Breaking ground Oct. 18 at Barnard Memorial UMC in Holdenville are, from left, the Heath family (Ben, Kathryn, Taylor, and Braden), Family Ministry representatives; Scott Treadwell, Board of Trustees chairman; Bill and Karen Anderson, who co-chair the Capital Campaign; Izaak Davis, Youth Ministries representative; Gene Anderson, Building Committee chairman; McAlester District Superintendent Darrell Cates; and Pastor Charles Rettig.

By Bob Melton

HOLDENVILLE—At a groundbreaking on Oct. 18, Barnard Memorial UMC celebrated a new construction project. This is the first major addition to the building since the 1920s.

Pastor Charles Rettig said the project will create flexibility for a wider range of events. The building also will be more accessible for those with disabilities.

Gene Anderson, chairman of the Building Committee, told the Holdenville City Council that the main objective is to construct an elevator and also, at the ground level, to build space for a nursery, a children’s Sunday school class, and two offices. The kitchen area will be completely reworked, and the fellowship hall will be expanded to accommodate more people during community dinners.

Karen Anderson, church historian, noted the congregation was founded in 1897. According to The Holdenville Times, "The first sermon preached in Holdenville by a Protestant preacher was in the Choctaw Depot. The Sunday school was organized on Easter Sunday, in McShan & Rankin lumber shed. The church was organized in the same place, with six members."

In the opening years of the 20th century, the congregation moved to new property and a building of Gothic design, with a bell tower. In 1924, a capital campaign was launched to replace that structure. The congregation met in the high school auditorium during the construction phase, which was completed in late 1926.

In appreciation for their contributions, Mr. and Mrs. R.M. McFarlin were invited to name the church. They chose to memorialize Ben Barnard, a brother and church member.

Hymns for the recent ceremony at Barnard Memorial UMC included "How Firm a Foundation" and "The Church’s One Foundation." The Processional was "God’s Building a Church." Guest speaker was McAlester District Superintendent Darrell Cates.