History

            Bixby became a government town site with a post office in 1899. Located in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Indian Territory, Bixby was named in honor of Tams Bixby, a chairman of the Dawes Commission. The original 80-acre town site was approved in 1902. Many settlers were attracted to the area by the rich, though sometimes swampy river bottom land. In 1904 the Midland Valley Railroad laid tracks and built a depot in Bixby. This created factions that briefly split Bixby into two towns. The new part of town was deliberately surveyed so that the new streets did not align with the existing ones. Bixby incorporated as an independent, self-governing town in 1906. The first mayor, recorder and five aldermen were elected in February, 1907. In 1911, a two-story brick schoolhouse was built on Main Street. Bixby Central Elementary is now near the original site. A traffic bridge was built over the Arkansas River in 1911, and for a time was said to be the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River.

 

            Bixby was impacted and enriched by the discovery of nearby oil fields in 1913, but farming remained the backbone of the community well into the 20th Century. Early farmers focused on production of cotton, wheat and alfalfa in the rich river bottom. During the 1930s, truck farming of vegetables slowly replaced those crops. In 1941 Bixby became an important regional center for shipping produce by railroad. It was at that time that Bixby was christened with its nick-name "The Garden Spot of Oklahoma," a designation still carried on the town seal and public vehicles. Cantaloupes, potatoes, radishes, squash, turnips, spinach and sweet corn were shipped from Bixby all over the U.S. In time, the majority of the truck farms were converted to the production of sod, typically Bermuda grass, or developed for residential and other purposes. Only a small percentage of Bixby residents now work in agriculture, but the town continues to celebrate its earthy roots with the yearly "Green Corn Festival" in June.

 

            Another point of history commemorated by Bixby is the 1832 visit to the area by the famous American writer Washington Irving. Irving accompanied a U.S. Army exploration party on an excursion from Fort Gibson west onto the prairie and the lands occupied by the Osage and Pawnee tribes. He described his adventure in his book “A Tour on the Prairies” (1835). In it, he relates camping in a grove of large trees on the banks of the Arkansas River in what is present day Bixby. The town has honored his visit by the creation of Washington Irving Park and Arboretum near the location.

 

 

            TheFirst Baptist Church of Bixby was organized in 1903 with twenty-two (22) charter members: (Rev. and Mrs. J.E. Hobbs, Mr. and Mrs. John Horn, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Dill, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Anglin, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Neafus, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Spurgeon, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Mulkey, Mrs. Anna Brown, Mrs. Emma Horn, Mrs. Bettie Miller, Mr. Don Miller, Mr. Freeborn Miller, and Mr. Henry Miller.) The first meeting place was an old frame building on the east side of town about where Spartan Stadium is located. Rev. J.E. Hobbs was called to serve as the pastor of the newly organized church. The first deacons were Chris Mulkey and M.S. Anglin.   

 

 

            The first house of worship, erected upon the present site was destroyed by fire on June 23, 1911. The fire was set by bootleggers because they did not want a church in town. A new auditorium was built in 1912. The first parsonage was built about 1915. The basement and annex to the church was constructed in 1929.

 

 

            The Women’s Missionary Union sponsored an active Y.W.A. during the years from 1917 to 1921. Mrs. Ben Miller was leader.

 

           

            During the ministry of Rev. Atterberry, the church established a mission at Stonebluff. July 12, 1933, twenty-five members were granted letters for perfecting a church organization at Stone Bluff.  

             The first Vacation Bible School was conducted during 1935.   A Vacation Bible School has been held every summer since it was first instituted.

 

            Our church was first represented at Falls Creek Assembly in 1935. Our church has been represented every year since (except the war years and the two years 1938 and 1939.)

 

 

            The church sponsored a mission at Leonard in 1943-44 which was later organized into a full-time church, in March 1945.

 

 

            Exercising a time honored Baptist prerogative, fifty four members of the church withdrew from our fellowship, March 24, 1954, to organize what is now the Riverview Baptist Church, north of town.

