First Church Tulsa's 140th Anniversary
First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa Celebrates 140 Years of Faith, Service, and Music
TULSA, Okla. — First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, the city’s oldest organized congregation, will celebrate its 140th anniversary with a weekend of community events Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5. The celebration will highlight the church’s historic role in Tulsa, showcase its landmark sanctuary and the stained-glass artwork throughout the church, and culminate in the Tulsa premiere of two major organ works at the 52nd Annual Ron Pearson Organ Concert.
A Landmark with a Lasting Legacy
Founded in 1885 in Creek Nation, Indian Territory, First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa began with services held on the front porch of a general store. Under the leadership of Rev. Charles W. Kerr, who arrived in 1900 and served for more than 40 years, the church grew alongside the young city of Tulsa.
Over the decades, First Church has stood as a place of refuge and community. During the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the church sheltered victims fleeing violence. In 1925, the congregation completed its iconic stone sanctuary, today part of the National Register of Historic Places in the Oil Capital Historic District. By 1948, membership peaked at 5,000, making it the second-largest Presbyterian congregation in the United States.
The church continues its mission of worship, education, and outreach, serving Tulsa and beyond as a beacon of faith and community service.
Anniversary Weekend Events
Saturday, Oct. 4
Docent Tours and Bell Tower Tours — 10 a.m. to noon. Tours will run concurrently and continuously. This is your chance to step inside one of the church’s most unique spaces. Bell Tower Tours are limited in size for safety and involve climbing a steep stairway. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and slacks are advised for women.
Sunday, Oct. 5
Festival Sunday / World Communion Sunday Worship — 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Contemporary, Traditional, and International services will gather together for one combined service of worship.
140th Anniversary Celebration Lunch — 12:15 p.m. in Stephenson Hall. A time of celebration, food, and fellowship immediately following worship.
52nd Annual Organ Concert by Ron Pearson — 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Ron Pearson, Director of Music Ministries at First Presbyterian, has served the church for more than 50 years and is a respected figure in Tulsa’s music community. This year’s concert in the historic Sanctuary will showcase the power of more than 6,000 organ pipes, joined by the University of Tulsa Orchestra, proclaiming the glory of God. There will be a reception following in Miller Atrium.
A Musical Premiere for Tulsa
The anniversary weekend will conclude with a special musical event: the 52nd Annual Organ Concert presented by Ron Pearson, Music Director and Organist at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa. This year’s program will feature Tulsa’s first performance of Pater Noster (Our Father), a set of eight pieces by Canadian composer Denis Bédard, based on the ancient chant sung to the words of The Lord’s Prayer. The chant will be sung by Gretchen Bashforth, Associate Director of Music.
Also featured will be the Tulsa premiere of Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra by French composer Alexandre Guilmant, performed with the University of Tulsa Orchestra under the direction of Rick Wagner. While the piece is often performed as an organ sonata alone, this concert marks its first-ever collaborative performance in Tulsa with full orchestra.
About First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa
Established in 1885, First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa is the city’s oldest organized church. Known for its historic sanctuary, community outreach, and commitment to worship and education, the church continues to serve as a landmark of faith in downtown Tulsa.