OKC-Quayle will celebrate 125 years
In September, a series of events will celebrate the 125th anniversary of OKC-Quayle United Methodist Church, 5001 N. Everest Ave.
The church traces its start to 1890, when a small group of spiritually-minded people, with missionary zeal and a sense of civic pride, became the nucleus of the church.
Prior to 1901, the group met as a prayer band at 320 E. Grand St. Worshippers gathered for 10 years before formally organizing as a church.
Today the congregation is active in ministry areas that address homelessness, literacy, substance abuse, prison outreach, youth mentorship, health, and more.
In marking this grand anniversary, the church begins with prayer. Quayle and sister church The Christ Experience UMC are planning tent revivals at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 and 12 at Glen Ellyn Park, located at NE 23rd and Glen Ellyn Street.
A prayer conference is planned from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 12 at Quayle. Guest evangelist will be Bishop Raphael Green of Metro Worship Center in St. Louis, Mo. Registration for the conference is $25.
On Sept. 13, joint worship services are planned by Quayle and The Christ Experience at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., also at Glen Ellyn Park.
Quayle’s members are asked to consider giving to the church a special gift of $125, "one dollar for each year that God has allowed us to grow and give," said Victor McCullough, senior pastor. UM deacon Erica Thomas is Quayle’s associate pastor.
Other opportunities linked to the anniversary are included in this story:
A commemorative book is being compiled. Members who are age 70 or older are invited to share their memories of Quayle and how it helped in their spiritual walks with Christ. The book will include memories, honors, photos, and tributes.
A blood drive from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 19 in Quayle’s fellowship hall
An anniversary musical at 4 p.m. Sept. 20 will feature the Cherub Choir, Young Voices for Christ, and Adult Mass Choir.
A banquet at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at The Bryant Center, 2200 Bryant Ave. Tickets are available; contact the church office.
Anniversary T-shirts are being sold.
A 1960s photo shows Quayle’s youth choir. Adult leaders are, at front: Estelle Carruthers, Raymond Rucker, and Edith Sneed; and, far right, Wanda Irby.
The Quayle congregation met at Second and Lindsay, 1940-1962.