  

 

            We had an active Brotherhood, Missionary Society, Girls Auxiliary, and Royal Ambassador chapter. 

 

 

            A house at 112 E. Breckenridge to be used as the parsonage was purchased and ground was cleared for erection of the new educational building.  Ora Holloway turned the first dirt in May 1961. Upon the evening of December 28, 1961, the parsonage was severely damaged by fire.  The cost of restoring the dwelling was greatly reduced by donated time and materials. Work on the educational building was completed in 1963.

 

 

            The 1962 resident membership was 337. Under the direction of Pastor Dr. B. Carroll Schmidt, the church began two new ministries:

 

            A much needed ministry to migrant workers, in cooperation with many churches in the Tulsa Baptist Association. Under the capable administration of Mrs. Enola Robinson and the local health center we distributed good clothing, layettes and baby foods to scores of migrants and needy local families.

 

            The second ministry was performed by our new pastor, Dr. Schmidt, in the field of pastoral psychiatry and personal counseling. This was a new and profitable ministry for our church, although the pastor made no charge for his services.

 

 

  

 

            The church sponsored Liberty Baptist Chapel Mission, located at 201st and Harvard, on October 1, 1972. This became a church eight months later on May 27, 1973. Our church granted 48 letters of dismissal to become charter members of the new church.

 

 

            Property consisting of a house and a 50' lot at 12 South Main was purchased January 10, 1973, and rented out to help pay for property. The church voted to sell the parsonage and metal building at 112 E Breckenridge and make a graveled parking lot on the space. Also on November 13, 1974, the first bus was purchased. A second bus was added on July 9, 1975. The first bus route was begun March 2, 1975.   

 

 

            A Senior Citizens program of bi-monthly dinner meeting was started in February of 1975.   We began sponsoring a child in the Owasso Children's Home. Needy Children's Christmas Party was held in December 1977. Fifteen Bixby area children attended, each received a large gift and a Christmas stocking filled with oranges, apples, candy, and a small toy. The W.M.U. collected 18 Bibles in June 1978 and sent to the World Home Bible League for use on the mission fields.

 

 1978 75^th Anniversary Celebration

 

            In May 1978, the church celebrated its 75th Anniversary. Commemorative plates with present church and old church pictures were presented to those who attended 10 out of 11 Sundays before the celebration.

  

 

            After a tornado on Easter Sunday night, April 1981, we found many of our church families and friends in need. W.M.U. organized clothing and immediate needs collection. Those needs were met as quickly as possible.   Church families whose homes were destroyed were:  Mr. and Mrs. Glen Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Hill, and Mr. and Mrs. Ron Wade. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Kannady had severe storm damage to their home and farm.

 

 

            City-Wide Crusade with Larry Jones as evangelist was held in July 1981 at the Football Stadium.   This crusade was sponsored by our church and other Bixby area churches. In October 1981, the church carried out the "God Cares For You" scripture distribution plan. This provided 2,000 Bibles to be placed in homes in the Bixby area.

 

 

            January 19 - February 2, 1982 found Brother Odell Carpenter, Charlie Hill, and Berri and Larry Matz representing our church, with about 100 others from the Tulsa Baptist Association, in the Philippine Islands for a crusade. Approximately 10,000 souls were won to the Lord that week.

 

            Combined efforts of Bixby area Baptist churches brought Evangelist Herman Rios to a city-wide crusade at the Football Stadium in July 1982.

 

            April 17, 1983, 80th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, was attended by 368 in Sunday School with probably 400 in worship. Old fashion and western wear was the dress of the day.   There were pony cart rides for the children and antique displays in the auditorium. Dinner on the grounds and afternoon services were held.

 

 

            In May of 1984, the church voted that we erect a new two-story educational building to include a kitchen and fellowship hall and to remodel the old building to include offices.  On January 13, 1985, the church had the Building by Faith Campaign Banquet to kick off the fund raising campaign. Ground Breaking Ceremonies for the new educational building were held on March 17, 1985.  March 31, 1985, Pastor Odell Carpenter preached from the rooftop.

