About

The church was organized in 1890, shortly after the Indian Territory was opened for settlement, in a small building near the Robinson School. This was done under the leadership of Rev J.P. Lane, a foremost minister and educator of his day. The building was later destroyed by a windstorm. Services were then held in the Blackburn School, which was a small dug-out school. Next the services were moved to the Modern Woodmen Lodge Hall in the little hamlet of Franklin.

Dr. Charles Hoshall promoted the building of a church in Franklin. The building materials were hauled in by wagons. Mr. Jordan donated & hauled rock for the foundation from a farm northeast of Franklin. Mr. Johnson started a building fund with a contribution of $500.00. The ladies held a fundraising dinner to raise money for the new building. The cornerstone of the new church was laid during a freezing rain. Rev Vada Davis came to Franklin in 1905 and remained until the church was completed in 1907. (This information was found in some papers belonging to the late Rev. B.M. Nelson)

The history of this church includes a great number of God-fearing people who have walked across the pages of time until His word became alive and continues to live on this corner of the world.

Then on May 13, 1962, Rev B.M. Nelson and the people of Franklin Methodist Church faced a tremendous task. During the morning service, lightening struck the bell tower & the church burned to the ground. (Most all of the furniture was removed while the church was still burning and several of those pieces are still in use in the sanctuary today.) Just to keep the church going had been a struggle; to give up would be easy. But, with prayers, help, & much hard work, the old was removed, and a new modern and beautiful church began to take shape. It was as if God had seen the need of a new beginning. A new life with the spirit & power of the Christian men, women, & children of all time, and the people of this area accepted the work of these people live forever in this house that has been dedicated to true & Holy worship of God.

The wood frame building was destroyed but the Spirit of the church lives on. Let the spirit continue to live on and in us as we build for the future and make disciples for Jesus Christ.

(Thanks to our late pastor Rev A.L. Oliver who researched and recorded the early day history of the church while it could still be found. This information has been taken from what he recorded.)