National Register Listing

Mennoville Mennonite Church

a.k.a. Mennoville

N of El Reno on U.S. 81, El Reno, OK
Mennoville Mennonite Church, built in 1894, is the oldest existing structure pertaining to the Vennonite faith in what is now Oklahoma, The Hennoville congregation, organized in 1891, was the faith's first in Oklahoma. And it, in turn, was something of a spiritual legency of the Mennonite mission and industrial boarding school, opened at nearby Darlingter in 1881. Durlington itself represents the initial missionary effort by any church group on behalf of the Indians of western Oklahoma. 42 though the congregation was never large, and was officially disbanded two decades ago, Vennoville played a significant role in the life of this agricultural community for more than half a century.
Local significance of the building:
Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Oklahoma was originally intended to be two separate states: Oklahoma and Indian Territory. However, when Oklahoma became a state in 1907, it included both areas.
Oklahoma random facts
Canadian County is a county located in the state of Oklahoma in the United States. The county was established in 1889 as part of Oklahoma Territory, shortly after the Land Run of April 22, 1889. Its name is derived from the Canadian River, which runs through the county. The county seat is El Reno, which was named after Fort Reno, a historic military fort.

In the early years, Canadian County relied heavily on agriculture for its economy. Wheat, cotton, and cattle were the primary crops, and the county became known for its fertile soil and abundant water supply. With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, the county experienced more rapid growth and development.

During World War II, Canadian County played a significant role in supporting the war effort. El Reno was home to the Fort Reno Internment Camp, which held German prisoners of war. The county also had several military installations, such as the El Reno Naval Air Station and the Reno Army Airfield, where bomber crews were trained.

In recent years, Canadian County has experienced rapid population growth and suburbanization. The county has attracted numerous residents who work in the nearby Oklahoma City metropolitan area, seeking a more rural and peaceful lifestyle. While agriculture continues to be an important industry in the county, Canadian County has also seen the expansion of industries such as manufacturing, energy, and retail.

Overall, Canadian County has a rich history rooted in agriculture, and has adapted to changing times to become a vibrant community with a diverse economy.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Canadian County, Oklahoma.

  • 1890 - Canadian County is founded as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
  • 1892 - The county seat is established in El Reno.
  • 1902 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad is built through the county.
  • 1909 - The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is established in Chickasha.
  • 1931 - The Great Depression reaches its peak, causing economic hardship in the county.
  • 1959 - The Canadian River is dammed to create Lake Overholser.
  • 1986 - The Canadian County Historical Museum is opened in El Reno.
  • 1999 - A tornado outbreak affects Canadian County, causing significant damage.
  • 2005 - Construction of the Canadian Valley Technology Center is completed.