First Church Tulsa History timeline from 1992 to 2023

EXHIBIT

Historical Timeline of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa 1992-2023

Historical Timeline of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa From 1992 - 2023 under the leadership of Dr. James David Miller, Senior Pastor

1992

Dr. James David Miller majored in history at Wheaton College in Illinois and received a Master of Divinity degree from the Princeton Theological Seminary. For four years following seminary, Jim served as an adjunct professor of Greek at Wheaton College.

He began his pastoral ministry in 1981 at the Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, serving middle school and high school students.

In 1985, Dr. Miller and his wife, Diane, left for Edinburgh, Scotland where he began Ph.D. work in New Testament studies at the University of Edinburgh. Upon graduation, they returned to Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, where he served as the Theologian in Residence and Associate Pastor for Adult Education until 1992.

On August 23, 1992 Dr. James David Miller preached his Candidate’s sermon at First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Miller accepted the call and began his tenure on October 1, 1992.

1992

1992 Dr. Miller next to his brother, Jonathan, at his ordination.

Jim, Diane, David and Courtaney Miller

1992 Bulletin from Dr. Miller’s first worship service and sermon at First Presbyteran Church of Tulsa after he began his call and tenure as Senior Pastor in October 1992.

1992 Letter to the congregation welcoming Dr. Miller.

1993 Pastors Jim Miller, William Wiseman, Ernest Lewis and Bryant Kirkland in March 1993.

1993 In October 1993, Session approved a contract to purchase the Masonic Temple building on Boston Avenue. After purchase in 1994, the building was renamed the Bernsen Community Life Center.

The Miller Family

Spring Festival at Camp Loughridge

1994 Christmas events, 1994

1995 The first “Kids Kamp” was held at Camp Loughridge in 1994. In 1995, Camp Loughridge was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation with its own operating board.

First Church also celebrated the groundbreaking for the addition to the Kirkland Chapel. And, in 1995, the first “Home Alone Thanksgiving Dinner” was held at the camp.

1995 In 1995 and the church celebrated its 110th anniversary.

Ron Pearson became the Director of Music Ministries.

1995 Dr. Miller’s letter in the 1995 Annual Report

1997

1997 In 1997, First Presbyterian Church dedicated the Hille Community Service Wing of the Bernsen building as well as the renovated Kirkland Chapel.

In 1997, Helping Hand moved to the Bernsen Center and became a nonprofit entity.

1997 First Church built their first Habitat for Humanity House and the Stephen Ministry program began.

1998 First Presbyterian Church has had a long history with Tulsa Boys’ Home.

1998 Evenings at the Bernsen, a musical concert series, began in 1998.

1999 In 1999, the 9:30 a.m. a contemporary worship service was added to the Sunday morning schedule. Wednesday Night Downtown began and contiunes to be a regular program to this day.

In 2001, Deacons started the Project Merry Christmas ministry and our new school partner in Mission was Alcott Elementary School.

The First Church Singing Men were established.

2001 Boy Scouts from Troop 1 served as ushers and handed out bulletins before worship on 5th Sundays throughout the year. .

Chancel Choir Palm Sunday Concert, 2001

2001 Bluegrass and BBQ event at Camp Loughridge

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa Sanctuary

2001 Officers in the class of 2000, 2001 and 2002

2001 Dr. Miller’s Pastor’s Report in 2001

2003 Dr. Miller featured in the Tulsa World, May 18, 2003

2004 On September 12, 2004 the First Presbyterian Church Columbarium was dedicated in the 11:00 worship service.

Ron Pearson celebrated his 30th anniversary at First Church in August 2004.

First Fruits stewardship campaign in 2005.

2005 Vacation Bible School 2005

2006 Chancel Choir Spring Concert, April 2006

2006 Meals on Wheels June 2006

Children in the choir in March 2006

2006 Ron Pearson at the organ in the Sanctuary, 2006

2006 The pews were replaced in the Sanctuary in 2006.

2007 In 2007 the new carillon bell system is installed allowing Ron Pearson to practice on his keyboard, record his work and send it to the tower. The 32 bells and their equipment in the church’s tower have a total weight of 16.5 tons. The biggest one is the 3,200 pound D below middle C. The Carillon, which was installed in 2007, was a gift to the church from members Doris Maher and Pat Wheeler.