 

 

 

            Doc Brown Appreciation Day was attended by 400 friends and church family on January 6, 1985. A steeple was given to the church in May, 1985, by Doc and Betty Brown, and on September 29, 1985, the new educational building was dedicated. November 14, 1985, our beloved deacon Doc Brown entered Heaven's Gate. Celebration Sunday was April 27, 1986, for the purpose of unveiling the plaque naming the building "Doc Brown Educational Building" and celebrating the completion of our building program.

 

 

            The church approved a letter of support and prayers for Larry and Berri Gayle Matz as they attend Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee.   On April 12, 1987, Larry Matz was ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister. Berri Gayle (Williams) Matz grew up in First Baptist Church. She gave her life to Christ and was baptized on July 31, 1974. After years of serving God, Berri Gayle and her husband Larry Matz obeyed His call to serve as missionaries to the Philippines. Berri served as a career missionary for eleven months touching the lives of thousands. Berri was 36 years old when the Lord took her home. Berri is the daughter of Marvin and Ruth Williams.

 

  

            On October 1, and again on October 4 and 5, 1986, Bixby as well as other communities along the Arkansas River, were flooded. On October 5th, for the first time in many years no church services were held.   Many of our church members were unfortunate victims of the flood waters.

 

 

A food pantry and benevolence fund was set up to help the needy in the community in February 1987.  March 15, 1987 was a special emphasis day "One Place, One Accord Day"; a record attendance of 556 was achieved.

 

 

April 17, 1988, the church celebrated its 85th Anniversary. Attendance in Sunday School was 458. The oldest continuous members present were D.U. and Katherine Wade. Oldest member present was Charlie Cheeves. Dr. Garnet Cole delivered the message.

 

 1989 Bell Chimes

 

A Carillon Bell Chimes system was given in memory of Charles and Birdie Cheeves.

 

 

July 15, 1990, the property directly across from the church to the north at 111 E. Breckenridge, better known as the Elder Property, was bought for $20,000. January 6, 1991, the church voted to purchase property at 9 South "B" Street (Lockyear property) for a price of $20,000. April 10, 1991, the church voted to purchase a new computer system; also to commission a new cross-shaped pulpit to be built. On August 7, 1991, the church voted to extend the choir platform and to carpet it. On January 8, 1992, the church voted to tear down the house at 9 South "B" Street. February 12, 1992, the baptistery dressing rooms were remodeled. In May 1992, the playground was developed. February 1994, purchased the Bixby Lumber Co. property for $54,000 and the Sunbelt Railroad property east of the parking lot for $4,000. December 1994 – purchased Railroad Property Tract 3 and 4 for $3,363.

 

            March 28, 1993 was “Covered Wagon Day” to celebrate the 90^th Anniversary.

 

 

Began ministry at Bixby Manor Nursing Home. Hosted Octoberfest for City of Bixby at lumber-yard.

 

 

August 1997- Started Beep/Base School (Bixby Early Education Program) (Bixby After School Enrichment) with 12 enrolled.

 

Established the Berri Matz Memorial Fund. Accumulated interest from the fund will be mailed to the urban ministry team of which Berri was a member in Davao City, Philippines.

 

 

Gave financial support to churches in the Oklahoma City area for tornado victims. Financial supports the “Help Line” at Specialty Care Nursing Home in Bixby. Held a Bible drive for inmates through Prison Invasion Ministry. Purchased property at 20 S Main Street, Bixby, OK.

 

 

Sponsor the Bixby Senior Citizens program for the year 2000 for the Tulsa Community Food Bank. July 2000 – Motion carried to construct a 150’ x 80’ family center at the lumber yard location at the intersection of Montgomery & Dawes. Financially supported the Lagao Baptist Church, Philippines with a $400 contribution for advanced training for missionary work.   November 2000 – Hosted Pastor Nazir Nisih from First Baptist Church, Chandigarh, India who shared his testimony and the work of his church and their Baptist school. A reception for Pastor Nisih was held and a love offering was given to support the ministry in India.

