First Christian Church, Tulsa
Standing proudly in Tulsa鈥檚 Cathedral District, the First Christian Church is a striking architectural gem that blends historical elegance with enduring community spirit. Dedicated in February 1920, the church has served as a downtown landmark for over a century, recognized for its impressive green central cupola and four smaller domes, all fashioned from Indiana limestone in a classical Greek style.
Construction began as early as 1902 under architect J. Walton and was brought to completion by V. Slyke in 1920. The resulting structure became the third home for the congregation on Boulder Avenue. Inside, the sanctuary stuns with oak pews, original chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and a vast organ boasting over 4,000 pipes. Though renovations over the decades have transformed parts of the building, original details still endure 鈥� from the oak spindles along the staircases to the ornate plasterwork that remains in the foyer.
The stained-glass dome is not just a visual marvel; it also hides a clever feature 鈥� a hand-cranked system that once helped cool the sanctuary by circulating air from the basement out through the roof. In its early days, the church regularly hosted more than 1,200 worshippers, with overflow listeners gathered in the adjoining chapel, tuned in via an early intercom system.
Today, the First Christian Church remains a cherished institution, rich with archival treasures like century-old blueprints and dedication programs. With its clay tile roof, copper cross, and continued care for its historic details, the building doesn鈥檛 just reflect Tulsa鈥檚 past 鈥� it anchors its spiritual and architectural heritage in the present.
Construction began as early as 1902 under architect J. Walton and was brought to completion by V. Slyke in 1920. The resulting structure became the third home for the congregation on Boulder Avenue. Inside, the sanctuary stuns with oak pews, original chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and a vast organ boasting over 4,000 pipes. Though renovations over the decades have transformed parts of the building, original details still endure 鈥� from the oak spindles along the staircases to the ornate plasterwork that remains in the foyer.
The stained-glass dome is not just a visual marvel; it also hides a clever feature 鈥� a hand-cranked system that once helped cool the sanctuary by circulating air from the basement out through the roof. In its early days, the church regularly hosted more than 1,200 worshippers, with overflow listeners gathered in the adjoining chapel, tuned in via an early intercom system.
Today, the First Christian Church remains a cherished institution, rich with archival treasures like century-old blueprints and dedication programs. With its clay tile roof, copper cross, and continued care for its historic details, the building doesn鈥檛 just reflect Tulsa鈥檚 past 鈥� it anchors its spiritual and architectural heritage in the present.
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First Christian Church on Map
Sight Name: First Christian Church
Sight Location: Tulsa, USA (See walking tours in Tulsa)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tulsa, USA (See walking tours in Tulsa)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Create Your Own Walk in Tulsa
Creating your own self-guided walk in Tulsa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Tulsa Walking Tour
Located on the historic U.S. Route 66, America's "Mother Road", the University of Tulsa campus centers on a wide, grassy, quad-like space, known as Dietler Commons. Formerly called "The U", it is found not far from the downtown area and is dominated by English Gothic architecture.
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tulsa Introduction Walking Tour
Straddling the Arkansas River in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, the city of Tulsa is deeply rooted in the Native American history and, more recently, in the oil industry too.
The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tulsa's Historical Churches
Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to an array of remarkable churches, cathedrals, chapels, and other religious sites collectively reflecting the city's diverse religious heritage. A good number of these sanctuaries are located downtown. By far more than just places of worship, they are also architectural marvels and cultural landmarks.
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, with its striking Art... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, with its striking Art... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles