. The first to receive these Bibles were Charley Hand, Glenn Cramer, and Ernest Lewis.

Bro. Burkhalter resigned as pastor in July 1957, to work in a mission in California. Rev. Joel Rodgers succeeded him in September 1957.

By 1958 Longwood had extended a church home to the Kaw City Mission along with Washunga. Rev. Rodgers was given part of the month of June off so that he would be able to attend O. B. U.'s summer school for pastors. He was given two weeks of paid vacation each year, and he was given a gift of $75 to assist him in enrolling in college. In November the church voted to build an additional room to the back of the church.

In order to assist the mission at Kaw City, the church voted to send $10 each month for rent and $5 each quarter for Sunday School literature.

After years of patching and adding on to the church's first permanent building, it was reported in January 1959, that the time had come to think seriously about building a new building entirely. But, before the church could build, a deed for the land was needed. By April, Mr. Huff and Walter Simmons were chosen to approach Mr. & Mrs. Dorsey Culp to see if they would sign the deed giving the church clear title to the land on which it was located.

November 1959, during a revival 7 people were saved and baptized. During that month the church voted to discontinue with the Kaw City Mission, and Pastor Joel Rodgers resigned. He had actively promoted Falls Creek to the youth during his pastorate at Longwood.

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The 1960's

During 1960, Rev. Jack Rodgers was called as part-time pastor from First Baptist Church, Edmond in February. The church contributed $20 each month toward the pastor's retirement and continued to contribute to a building fund. By August the church asked Rev. Rodgers to become a full-time pastor at $85 each week for the first year, then $350 a month after that. They also voted to pay $65 toward the rent of his home.

March 1961, the pastor asked to attend school in Dallas for one semester in September on Monday through Friday. Permission was granted, but he resigned in July to attend seminary full-time. Rev. Kenneth Morgan followed him as pastor on October 29th.

Giving to the association was increased in January to $10 each month and increased again in October to 12%. The church also decided to pay the pastor $300 more each year instead of paying into a retirement fund. Bro. Morgan's salary was increased to $90 a week in April 1962.

It wasn't until June 1962 that a way was seen to clear the title to the church land. The church granted the trustees authority to enter into a contract with the heirs of Mr. J. H. Jones at "$400 for the heirs and additional fees for the lawyers and so forth."

Toward the end of 1962, Russell Aday was licensed into the Gospel Ministry. On December 10th a revival was held with the laymen of church bringing the message each night. On the 16th, the church asked Bro. Dicus to come and extend the revival for three more days.

During 1963, the church reached out to the association in several ways. During Vacation Bible School, the offerings of the children were used to help with a new roof at the Baptist Student Union at Northern Oklahoma College. The church planned bi-monthly meetings at the Kaw City Rest Home. This continued until October 1966. At that time only two people were attending the services and it was felt that the time would be better spent in visiting the lost in the community.

A Building Committee was selected in February 1964. The members were Earl Clover, Floyd Harden, Raymond Smith, Ralph Hankins, Eldon Ferguson, and John Caudle. They were to lead out in the building of a new church. They visited churches in Meeker and Shawnee to get some ideas on a new church facility.

At a special business meeting on July 28th, they made their recommendation for a new sanctuary. The cost for a "turnkey job" would be $32,600. There was $12,249.36 in the building fund. The Finance Committee asked that the church borrow one-half of the amount needed to build and that the church raise the other half, or $16,300.

In October a flaw was found in the abstract, but the church went ahead with Ground Breaking Services on November 21st. A golden shovel was presented to Walter Simmons.

Another modern convenience was coming to the church. A rural water district was being formed. In January 1966 the church voted to participate in bringing water to the rural community. This dream didn't become reality until December of 1967, but many other changes came in the mean time.

The church, in February 1966, voted to ask for two summer workers for a two week session. But the Home Mission Board reported that it would be four years before one would be available. In April four additional deacons were selected: John Caudle, Ralph Hankins, Raymond Smith, and Floyd Harden. They were ordained on September 18th.

On May 8, 1966, the first sermons were preached in the new auditorium by Kenneth Morgan and Jerry Mitchell, pastor of Ranch Drive Baptist Church. In June, Vacation Bible School attendance was 75 and $844 had been offered by the children. On June 19th, the first baptisms inside a church of Longwood were held. Betty Tautfest was baptized by the pastor, and Darlene and Diana Mitchell were baptized by their father, Jerry. No longer would baptisms be held in Coon Creek, the nearby sand pits, the Arkansas River, or sister churches in town. Longwood had its own baptistery. Bro. Morgan stayed at Longwood until August 13, 1967. He was able to see the building of the new sanctuary from start to finish. The cost of the building had been around $55,000.