 

Financially supported Steve Carmichael’s mission trip to India.  Supported Pastor Keith Henson’s mission trip to Philippines. Hosted the annual Antique Tractor Pull during Bixby’s Green Corn Festival. The Youth participated in the Fair Outreach. Supported Steve Carmichael’s mission trip to Albania by selling $1,600 worth of popcorn.

 

 

October 26^th 2003 - Centennial Celebration held. Became a sponsor for the Bixby Senior Citizens group. November 2003 – Replaced Preschool carpeting. Sent Bibles, $300 offering, and Sunday School materials to ministry in the Philippines.

 

 

Begin Sunday School at Sand Plum Retirement Center. 

 

 

 

Sold rental property on South Main Street. April 2005 – Remodeled Pre-K room with new carpet, paint, and changing table. October 27 2005 - Started a Church Web Site www. fbcbixby.org. November 2005 – Plans approved to reroof the south side of the sanctuary and carpet youth area, relocate bell tower, and replace informational sign. Supported Bixby Area Neighbors with financial contributions, needed items, and volunteers.  Began FAITH Evangelism Strategy.

 

 

February 2006 – Remodeled Youth area by removing some walls, replace the ceiling, paint, and new carpet. April 2006 – First Mission Trip to Monterrey, Mexico with Pastor Monte Moran and Crusades for Christ. May 2006 – Kelly Norris mission trip to Africa. June 2006 – Support Riverwalk Community Church with 1% of undesignated offerings. November 2006 - Started uploading video of Sunday Worship Services on the church website and make DVD’s of Worship Services. Sent $500 to the ministry in Philippines to help purchase computers. Prepared 50 bags for children during the Mexico mission trip. December 2006 – Support Gillette Smith’s mission trip to China.

 

 

Jan. 2008 – Contracted John Parker, Education Consultant to help grow Sunday School attendance. June 2008 – Renovated sanctuary; replace pews with chairs, paint over paneling, and install new carpet. Resealed and mark parking lot, purchased convection oven, and painted parsonage and church offices. Olan Mills Church Directory published.  July 2008 – Endorse Katie Norris for scholarship at Oklahoma Baptist University for studies in Foreign Missions. Sept. 2008 – Added Blog to church web page. Dec. 2008 – Motion carried to purchase 12 acres west of town from church member Lucille Watkins. 

 

 

Feb. 2009 – Improved nursery with counter and locking gate. Added commercial refrigerator to kitchen. July 2009 – Recommended Richard Baker for a scholarship at Oklahoma Baptist University.

 

 

 

            June 2010 – Began “The Master’s Plan” Capital Stewardship Campaign culminating in the Special Event Banquet scheduled for August 25^th in the Fellowship Hall. The goal is to raise two times our annual budget over three years which is $500,000 toward the relocation of Bixby’s First Baptist Church.

 

 

Many people, buildings and projects have come and gone down through the history of First Baptist Church, Bixby, Oklahoma.

 

Accomplishments of the past should only make us look to the future, to work more diligently for the Lord.

 

 

Rev. J.E. Hobbs - 1903

Rev. Easton

Rev. Pennington

Rev. Teal

Rev. Dodson

Rev. Gardner - 1915

Rev. Gambrell - 1919

Rev. Bradley

Rev. Sroup

Rev. Johnson - 1929

Rev. Storer

Rev. Stapp

Rev. Atterberry - 1933

Rev. Bland

Rev. Mizell - 1935

Rev. I. G. DeVine - 1940

Rev. R. D. Byrum - 1957 (interim)

Dr. E. G. Cooper - 1957-1960

Rev. Leo Perry (interim)

Rev. Bill Bates - 1960-1962

Rev. Harry Morgan - 1962 (interim)

Dr. B. Caroll Schmidt - 1962-1971

Rev. Paul Brown - 1971 (interim)