The bronze bells were cast at the centuries-old Paccard Foundry in Annecy, France.

Dr. Miller with the Bells

Ron Pearson in Tulsa World Article

David, Diane, Courtaney, Daisy, Jim and Jonny Miller

2008 In 2008 the Powerhouse facility was acquired by a generous gift to the congregation.

Our vision statement for the church was established in 2008: Called to make fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ; Inwardly Strong and Outwardly Focused.

On November 13, 2008 the Capital Campaign Kick-Off Dinner was held that included the “Singing Pastors” and Dr. Bob Lawless dancing to “I Feel Good!”

2009 Tulsa International Fellowship, a faith gathering of people representing many nations, mostly African, began meeting in 2009.

TIF’s first meeting in the Bernsen Center was June 6, 2009.

TIF moved from meeting in the Lewis Center to the Great Hall and established their morning worship service in 2012.

2009 Rally Day 2009

2009 The Gospel of John sermon series study guides, 2009

2009

Spring Festival 2009

Share Fest 2009

2010

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH TULSA, OKLAHOMA

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS: PICNIC & GROUNDBREAKING SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2010

2010

2010 First Church Newsboys from 1885 announced the picnic and skit following the worship service.

125th anniversary celebration, picnic and skit, May 30, 2010

2010

First Church members Bill and Casey Savage traveled back in time from 1885 to the present highlighting the different eras of the church.

Bob Lawless dancing as he announced the celebration of the groundbreaking.

2010 Ground was broken on May 30, 2010 for Stephenson Hall, classrooms and office space as well as renovating the windows and worship space in the 1925 Sanctuary.

First day of construction in 2010.

2010 In May 2010 mothers and daughters celebrated 125 years of faith and fashion with a fashion show and dinner. The models showcased vintage fashion from 1885 - 2010.

2010 First Church’s Upward Theatre gave its debut performance in December 2010: “Christmas Carol,” a Radio Play

Upward Theatre’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” was performed in December 2011. Upward Theatre also presented a youth variety show in 2011.

2010 First Presbyterian Church turned 125 years old in October, 2010. To mark the occasion, a church wide celebration was held on May 30, 2010 featuring historical skits, picnic luncheon and the publication of the anniversary book, Illuminations, Reflecting our Past Lighting our Future.

2011 2011 and 2012 Construction

2012 The new steeple was raised in July 2012.

Dr. Miller with Charlie and Peggy Stephenson

2012 First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, July 2012

2012 Troop 1, the oldest Boy Scout troop in Oklahoma and one of the oldest in the nation moves their meeting space to the Bernsen Community Life Center in 2008.

The room, which resembles a log cabin, is full of memorabilia ranging from 1937 to current day. The troop’s chartering organization has been First Presbyterian since 1911. Renovations to the space were completed in 2012.

Tulsa World, February 13, 2012

2012

Living Water Statue dedication and capital campaign donor dinner, September 2012

2012 Capital Campaign Donor Event - Ryan and Ryan Piano Concert in September 2012.

Breakfast on Boston, Tower Dedication and Miller Atrium Dedication, September 2012

2012 Dedication Sunday Worship Service, September 2012

2012 The new choir space was dedicated with a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus. The audience was invited to join and sing with the choir! A short play depicting George Frideric Handel writing the Messiah followed.

September 11, 2012, First Church hosted a service honoring first responders on the anniversary of 9/11.

2012 Ron Pearson’s performed his 39th Organ Concert at the end of the 2012 dedication week activities. A reception followed in the Miller Atrium.

2012

First College of Elders Dinner, 2012

2013 The January Series is a free 15-day lecture series that takes place each year at Calvin University and aims to cultivate deep thought and conversations about important issues of the day in order to inspire cultural renewal and make us better global citizens in God's world.

First Church started hosting the January Series in 2013.

In 2013, the AWANA children’s ministry began and it is still a vibrant program of the church today. Over eighty children attend on Wednesday nights, wearing their AWANA vests, memorizing scripture, playing games and learning about God’s word.

