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The Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in downtown Tulsa stands as a towering icon of American Art Deco ecclesiastical architecture. Completed in 1929 and reaching 15 floors high, it is considered one of the finest religious examples of the style in the U.S. Recognized for its significance, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999.

The church鈥檚 design is attributed to a unique collaboration鈥擜dah Robinson, a Tulsa art teacher, and Bruce Goff, her former student and rising architect. While Robinson sketched the original ideas and is officially credited by the church, Goff, who was with the firm Rush, Endacott, and Rush, developed the architectural plans. The debate over authorship remains unresolved, but the result is universally admired.

The structure features a 225-foot tower, a semi-circular auditorium, and an educational wing. Embracing verticality in the spirit of both Gothic cathedrals and Art Deco鈥檚 upward thrust, the church is adorned with stylized praying hands, a motif rooted in Robinson鈥檚 original sketches. Materials like limestone, granite, terra cotta, glass, and metal are masterfully integrated, while sculptor Robert Garrison鈥攁lso a former student of Robinson鈥攃ontributed detailed terra cotta figures that depict religious scenes and Oklahoma flora.

Above the south entrance, equestrian sculptures honor the early Methodist Circuit Riders, including Bishops Francis Asbury and William McKendree. The north entrance features idealized statues of John, Charles, and Susanna Wesley, anchoring the church鈥檚 Methodist identity.

Inside, the building features a M枚ller pipe organ with 105 ranks, expanded multiple times since its original 1962 installation. A columbarium, completed in 2000 and featuring a stained-glass window by Richard Bohm, now offers interment for church members and their families. In 1993, murals by Angelo Gherardi were added for the congregation鈥檚 centennial, continuing the Art Deco aesthetic.

Even beyond Tulsa, the church has left its mark鈥攍iterally. A stone from its structure is embedded in the Chicago Tribune Tower, joining stones from iconic buildings worldwide.

Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa, the First United Methodist Church stands as a testament to faith, history, and architectural grandeur. Founded in 1886 as a mission church on the edge of the American frontier, it began with a group of spirited Methodists worshipping under a brush arbor after being deemed 鈥渢oo rowdy鈥� by Tulsa鈥檚 only other church. From those humble beginnings, the congregation quickly built a small white chapel, then a larger red brick church at 9th and Boulder, and finally, in 1921, began construction of the cathedral that stands today at 11th and Boulder.

The current building鈥攐pened in 1928鈥攚as designed by architect Charles Bolton in the Perpendicular Tudor Gothic style, a design that emphasizes verticality and light. Its massive exterior walls are constructed from local sandstone and oak, accented with Indiana limestone arches and tracery. Inside, the sanctuary is laid out in the shape of a cruciform, reinforcing the church鈥檚 foundation in the cross of Christ. Two soaring towers frame the main entrance, while pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and spires lift the eye鈥攁nd the spirit鈥攖oward the heavens.

Beyond its striking architecture, First United Methodist Church is driven by a mission: to help all people become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. The church embraces the grace of God and strives to love deeply, serve boldly, and live with gratitude and integrity. From the symbolic art inside its sanctuary to its active presence in the Tulsa community, the church continues to blend tradition with purpose鈥攁 living legacy of faith in action.

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.

Holy Family Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and the mother church of the Diocese of Tulsa. Construction of the church began in 1912. It was dedicated only two years later though the church wasn't finished until 1927. It was designed in the Gothic Revival and Classic Revival architectural styles by J.P. Curtin of Curtin, Winkler and Macdonald.

Holy Family Cathedral was the tallest building in Tulsa until 1923 when it was overshadowed by the Mayo Hotel. Its height came from the single spire, which is somewhat unique in Gothic architecture. The cathedral and its buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The stained glass windows may be viewed from both inside and outside of the cathedral. These windows were replicated from stained glass created by the Royal Bavarian Art Institute in Munich. The windows are original to the building.

Those who wish to admire the interior architecture and stained glass may do so via a guided tour. These tours are available from Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.

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.

Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa is a historic and welcoming spiritual home located at the corner of Fifth Street and Cincinnati Avenue, in the heart of the city鈥檚 Deco District. Established in 1926, it holds the distinction of being Tulsa鈥檚 oldest Episcopal church and remains a vibrant center for worship, music, and community service.

Architecturally, Trinity is a standout example of English Gothic design. The church鈥檚 intricate wood carvings, ecclesiastical stained-glass windows鈥攊ncluding a notable depiction of the Apostles鈥� Creed鈥攁nd colorful interior flooring all contribute to its serene, reverent atmosphere. Its rich visual artistry is complemented by a strong musical tradition, with services often featuring high-quality choral and instrumental offerings that enhance the liturgy.

Trinity is known not only for its beauty but for its inclusive and affirming community. Guided by Anglican values and a spirit of open inquiry, the church welcomes all individuals regardless of background or belief. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their full, authentic selves to worship and to engage in thoughtful discussion and social action. Programs include multiple Sunday services, youth ministries, Christian formation classes, Taiz茅 services, and outreach efforts focused on justice and compassion.

Whether you鈥檙e attending a service, enjoying a concert, or simply admiring the historic architecture, Trinity Episcopal Church offers a space where tradition and progressive values meet in harmony.

First Baptist Church in downtown Tulsa stands as a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture and a cornerstone of the city鈥檚 early history. Located at Fourth Street and Cincinnati Avenue, the church traces its roots back to the days when Tulsa was still a modest Indian Territory trading post affectionately called 鈥淭ulsey Town.鈥� The current sanctuary, completed in 1927, reflects the grandeur of that era with its soaring steeple, elegant stonework, and luminous stained glass windows.

Over the decades, First Baptist Tulsa has expanded its role in the community, growing both in size and mission. A major renovation updated the sanctuary and education wing, transforming the church into a modern facility with over 250,000 square feet of space鈥攚hile still honoring its historic character.

In addition to worship and ministry, the church is known for hosting elegant weddings. Couples are guided by a dedicated wedding liaison from planning through rehearsal, ensuring their ceremony is meaningful and memorable. The sanctuary鈥檚 dramatic lighting, music, and architecture create a timeless setting for vows and photographs alike.

Today, First Baptist Tulsa remains a place of spiritual growth, fellowship, and lifelong commitment鈥攚here faith and tradition meet in the heart of the city.