First United Methodist Church of Drumright
115 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Drumright, OKThe Drumright Methodist Church is significant for two reasons: (1) it played an important role in establishing a moral code to follow in the lawless and vice-ridden oil boom town of Drumright, and (2) the elaborate nature of the church building which was erected in an era of primitive boom town conditions when most structures were temporary and built as inexpensively as possible.
Churches served as essential social institutions in the process of strengthening communities in the Cushing oil field towns. They were one of the first organizations established in the oil field towns. They provided a social outlet for oil field workers and their families as well as establishing morality in the boom towns where law enforcement and justice were scarce.
The elaborate features and amount of funds invested in the Drumright Methodist Church building reflected the newly-acquired wealth derived from oil field royalties. Aaron Drumright, co-founder of the town, contributed a large portion of the building costs totaling $ 45,000. Drumright's wealth was attained through the sale of oil leases and townsite properties.
The church is the only English Gothic style building in the Cushing oil field area. The stained glass windows are unique because of the leaded diamond pane construction and the designs of the stained glass windows along the north and south sides of the sanctuary. There are five distinct pairs of window patterns, each matching on the north and south walls. The window patterns have no narrative content which is unusual for a religious structure of this scale. These ornate features were an attempt at sophistication for a small oil boom town in Oklahoma.
Local significance of the building:
Churches served as essential social institutions in the process of strengthening communities in the Cushing oil field towns. They were one of the first organizations established in the oil field towns. They provided a social outlet for oil field workers and their families as well as establishing morality in the boom towns where law enforcement and justice were scarce.
The elaborate features and amount of funds invested in the Drumright Methodist Church building reflected the newly-acquired wealth derived from oil field royalties. Aaron Drumright, co-founder of the town, contributed a large portion of the building costs totaling $ 45,000. Drumright's wealth was attained through the sale of oil leases and townsite properties.
The church is the only English Gothic style building in the Cushing oil field area. The stained glass windows are unique because of the leaded diamond pane construction and the designs of the stained glass windows along the north and south sides of the sanctuary. There are five distinct pairs of window patterns, each matching on the north and south walls. The window patterns have no narrative content which is unusual for a religious structure of this scale. These ornate features were an attempt at sophistication for a small oil boom town in Oklahoma.
Architecture; Social History
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
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.
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The state animal of Oklahoma is the American Bison, which was once hunted nearly to extinction in the 19th century. Today, bison are raised on ranches in Oklahoma and other states for their meat, hides, and other products.
About Creek County
Creek County Timeline
Creek County, Oklahoma has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Nation, which gave the county its name. These tribes thrived in the region, relying on the fertile land and abundant rivers for their sustenance.
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. government forced the Creek Nation to cede their lands through treaties, resulting in the establishment of Creek County. The area was then opened for settlement, attracting pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly formed Indian Territory. The arrival of settlers brought significant changes to the region, with the growth of towns and the development of agriculture and commerce.
During the early 1900s, Creek County experienced a boom in the oil industry. The discovery of oil reserves led to a rapid influx of wealth and population in the area. Oil wells sprouted across the county, attracting workers and investors from far and wide. This oil boom brought a significant economic boost to Creek County, as well as infrastructure development such as roads and railways.
In recent years, Creek County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While the oil industry remains a prominent player, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Creek County is home to a number of historical sites and natural attractions, including Keystone Lake and the Creek Nation Tribal Complex, which draw visitors from near and far.
Overall, Creek County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to build a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Oklahoma.
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. government forced the Creek Nation to cede their lands through treaties, resulting in the establishment of Creek County. The area was then opened for settlement, attracting pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly formed Indian Territory. The arrival of settlers brought significant changes to the region, with the growth of towns and the development of agriculture and commerce.
During the early 1900s, Creek County experienced a boom in the oil industry. The discovery of oil reserves led to a rapid influx of wealth and population in the area. Oil wells sprouted across the county, attracting workers and investors from far and wide. This oil boom brought a significant economic boost to Creek County, as well as infrastructure development such as roads and railways.
In recent years, Creek County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While the oil industry remains a prominent player, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Creek County is home to a number of historical sites and natural attractions, including Keystone Lake and the Creek Nation Tribal Complex, which draw visitors from near and far.
Overall, Creek County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to build a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Oklahoma.
Creek County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Creek County, Oklahoma.
- 1892 - Creek County is established as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, and Creek County is incorporated within the new state.
- 1908 - Oil is discovered in Creek County, leading to an economic boom.
- 1923 - The Creek County Courthouse, located in Sapulpa, is completed.
- 1937 - The Creek County Fair is established, becoming an annual event.
- 1961 - The Turner Turnpike, a toll road running through Creek County, is opened.
- 1979 - The Creek County Jail is built in Sapulpa.
- 1999 - A tornado strikes Creek County, causing significant damage.
- 2010 - Creek County celebrates its centennial anniversary.