HISTORY OF LAKESIDE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

(An early history of Lakeside, written by Juanita Millsap)

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In the early 1950's, families began to move into the northwest residential areas of Oklahoma City. The Methodist Church moved with them as it did some 60 years earlier when Oklahoma City was a frontier city.

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Lakeside, the first United Methodist Church in the northwest area, was established in late 1954. The prime movers in acquiring the site and building at 2933 N.W. 66th Street just west of May Avenue were: Dr. Leland Clegg, District Superintendent, and Mr. B.C. Clark. Conference Lay Leader. Through informal channels of communication, Methodist families in the neighborhood heard about Lakeside and began to attend. There was no real publicity. It just became known that there was a new Methodist Church meeting in the house on 66th Street where families could worship together in a fellowship of love, faith, and sharing.

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The first minister, serving part-time while attending Oklahoma City University, was the Rev. J.E. Wallen. His salary and the first temporary building (where the youth building now stands) were subsidized through mission funds. The first report to the annual conference showed: that on Easter Sunday, 1955 services were moved from the 66th Street residence to a new temporary wood frame building; there was a total to 28 members; six infants had received baptism; and average church school attendance was 35. The 1954-1955 charter members who are still active are: Mr. and Mrs. Claude Love, Mr. and Mrs. Noel Duncan, Dr. C.M. Harvey, Mrs. W.L. Tomlin, and Mrs. Sharon Millsap. Members from the next year 1956 yet active are: Mr. and Mrs. M.L. McElroy, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kincaid, Linda Mock England, Margaret Duncan Smalley.

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During the Rev. A.R. McGrew's tenure (1956-1958) the first permanent building (now the Fellowship Hall and class rooms) was built. The primary thrust was to share the Christian faith through increasing the membership, to become financially stable, and to reach out through a mission program. The first local mission effort was a neighborhood outreach through a summer Bible school. The Rev. J.D. Price served for a short period in 1958 and was followed by the Rev. J.S. Hock. The Rev. Hock served part time while a student at Oklahoma City University.

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Lakeside was used by the school in 1957-58 for class rooms for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. One hundred and twenty children were enrolled here, among them was Suzy Cozby Wooldridge.

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Membership increased to almost 200 during the Rev. Theo Benson's ministry (1960-1962) and a viable youth program was established.

After 1962, when the Rev. Wayne Parker was assigned to Lakeside, the congregation continued to grow. The emphasis on friendship, concern for people, and personal needs was a unifying force for the families of Lakeside. Under the Rev. Parker's leadership, the present sanctuary was completed and consecrated on February 2, 1964.

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Unselfish contributions of time, service, money and (use) of hands for the completion of this building was made with love and dedication to our Lord. Dean Hoel writes, "The area behind the altar and the suspended cross was originally to be painted but the "NEWCOMERS CLASS" of the Sunday School financed, designed and personally purchased, tiled, grouted and finished the unit. We sometimes worked until 1:00 A.M. while installing the tile and grouting it which we did with our bare hands. At times our hands were literally rubbed raw and bleeding. When it was finished (and to this day) I feel it was well worth the time, labor, sweat and blood. The three crosses in the front of the building were also placed by this class." The members of the New Comers Class were: Barbara Parker, David and Thelma Moore, Bruce and Vera Kelley, Billy Joe and Toby Ann Walls, Dean and LaVonne Hoel and Pat Thomas.

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The openness of the architecture is a constant reminder to the congregation that we must always be open to God and to His call for service.

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Contributions to completion of the building has been from such members as the John Gentrys, who gave the cabinets for the kitchen, to Bill Kincaid who has kept the electrical system in good working condition all these years, to Bob Stout with Bill Kincaid’s help installed the sound system, everyone has helped with the painting and general maintenance of the property.

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The Rev. Jerry Fast served as pastor in 1965-1966.

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During the Rev. Robert Wise's ministry (1966-1973), membership passed the 600 mark. Special programs included: a Day Care Center; a program for unmarried mothers (later integrated into a conference-wide program) & an ongoing ministry to nursing home residents in Oklahoma City, under the direction of Mrs. Ruth Eaton. The youth building with expanded educational facilities was completed in 1971.

The Rev. William Higgins served during 1973-74, and was followed by the Rev. Connell Ghormley who served 1974-1977.

The present Minister who celebrates with us today is Rev. Clayton Johnson.

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The choir has always been an important part of Lakeside Church Service. The purchase of an organ spearheaded by Mary Lou Love and others was a complete congregation endeavor. Mary Lou served as organist during the early years and Juanita Cheney volunteered her ability as choir director from 1964 to 1967. Our present choir director, Vivian McLennan came to us in 1973. Our choir is still unsurpassed.

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The landscaping and care of the grounds through the early years was a labor of love by Phillis Harvey.

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The three crosses, which stand as a beacon for north May Ave. travelers at the corner of 66th and May, was part of our landscaping plan. They have become symbols of Lakeside. The crosses were erected by Mr. and Mrs. Claude Love in memory of Mr. Love's mother and symbolize the crosses of Christ and the two thieves.

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The Lakeside congregation, since its beginning, has always exhibited a seriousness about its spiritual growth. To be better servants of Christ, through a fellowship of faith, continues to be our aim.

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Through the years, all things accomplished have been a unified effort, involving both new and older members. An example, John Green, chairman of Missions, convinced the committee and the membership that we should tithe our budget to missions; with his driving leadership the goal was reached.

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This is a summary of our past history that we celebrate today. This we cherish, but from this day forward our thoughts must be, we are the architects of our future, how great do we want to build the Kingdom of God? This is our challenge for the future.