2013 In 2013, the Avanti building was purchased through a generous donation from the Stephenson family and the First Church congregation. The property was named the 8:10 Building with an emphasis on the scripture from Nehemiah 8:10. This for-profit operation provides commercial office space for Tulsa businesses, and every penny of net profit directly supports local mission projects in the downtown Tulsa area.

2013 Leadership Retreat 2013

2013

The Living Last Supper debuted on Maundy Thursday 2013

2013 In 2013, Dr. Miller delivers the opening prayer at Talladega Superspeedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Romanian Evangelistic Medical Mission Team in Tulsa, 2013.

2013

In 2013, Dr. Miller initiated and led the first trip to Israel for Exodus juniors and seniors.

2014 Breakfast on Boston 2014

First Church mission trip to Malawi in 2014 with Reverend James Estes.

Delivery of the new organ mini console and clean organ pipes.

2015 First Church pastors flip pancakes on festival Sunday and Casual Sunday Bike to Worship Day in 2014.

In October 2015 the 8:10 offices were fully renovated.

2015 Foster Parents’ Night Out, 8 Date and Carols & Cocoa 2015

2015 In 2015, Keith and Kristyn Getty performed a concert in the sanctuary in celebration of the 130th anniversary of First Church.

Keith Getty spoke to local worship leaders prior to their concert. Over 80 leaders from Tulsa joined to hear him speak.

UKirk college ministry with Reverend Dan Hutchinson and Jeff Francis on a Scotland heritage tour in 2015.

2016 Palm Sunday Worship 2016

Welcome Brochure

2017 Kindergarten Bible presentation 2016

Celebrate Christmas Together at Emerson Elementary

Pancake Breakfast in Stephenson Hall, 2017

2017 In 2017, Masterwork Arts Academy was the first project sponsored by the 8:10 Project Council and Jenette McEntire was hired as the Executive Director. Masterwork seeks to enrich the academic and spiritual lives of elementary students; not only teaching visual art, dance, and music, but also teaching children to pay attention to God, by finding and reflecting their Creator as they create. Fifty students from Anderson Elementary attend after school Monday - Friday.

2017 In 2017, First Church celebrated Dr. Miller’s 25th Anniversary during worship and held a special event on ONEOK Field.

2017 Atrium Art is an initiative to showcase world-class artwork in a unique setting inside the historic First Presbyterian Church. Over the past few years, each new display has inspired and challenged viewers to engage with aesthetics, faith and spirituality in new ways. Art is an important part of our church ministry, and the exhibits are all free and open to the public.

The Art of Forgiveness Exhibit with multiple artists 2016

Whitney Forsyth 2017

Ross Wilson 2022

2018 Children’s Advent Ministry

2019

First Family Retreat at New Life Ranch in 2019.

The Book: The Bible Through Time and Space Exhibition was held in the atrium in 2019.

The exhibit showcased the Apollo Bible, a rare King James version carried by Astronaut Edgar Mitchell to the surface of the moon in 1971.

Reformation Sunday 2019

2019 in December 2019, the Tulsa Habitat for Humanity house was dedicated in honor of Bob Farris and presented to the Ruiz family. The house was built out of the generosity and volunteer support of First Presbyterian Church and several other local congregations.

Tulsa Christmas Parade 2019

Annual Christmas Luncheon 2019

2019 In December 2019, First Church celebrated the birth of Jesus with a traditional Celtic Ceilidh. Children made Christingles used to celebrate Jesus as the Light of the World.

Christmas Eve Live Nativity 2019

2020 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Miller began posting short inspirational video clips each morning at 10:10 a.m. on Facebook called the Pastor’s 10:10 message.

First Church Tulsa began streaming worship services on-line in March 2020 in addition to the existing broadcast on COX Cable TV.

2020 Helping Hand provided 8,532 meals to 948 residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. First Church ministries teams stepped up and assisted Hunger Free Oklahoma to serve meals at eight Tulsa Public School sites in Tulsa. The mission committee purchased meals, coffee and snacks for ER and ICU workers at local Tulsa hospitals to lift the spirits of our healthcare heroes.

2020 Pastors’ Game Night October 2020

2020 Vespers and carol singing in the courtyard - December 2020

Masterwork Academy presented a virtual Nutcracker video in Bible, art, music and dance classes in 2020.

