A New Denomination Was Born
On April 23, 1968, with the words, "Lord of the Church, we are united in Thee, in Thy Church and now in The United Methodist Church," a new denomination was born.
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
John Wesley and the early Methodists placed primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action. This emphasis on what Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" has continued to be a hallmark of United Methodism today.
OUR CHRISTIANITY
God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons.
We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrate God's redeeming love.
The Holy Spirit is God's present activity in our midst. When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, it's the Holy Spirit at work.
Genesis 1:27 asserts that we've been made in the image of the Creator. Like God we have the capacity to love and care, to communicate, and to create.
The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today.
We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.
The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope.
Our Wesleyan Heritage
United Methodists trace our heritage back to a pair of brothers who started the Methodist movement in 1700s England. John and Charles Wesley, helped lead a movement to "spread Scriptural holiness over the land."
Additional information about the United Methodist Church can be found at
http://www.umc.org to explore our United Methodist history and beliefs.
Our LOCAL HISTORY
In the summer of 1895, D.C. Murphy, the local pastor, met with seven Methodists and organized the First Methodist Church of Stigler, Oklahoma. The first members were Mr. & Mrs. J.R. Mathis, J.S. Stigler, and the Reverend and Mrs. D.C. Murphy. Other members were soon added to total twenty-five charter members.
The Methodists built a small frame meeting house in the Old Town and this building was used for ten years until the railroad was built and the town moved west to its present site. They sold the original building and purchased lots on which to build the church which now stands at 502 N. Broadway. Forty-one stained glass windows purchased in 1908 help make the church a landmark of distinction. …The new stone building was completed with the corner stone being laid November 8, 1908.
Money for the church bell was raised by inviting members of a singing convention to participate in a box supper at the Methodist Church. J.R. Mathis took the proceeds, a total of $61.50, and bought the bell at cost from a Fort Smith lumber company. He paid for the bell in advance, because he was afraid outlaws would rob him before he completed his journey.
The Women’s Missionary Society was organized soon after 1895 and has continued throughout the years to be steadfast and effective in support of the home and the foreign mission programs. The organization is now know as the United Methodist Women (UMW).
In 1947 the church plant was modernized by the addition of an education building which met the church’s changing needs. In 1976 the church completed an additional building with additional classroom and fellowship space. The new building was named the Stumbaugh Annex in honor of Mr. A.C. Stumbaugh. The church carillion chimes were received in memory of Mr. Arnold Bell, given by his family, and handbells which were given anonymously.
The Church Store, a project of the UMW, began May 12, 1971. Throughout the years the store has provided funds to carry out the mission work of the U.M.W. and had helped to provide clothing for those in need.
In 1994, $21,000 was donated for the completed restoration and protection of the stained-glass windows.
Special worship and fellowship events continue to be planned throughout the year to give thanks to God for His blessings.
““We believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and of earth.And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried;the third day He rose form the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; and will come again to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen.””