In September the deacons began working on a constitution and by-laws for the church. This process would take many years because they would be put aside several times. A committee was selected in March 1973 to finish the by-laws. The matter was dropped until October 1985 when work began on them again. The constitution and by-laws were finally approved January 1986.

Rev. Evans T. Moseley was called as pastor February 21, 1968. He came from First Baptist Church, Shawnee, at $90 each week and a month annuity of $33. He remained pastor until October 1972. He helped to dedicate the new church building on March 10th. Additional classrooms were needed and it was discussed adding two in the old auditorium. By 1969 there was a regular group of about twenty youth attending on Sunday nights, so a ping-pong table was purchased.

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The 1970's

A Lord's Supper Service was purchased from a memorial fund established in memory of Mrs. Sallie Moseley, the pastor's mother. It was dedicated on April 19th, 1970. The old Lord's Supper Service was donated to the church at Nardin.

During 1970 and 1971 the church was involved with the Ponca Military Academy. The church sponsored the Cadet Club. Members volunteered their time at the recreation center and invited the young men into their homes for visits and meals. Extra pews were donated to the academy.

Longwood was given permission from Mr. Barnett to allow a sign to be placed on the corner of his property one mile south of the church.

Bro. Carl Bain became Music Director October 1970.

The loan for the new sanctuary was paid off three months early in January 1971. The church voted to keep the building fund open as it had in the past. Rev. Moseley suggested getting someone to show them plans for future educational space.

April 4, 1971, the church combined a note burning with the first part of its 75th Anniversary Celebration. There were 124 in Sunday School that day. On August 29th when the second half of the celebration was held there were 200 in attendance.

The church called Rev. Louis Speck as pastor January 14, 1973. In the May minutes it is mentioned that at "deacon's meeting, Bro. Speck had mentioned the possibility of him having to go to work to help support his family. They asked the church to be in prayer for Bro. Speck and his family since he was called as a full-time pastor." The church voted to pay the rent on his home in addition to his $150 a week salary and annuity.

It was decided in November 1973, to have Merle Ferguson and Raymond Smith to look for a three bedroom home that could be bought for a parsonage. They found a home at 508 N. 13th, the current parsonage. It was purchased for $16,500. The terms of the loan were $1,000 down and the payments were $100 a month. This loan was paid off February 1988.

Bro. Audd, the Associational Missionary, asked Longwood to be the church home for the mission at Kaw City. The mission was holding two services on Sunday in the Kaw City School.

The deacons began discussing the possibility of purchasing additional land for the church. Arrangements were made for a loan up to $6,000 if the church decided to make such a purchase. A "land fund" began July 1974. By December the trustees were given permission to purchase more property. In 1984, the owners of the land south of the church offered to sell 1.5 acres, but the church decided to wait. It wasn't until 1985 that the land was purchased.

Rev. Terry Sledge became pastor August 11, 1974, and remained until November 1976. In September Joel Diechman became interim Music Director. He was called as Music Director in October.

A memorial from Walter Simmons was used to make a display case to hold several items of memorabilia of the church. This is the case in the foyer of the church now. This faithful member and deacon passed away on October 28th at 84 years of age. Mrs. Moseley was appointed to select items of church history to be placed in the cabinet.

The desire to build struck again and in June 1976, a new building fund was started. The goal was to raise $10,000 by December 1st in order to begin a new building.

Rev. John Bartels came as pastor June 5, 1977, until April 6, 1981, when he was called to West Liberty at Quinton, OK. "Back-row Baptists" must have been a bit of a problem in 1978; there was an item in the minutes regarding a discussion on how to get people to move to the front pews during services. It was suggested that it be printed in the bulletin from time to time. A church directory was printed in this year for the first time.

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The 1980's

The old auditorium was beginning to sag and it was hard to heat and cool. It was voted to build a 40' x 80' Education building on April 9, 1980. A building drive was entitled "We Build for God - by Faith." When Mrs. Alice Huff passed away, she left in her will money to buy a new stove and dishwasher for the new kitchen in the education building. She had been a member over 50 years when she passed away in December.

1981 was the Baptist's 75th Anniversary Jubilation. The associational rally was held at First Baptist Church, Ponca City on February 2nd. The local churches held their celebrations on April 26th. Longwood voted to combine this with the 85th church anniversary in August and possibly be able to use the new building's facilities. It just wasn't to be, though, the new building wasn't quite ready.

Rev. Clyde Riddle was asked to be interim pastor April 1981, was called as part-time pastor in November, and remained until October 1985. Just before the anniversary celebration in August, Eldon Ferguson welded a new church sign for the corner on Lake Road.

