First Presbyterian Church, Tulsa
The First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa鈥攌nown locally as 鈥淔irst Church鈥濃�攈olds the distinction of being the city鈥檚 very first organized church, established in 1885 in what was then Creek Nation, Indian Territory. Initially gathering in a general store owned by the Hall brothers, the congregation was ministered to by circuit-riding preachers until Reverend Charles William Kerr arrived in 1900. Kerr鈥檚 leadership, which spanned over four decades, oversaw the construction of three church buildings, transitioning from a modest wooden structure to two enduring stone sanctuaries.
The current church building, completed in 1925 during Tulsa鈥檚 oil boom years, stands near the Deco District and is a striking example of the city鈥檚 lesser-known Gothic Revival architecture. Adorned with majestic spires and intricate stained-glass windows, the building has expanded over the years, reflecting both the church鈥檚 spiritual growth and the city鈥檚 evolving history.
Notably, the church and its pastor played a courageous role during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Reverend Kerr opened the church's doors to African American women and children seeking safety amid the violence and destruction that devastated the Greenwood District. This act of compassion remains a powerful part of the church鈥檚 legacy.
By 1948, First Church had grown to become the second-largest Presbyterian congregation in the nation, affiliated with the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA. The church's 1926 structure is now a contributing property in the Oil Capital Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2010.
Today, First Presbyterian Church continues to serve as a place of worship, community, and outreach, committed to its mission of honoring God, growing together, and serving both Tulsa and the broader world.
The current church building, completed in 1925 during Tulsa鈥檚 oil boom years, stands near the Deco District and is a striking example of the city鈥檚 lesser-known Gothic Revival architecture. Adorned with majestic spires and intricate stained-glass windows, the building has expanded over the years, reflecting both the church鈥檚 spiritual growth and the city鈥檚 evolving history.
Notably, the church and its pastor played a courageous role during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Reverend Kerr opened the church's doors to African American women and children seeking safety amid the violence and destruction that devastated the Greenwood District. This act of compassion remains a powerful part of the church鈥檚 legacy.
By 1948, First Church had grown to become the second-largest Presbyterian congregation in the nation, affiliated with the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA. The church's 1926 structure is now a contributing property in the Oil Capital Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2010.
Today, First Presbyterian Church continues to serve as a place of worship, community, and outreach, committed to its mission of honoring God, growing together, and serving both Tulsa and the broader world.
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First Presbyterian Church on Map
Sight Name: First Presbyterian 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