First Methodist Church 
History of the First United Methodist Church of Eufaula

 

The beginning of the United Methodist Church in Eufaula, is deep-rooted in the early history of the Indians who were brought here in the forced removal as well as in the story of early territory days.

 Many of the Indians who were driven away from their lands in the south and who were forced to travel like cattle were already Christians of strong and long-standing faith. One of their first needs and earliest requests was for churches and schools in which to worship and be educated.

The fourth Annual Indian Mission Conference which opened on November 4, 1847, in the small wilderness church of Doaksville authorized the establishment of the very first Methodist Church and Mission School in the Creek Nation. Reverend William Capers was bishop and the head of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in this area. He appointed Reverend Thomas B. Ruble to head this new work.

 North Fork Town became a center of Creek life, just a short distance from the present town of Eufaula. Reverend Ruble taught and preached in any kind of shelter he could find. This shelter was usually a brush arbor.

The first school was named Asbury Manual Training School and was in a little log hut while the three story brick building was being erected nearby. The land, house, kitchen, chicken house, stable, and an orchard were acquired for $300. The cornerstone for the three story brick building was laid on July 19, 1848, and the overall cost of the completed Asbury Manual Training School was $9,169.

By the end of the first year, Asbury Mission Church, or First Methodist Church South, of North Fork Town, had a membership of 54. Thirty of these were Indians and 24 were non-Indians. The collection was considered good when it amounted to $6.75.

Then the Civil War began and the Indian Mission work was nearly destroyed. The Asbury Mission School was badly damaged by fire and neglect. It burned in 1866 or 1867 and the Eufaula Boarding School for Indian Girls, known as Eufaula High School, was built on a hill west of the Eufaula business district. The late Mrs. William McCombs registered as the first pupil. The Boarding School, too, was destroyed by fire on December 21, 1962.

In 1874 the name of Eufaula appeared for the first time in the list of church appointments. In 1878 the church and school at North Fork Town were separated and the church was moved into the business district of the town of Eufaula.

 Near the end of the century Eufaula was almost destroyed by fire and the church was moved from the charred ruins to the present site. Once again the church burned and in its place was built the little white church where many were christened, joined the church, were married and were saddened at the funerals of loved ones. It stood for 60 years before the present sanctuary was built.

 Many persons prominent in Methodism served the Eufaula Church. Samuel Checote was pastor, became presiding elder, and was also called the "Great Chief of the Creeks," as he served in this honored position three years.

 Dr. Theodore F. Brewer was pastor, became presiding elder, and served as president of some of the important Methodist colleges. He was also editor and publisher of the first church paper in Indian Territory.

 North Fork Town, which is where the church had its beginning, became an important stop on the Texas Road. A regiment of cavalry stationed there in 1855 had in it such names as Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnson, John B. Hood, and others who are well known now. No doubt these Christian men worshiped in our first little church which was then known as Asbury Mission.

 Through fires, wars, struggles, and defeats, there has always been
 victory for the church is now known as the First United Methodist Church of Eufaula.

 Perhaps through knowing this small portion of the church's history, the feelings will renew pride and dedication to the present place of worship.
 

ARTICLE FROM THE INDIAN JOURNAL, BICENTENNIAL EDITION, JUNE 1976 NO AUTHOR TO THE ARTICLE.

=== Submitted by Michael Gibson===