August 29th - 30th, the church celebrated with a Baptist Heritage Banquet at Sunset Baptist Church, Ponca City. Close to 100 attended to hear Dr. J. M. Gasken, History Director of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. He spoke on the history of Baptist in Oklahoma. Later in the year, Longwood repaid Sunset for the use of their church by serving them a meal.

On Sunday, the 30th, the church had an all-day service, with special emphasis on high attendance in Sunday School with goals of 100 in attendance and $1,500 offering. It turned out that 102 attended and $2,304 was offered during Sunday School. The morning speaker was Bro. Cliff Fite, Associational Missionary, and the afternoon message was brought by Rev. Robert L. Ross, Vice President of the Baptist Foundation. One hundred and sixteen persons signed the registration book that day and enjoyed a luncheon in the new fellowship hall.

The church moved into the new education facility on March 10th, 1982, even though it wasn't totally completed. In August, the construction on the hallway and storage room between the church and the classrooms was started.

Steve Harden was licensed to preach March 1983. He was later ordained into the ministry at Braman Church in December 1984 where he had been called as pastor.

January 1985, the church learned that Mrs. Ruth Leche had left Longwood $25,000 in her will. The church voted to use these funds to purchase the additional land south of it. In April the church voted to license Steve Upshaw for the ministry. And in July, a new piano and organ were purchased for the sanctuary.

The church felt, in January 1986, that it was ready for a full-time pastor and began to search for one. Rev. Tim Russell was called and came on the field on April 27th. By August the search began for a Music Director. In October Geoff Higgins was called. He remained until March 1988, when he resigned to join the singing group, "Forgiven." The Education Building was dedicated on November 16th, after a Thanksgiving Dinner. The cost of the education building had been approximately $87,000.

Missions became important to the church in 1986. Steve Harden and Steve Upshaw went with a group from Kay Association to South Dakota to hold revival services from April 11 through 13. In October the church voted to allow Rev. Russell time off to go on a mission trip to Mexico, the last week of December. These would not be the only trips that the church would participate in the coming years.

During 1987, the education of the pastor, as in the past, was brought up. The church voted to allow Rev. Russell to attend Seminary Extension courses in Tulsa on Mondays for the next two years.

Dividers for the fellowship hall were purchased because of the need for more classroom space. Several times during the year the need for more space was discussed at the business meetings, but no action was taken.

When the church learned that it would cost over $4,000 to have the newly purchased 1.5 acres prepared and sodded, the men again volunteered to do the "dirty work." With such talented and thrifty men, it only cost $325.

Rev. Russell resigned as pastor September 27th to become pastor at Canadian Valley Baptist Church, a mission of Chisholm Heights in Mustang, OK. Rev. Rodney Harris followed as pastor on January 3, 1988. He came from the church in Masham, Oklahoma.

When the church received $18,902 from the Leche Estate in July, the deacons of the church asked the Committee on Committees to study the possibility of future enlargement of the education building.

At the September business meeting, the church voted to pay Rev. Harris' way on a mission trip to Argentina, October 26 through November 9. The cost was $1,700. It was announced that Dale and Chris Orr were planning to go also and the church took up a love offering to help with their expenses.

Joe Brown of Tonkawa was called as part-time Music Director for the church in October. He remained until June 1990 and resigned because of his health and the hours needed to work his farm. During November a fence was installed around a play yard. Then, in December, baptismal robes, a television, and a V. C. R. were purchased for the church.

During 1989, new carpeting was purchased for sanctuary and the men installed seamless guttering around the church. The church began saving money for the new 1991 edition Baptist Hymnal.

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The 1990's

Major renovations began on the parsonage in 1990. New siding, a garage door, guttering, and an electric garage door opener were installed.

At the November business meeting, Rev. Harris reported on the association's World Mission Conference. Our church's percentage of attendance was higher than any of the other churches that participated in the conference. We had given $416, the second highest of the twenty churches. The missionaries were surprised and impressed that our church budgeted funds to allow our pastor to go on mission trips each year.

Another mission trip, this time to Campeche, Mexico was planned for December 28th until January 5th, 1991. Rev. Harris, Randall and Pam Wilburn went on this trip. Upon return, the church began a mission offering for the pastor of Iglesia Bautista Gethsenami. His truck needed tires and the cost was approximately $80 US for each tire. He was not paid by his church, and they supported three missions in nearby villages. This mission offering was promoted through the Sunday School classes. The total collected was $719.01.

On June 16, 1991, Bro. Harris resigned as pastor. While the church searched for a new pastor, work began on the parsonage again. New carpeting was laid in the den and living room, wall coverings were added to the master bedroom and wainscoting to the kitchen. The master bath was remodeled also.

