History

On March 16, 1915, Immanuel Baptist started in the home of William Querry, at 324 S Lansing. God has truly led in a marvelous way, sending pastors who were dedicated to the task, each aware of His direction and needs of the church, particularly at the time of his calling. We truly are grateful for each one, and for what he meant in the life of Immanuel as a growing church and to us as individuals.

In addition to pastors, other staff members have been a vital part of Immanuel's Ministry. The first building at the current location was a tabernacle type structure at the corner of Second and Xanthus. There, a beautiful Gothic type structure of Ozark Stone was erected (now used by the Hispanic ministry.).

The grand march on June 18,1926 from Second and Rockford was a joyous occasion, as praises were sung to God for His goodness. In that same year we held our first church camp at Falls Creek Tent City. B.B. McKinney, gospel singer and song writer, camped across the stream. In 1928 the first unit of a permanent camp building was constructed.

In 1948 Immanuel purchased property at Third and Xanthus, and also at Second and Wheeling. On April 3, 1949 ground breaking was held for the educational building. It was dedicated April 30, 1950. The present beautiful building was dedicated in 1968.

In the 1940s, the demand for church staff personnel greatly increased for combination persons, qualified in both music and education. Southwestern Seminary developed a combination degree involving both music and religious education. Those pioneering in church staff positions were given a variety of titles. In the twenties, it was common for them to be labeled 'Assistant Pastor" even though they were not ordained ministers. Some with music responsibilities were simply called "Music Director," some "Director of Music and Education." Later, the title "Minister of Music and Education" was widely used. R. Paul Green, who, in the spring of 1945, came to Immanuel Baptist Church, Tulsa, from First Baptist Church, Ardmore, where he had dual responsibilities, was the first full-time minister of music in Oklahoma.

In the forties and fities, Immanuel established missions which later became active churches: Brookside, Eastwood, Eleventh Street, Fairhill, Parkland, and Parkview. In the seventies, the Hispanic Mission was establised, and in 1988 a Phillipino congregation was organized.