Rev. Jerald White - 1971-1974

Rev. Tony Barnes (interim)

Dr. Odell Carpenter - 1974-1990

Rev. Vance Wiley - 1990 (interim)

Rev. Ken Shiplet - 1991

Rev. Vance Wiley – 1993-1996

Rev. Garnet Cole, Interim

Rev. Keith Henson 1996 - 2001

Rev. Jerry Fielder, Interim September 2001 – Oct. 2002

Rev. Terry Webster - Oct. 2002 – Nov. 2004

Rev. Jerry Fielder, Interim Nov. 2004 – May 2005

Dr. Monte Moran – May 2005 - present

 

James Burson - 1925-1941

Kenneth Elmore - 1954-1957

Bob Hall - 1958

Bill Ellis - 1966

David Fuller - 1970

Charlotte Hildebrant - 1974-1981 and 1983-1989

Dale Proctor - 1981

Tom Clark - 1989

Barry and Anita Hayes – Jan. 1995 - March 1995

Terry DeBolt - May 1995 -2006

Gary Thomas, Interim - Sept. 2006 - Aug. 2007

Jimmy Don Miller – 2008 - 2009

Jeremy Rowan – 2009 – present (Associate Pastor of Music and Students)

Russell Slack - 1977-1979

Jim Canifax - 1979-1980

Jonathan Reichman - 1980-1983 (Youth and Education Director)

Bill Eubanks – 1983 -1988 (Youth and Education Director)

Stan Wilkins - 1988-1990 (Youth and Education Director)

Tom Clark – 1990 (interim Music and Education Director)

Terry Jaggers – 1991 (interim)

Tom Clark – 1991 (Associate Pastor - Music and Education)

Terry Jaggers – 1991 (Associate Pastor - Youth and Outreach Director)

Gary Davis Interim 1995 –Aug. 1996

O’Brien Satcher 1997

Griffin Smith 2003

Case Hubbart June 2003 – Dec. 2004

Garrett Hankins – Oct. 2005 – Aug. 2009

Jeremy Rowan – 2009 – present (Associate Pastor of Music and Students)

 

On April 12, 1987, Larry Matz was ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister.

On March 27, 1988 Joe Gibson was ordained as a Southern Baptist Minister.

On January 3, 1993, the church voted to ordain Terry Jaggers to the ministry.

During the 90 years' ministry, the church has had the privilege of having set aside several men for the ministry. Ben Miller, Charlie Waymire, T.L. Glazebrook, Joseph Urbon and others have been licensed.

April 21, 1991, the church voted to license Lyndell Nolan to preach.

May 1998- License Steve Carmichael to preach.

Ordained Garrett Hankins to the ministry 2008.

 

 

Mr. Chris Mulkey

Mr. M.S. Anglin

Mr. Lee Smith

Mr. Roy "Doc" Brown

Mr. Monroe Stephens

Mr. Wayne Bullock

Mr. Ervin Mitchell

Mr. John O'Hara

Mr. Marvin Williams

Mr. D.U. Wade

Mr. Earnest Cox

Mr. Leonard Crockett

Mr. Eugene Lykins

Mr. Jack Selby

Mr. Kenny Gibson

Mr. Bob Wilkerson

Mr. Steve Gilbert

Mr. Larry Foster

Mr. Joe Spigener

Mr. Joe Gibson

Mr. Dean Westberry

Mr. Ken Hargrove

Mr. James Conley

Mr. Clyde Baxter

Mr. Ron Hildebrant

Mr. Terry Jaggers

Mr. Jerry Ezell

Mr. Dan Hegwer

Mr. Larry Poffen

Mr. Lyle McGowan

Mr. Ken Hargrove

Mr. Steve Vandervort

Mr. Don Decker

Mr. Terry DeBolt

Mr. Herschel Hibbard

Mr. Lyle Redding

Mr. Stacy Paul Earp

Mr. George Roberts

Mr. Colin Kelley

Mr. Phil Parsons

Mr. Steve Bailey