Rev. Larry Phenneger of Tamaha, Oklahoma, was called as pastor on November 20, 1991.

During 1992, the church selected a Building Committee again to look and plan for the future growth of the church. A volunteer Associate Pastor position was created and filled by Bro. Steve Upshaw. He was ordained into the Gospel Ministry on April 26th.

Because of a lack of interest in Falls Creek by the youth of the church, it was decided to have a week-long retreat on the Illinois River. Youth from Southside, Oak View Church in Kaw City, and Tamaha, Oklahoma joined us during the next few years. This was continued until 1995, when the youth began attending Falls Creek again.

The church's baptismal robes had disappeared sometime this year. When the cost of new ones was discovered, some of the women of the church volunteered to make new ones.

In March, 1993 a formal call was extended to Randall Wilburn as Music and Youth Minister. He had been serving in the position of Music Minister since Joe Brown had resigned, and had been working with the youth for many years. In July Bro. Roy Bolding was licensed to the ministry by the church.

During 1994 a "Women's Self-Defense Course" was held on two nights in March. Twenty-fives ladies attended the course. It was led by the Rev. Phenneger while Steve Upshaw assisted. Not only was it informative, but fun as well. In August the church voted to license Mark Riddle to the Gospel Ministry.

The Ponca City Police Department began organizing a chaplaincy program. Revs. Phenneger and Upshaw became involved in this much needed work in the community. Rev. Phenneger resigned as pastor March, 1995, to accept the call as pastor at First Baptist Church, Drumright, Oklahoma.

Sunday School classrooms were at a premium. Classes were meeting in the sanctuary, the pastor's study, the hallway between the sanctuary and education building, and two in the fellowship hall.

Remodeling of the parsonage began again while the church was searching for a pastor. New carpeting was installed in the bedrooms, living room and hallway. A new kitchen sink was installed in September and plans were made to install new vinyl flooring.

Rev. Larry Stevenson, from First Baptist Church, Quinton, Oklahoma, became pastor on August 23, 1995.

With the leadership of the current building committee, the church voted to build in November 1995. This committee consisted: Marion Fredricks, Chairman, Danny Goldman, Steve Upshaw, Randall Wilburn, Lester Freeman, Floyd Harden, Chris Orr, Sharon Bowen, Ken Bowen, and Jessica Baca. The volunteer builders from First Baptist Church, Ponca City promised their assistance if the ladies of the church promised to provide them with delicious meals. In February 1996, the church voted to build a 40' x 60' addition to the east end of the education building. This would add five more classrooms, two restrooms, and additional room to the fellowship hall. Ground Breaking was held April 21st.

The builders from First Baptist came in and framed in the classrooms and put up the sheetrock in June. In July the men of the church began putting up the paneling and doors. During August they continued to work putting up the baseboards, the ceilings, and lights. They worked hard to get the rooms usable for the church's 100th Anniversary.

The church building has changed much over the years. The pastors have changed and the people, but the Spirit has not. The Spirit of God that moved the people of the community of Longwood to build a church 100 years ago still moves today. The Spirit's call has been as always, "Making Christ Known." In the future Longwood will continue its part in the work of the "Great Commission," reaching out to friends, family, the community, and the world.

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Note: Further changes have been made since this was written for the
100th Anniversary Centennial Celebration in 1996

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ROLL CALL OF PASTORS

W. J. Black C. W. Hammer Richardson L. L. (Leonard) Simmons J. W. McAtee L. A. Blair Mclverry William M. Hoover Miller George St. Pierre Bowles Ule Combs Joseph Boles E. T. Smith J. H. Peters Lee Burton E. T. Smith O. S. Robinson E. D. Jeter P. T. Stanford W. A. Lacy George Williams Harold McClenden S. J. Fritz Floyd Culp William McKeon George Allison D. W. Burkhalter Joel Rodgers Jack Rodgers Kenneth Morgan Evans T. Moseley Terry Sledge John Bartels Clyde Riddle Tim Russell Rodney Harris Larry Phenneger Larry Stevenson ? ? ? Robert E. Whitchurch ? ? ? Michael Ridgway

1897 1898 1899 1900-1902 1905-1908 1908 1909-1910 1911-1912 1912 1912 1917-1921 1921 1922 1924-1928 1928-1929 1930 1931-1936 1936-1938 1938-1940 1940-1941 1944-1945 1946-1948 1948-1949 1949 1950-1951 1951 1952 1952-1957 1957-1959 1960-1961 1961-1967 1968-1972 1974-1976 1977-1981 1981-1985 1986-1987 1988-1991 1991-1995 1995 - ?? ? ? ? 2004-2006 ? ? ? 2008 -