St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church was the name chosen at its unofficial beginning on January 7, 1953, when thirty-two faithful Episcopalians met with the Bishop Coadjutor of Oklahoma, The Rt. Rev. Chilton Powell.

They met in a school room of what was later to become Jarman Junior High School. The next Sunday, in the very same room, St, Christopher’s held its first worship service conducted by a Lay Reader, Mr. George Ande of St. Paul’s, Oklahoma City. There were thirty-five present. The following Sunday services were held in the gymnasium of Westside Grade School. The Third Sunday Bishop Powell celebrated Holy Communion, and encouraged the fifty-five people present to continue in their efforts to build a church.

The new mission was established largely through the efforts of William R. Robins of All Souls’ Church, Oklahoma City, who used his Christmas vacation surveying the area. Also helping the group was Charles M. McCrae, who had served as diocesan keyman for the past four years.

St. Christopher’s at this time was the first mission to be formed through the work of the laymen’s movement of the Diocese, apart from the efforts of the parish or mission clergy. The name chosen describes a new congregation, planted among travelers and a shifting population.

Twelve persons were baptized and nineteen were confirmed during the first year. The Bishop appointed a Priest-in-Charge. By the end of the second year, after meeting in a school for two years, plans were laid for a new home. “The Resolution Authorizing the Incorporation of a Corporation to be know as St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church of Midwest City, Oklahoma” was adopted January 10, 1956. The “Articles of Incorporation of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church of Midwest City, Oklahoma” were signed by the members of the vestry.

St. Christopher’s Episcopal was built because of its proximity to Tinker Field which was expanding during this period of time.

A warranty deed was signed by W. P. Atkinson and Ruby Atkinson which conveyed property to the Protestant Episcopal Church dated July 11, 1955. R. Duanne Conner was the architect who drew up the plans for the new building. The contractor was Frederickson-Parks, Inc of Oklahoma City.

In April 1956, construction of the building which is currently serving as the Parish Hall was underway. On August 12, 1956, the first service was held in the new building. On September 1, 1956, The Reverend Frank Cohoon, the new permanent Vicar, celebrated the Holy Eucharist for the first time in the new building.

After a study was done, the Vestry decided in March of 1958, to construct a new educational building. On May 3, 1959 a ground breaking ceremony was held and construction began in July of 1959. On October 18, 1959 the new church school opened with 191 people in attendance.

 

The Rev. Frank Cahoon was replaced by the Rev. Lawrence Pierson in February pf 1962. On October 14, 1964 a special congregational meeting voted to build a new building which is the present day sanctuary. Also included in this construction were a Rector’s study and business offices.

A brochure stated, “The nave designed to seat 300 comfortably. Present building freed for use as Parish Hall. Air-condition Church School classrooms. Three additional classrooms for Church School. Landscape front of church. Retirement of present debt. Paved drives and parking area for 100 cars.” Ground breaking ceremonies were held June 6, 1965. It was dedicated on January 16, 1966.

St. Christopher’s was classified as a Mission until May 5, 1972 when it was admitted to Parish Status by the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. The Rev. Philip Crow was appointed Vicar on May 1, 1969. It was during Fr. Crow’s tenure that St. Christopher’s became a Parish and he became the first Rector. Fr. Crow served until January 1983.

History of those served:
The Rev. Frank Cohoon 1956 - 1962 Vicar
The Rev. Lawrence Pierson 1962 – 1969 Vicar
The Rev. Philip Crow 1969 – 1983 Vicar/Rector
Stanley M. Donham 1963 – 1967 perpetual Deacon
1967 – 1985 Curate
The Rev. Richard Allen 1984 – 1984 Interim
The Rev. Ron Satterfield 1985 – 1986 Rector
The Rev. Thomas L Haifley 1987 – Retired December 2005 Rector
The Rev. Emily Schnabl 2006 - 2008 Interim
The Rev. Emily Schnabl 2008 - Present Rector