Viewing page 2 of 5

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

The History of Vernon A.M.E. Church

Before Oklahoma gained statehood, pioneer African Methodist preachers planted seeds of this all inclusive religion in Tulsa, Indian Territory. Their call to follow Christ was to "all who believed in the gospel story of salvation." Whosoever would, could come and be identified with a church group which was founded by Richard Allen, whose motto was "God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Man our Brother." This motto, which ante-dates the Supreme Court's decision of May 17, 1954 on segregation by 167 years, was the Black slave's answer of love to years of proscription, discrimination, segregation, and slavery. It is the essence of the Christian Religion and was inherent in the gospel preached by such men as J.M. Granberry, Sr., J.F. Morris, G.H. Burton, J.E.W. Williams, Noah W. Moore, Sr., A.H. Hawkins, R.E. Devers, J.E. Roy, I.H. Hawkins and others. These gospel pioneers of territorial days had a story to tell - a story of God's Love for all. A story that challenged men to be men and not mendicants. A story that called men to industry and self-help - a story of unselfish service, not cringing subservience.

As a result of the work of these pioneers, we find that African Methodism first came to Tulsa, Indian Territory, in 1905, in a small one room house at 549 North Detroit. The Rev. J.E. Roy was a pastor. Charter members of this original group of Tulsa African Methodists were: J.J. Byrd, William Walker, Emma Lofton Woods, Maggie Vaden, Carrie Peck, Marie Barksdale, Mary Ivory and Laura Martin.

From 1905 to 1908, Vernon was relocated to several sites - from 114 North Greenwood, then to Barksdale Hall at Archer and Hartford Streets. In 1908, the church was finally located on its present site, 307 North Greenwood. The Rev. J.F.W. Phillips was its pastor.

During the race riot of June 1, 1921, a fire swept through the North Tulsa community completely destroying what was nationally known as the "Black Wall Street of America;" and along with it, the New Sanctuary of Vernon Church, which was under construction at the time, leaving only the basement intact. Cleaning and repairs were completed in time for the Booker T. Washington High School Class to hold its graduation exercises in the basement.

In 1954, under the leadership of the Rev. Ben H. Hill, a pastor's residence was purchased and a Religious Education Child Care Center was organized and housed in the Allen Building. In 1957, erection of an education building began. The building that is now "Faith Hall" was dedicated. The late Dr. Benjamin Harrison Hill served as pastor of Vernon for 19 years. Under his leadership the church grew in every aspect of the Christian life and witness.

From one room and eight members to the present multi million dollar campus, Vernon has marched steadily onward. Through many difficult periods in her history, the lights of her stewardship and benevolence have not diminished but continue to burn brightly.

Vernon has ministered to the Tulsa community under the leadership of twenty pastors and twenty-three Bishops.

Vernon Church takes great pride in continuing its ministry under the leadership of its Senior Minister, Dr. Isaac Nelson Hudson, Jr. In 1995, in a special session, the Church Conference voted unanimously to adopt and implement the "Vernon Vision Miracle Project," presented by Dr. Hudson. The project will continue into the year 2000 and will add greater dimensions to our base ministry and provide a more user-friendly campus and state of the art technology. The first phase of the campus restoration that included the renovation of the pastor's residence (Vernon Place) was completed at a cost of $275,000.00. The second and final phase of the restoration of the Church facility is estimated to cost $200,000.00. Today we begin the task of attaining that goal. We invite you, and the Tulsa community to join us in prayer and with your support in bringing to pass God's divine plan.

[[image-African Methodist Episcopal Church logo]]

PASTORS
-------
Rev. J.E. Roy, 1905-1906
Rev. H.A. Devers, 1906-1907
Rev. G.H. Burton, 1907-1908
Rev. J.E.W. Phillips, 1908-1909
Rev. A.G. Washington, 1909-1910
Rev. J.A. Johnson, 1910-1914
Rev. C.R. Tucker, 1914-1921
Rev. W.C.B. Lewis, June 1921-December 1921
Rev. P.W. DeLyle 1922-1925
Rev. J.I. Mosley, 1925-1929
Rev. R.A. King, 1929-1936
Rev. F.A. Roundtree, 1936-June 1937
Rev. W.A. Jennings, June 1937
Rev. J.S. Johnson, June 1940-November 1946
Rev. LC. Browning, November 1946-1949
Rev. Ben H. Hill, November 1949-1968
Rev. David J. Brown, 1968-1974
Rev. E.W. Dawkins, 1974-1986
Rev. David R. Stuckey, 1986-1994
Rev. Isaac Nelson Hudson, Jr., 1994

Bishops
-------
Evans Tyree
J.S. Flipper
W.C. Chappelle
J.M. Conner
H.B. Parks
W.D. Johnson
H.Y. Tookes
E.J. Howard
G.E. Curry
Joseph Allen Alexander
J.H. Clayborn
W.A. Fountain
R.R. Wright, Jr.
W.B. Wilkes
S.L. Green, Sr.
O.L. Sherman
J.D. Bright
G.N. Collins
D.W. Nichols
Frederick Calhoun James
H. Hartford Brookins
Henry Allen Belin, Jr.
Frederick Hilborn Talbot

[[image-church with caption "A CITADEL FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE WHERE CHRIST IS CENTER"]]