2021 Baptisms: Aubrey Jackson and Henry Seibert in 2021

Spring Festival 2021

2021 Confirmands

2021 Staff Roast 2021

Tulsa Race Massacre Pastors Study program 2021

2021 Pentecost 2021

Kings of Judea Play 2021

2021

Julia Metcalf and Eric Baird lead worship 2021

Advent Workshop 2021 at Camp Loughridge

Dancing Toward Delight event in the Bernsen, 2021

2022 First Church Tulsa hosted the All-City Thanksgiving Worship service in November 2022. The service included Agape Bible Fellowship, Asbury, First Baptist Tulsa, First Baptist North Tulsa, First Methodist, and World Won for Christ Family Ministries.

Happy 70th Birthday, Jim!

2022 Pastor’s Study

Holy Week

2022 Easter Sunday 2022

2023 AWANA Kickoff

Breakfast on Boston 2023

2023 Matson Cup Golf Tournament

2023 2023 First Church mission trips to Ireland and Kenya

Deacons Day of Care at Anderson Elementary School

2023

Dr. Rebecca McLaughlin speaks at First Church Tulsa September 2023

Ron Pearson celebrates his 50th Annual Organ Concert at First Church Tulsa in October 2023.

2023 Courtaney Miller wedding to Austin Stember, Saturday, October 7, 2023

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa pastors 2023

Rev. James Estes

Rev. Dan Hutchinson

Rev. Wambugu Gachungi

Rev. Julia Metcalf

Capturing thirty-one years of ministry and service for a church and a senior pastor is no easy feat. The vast number of photos, posts, archives, and documents are evidence of only a snapshot of what First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa encapsulates. We cannot write everything down that First Church has accomplished under Dr. Miller’s leadership.

But, we can keep our personal memories in our hearts.

May God bless you, Dr. Miller, in your next chapter. We are forever grateful to you and your family. Thank you for caring for your First Church flock with such love and compassion. We love you Jim!

First Presbyterian Church Tulsa

Sample of First Church mission ministries and partners from 1992 - 2023 Aim High Academy

Deacons’ Day of Care

Al Anon

Deacons’ Thanksgiving Dinner

Alcott Elementary School

Dillion International

Allow the Children (Nepal)

Dr. James Kigamwa Literacy Ministries

Anderson Elementary School Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary Bandawe Presbytery, Malawi Beirut Compassion Fund Bernsen Building Mission Bondeni Congregation, Nyeri Boy Scouts Troop 1

Dwight Mission Camp and Conference Center Easter Offering Emergency Infant Services Emerson Elementary School Esther Walkeman, PCUSA mission coworker in Thailand

Breadwinner Team

Evangelical Theological Seminary, Cairo, Egypt

Camp Loughridge

Feed My Sheep

Camp Sunshine

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Carols and Cocoa / Christmas Parade

First Baptist Church Caring Center

Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma

Gift Back Recipients

Celebrate Christmas Together Project Merry Christmas Choir Scholarships Christian Ministers Alliance Church of Central Africa’s Synod of Livingstonia Constructores para Cristo Covid Relief Assistance Crisis Pregnancy Outreach Crossover Community Impact Crosstown Learning Center Cursillo

Ghost Ranch Goodland Academy Grocery Give-Away H20 Project/Marion Medical Mission Habitat for Humanity Hannah Keith, missionary to Panama Havenstrite Mission Helping Hand Hope is Alive Hunger Free Oklahoma IMA: St. Luke Medical Center, Valladolid, Mexico

Sample of First Church mission ministries and partners from 1992 - 2023 International Congregation, Nairobi

Refugees: Afghan, Burmese, Ukrainian

International Justice Mission

Restore Hope Ministries

Ireland Discovery Church

Rising Village

Ireland Donemana Presbyterian Church

Romania Evangelical Medical Mission: Beius, Romania

Iron Gate

Salvation Army

John 3:16 Mission

San Miguel School

Kairobangi South Congregation, Nairobi

Scott and Jennifer Rodehaver, Malawi

Kairos Prison Ministry

Sewing: Project Women

Kennedy Family, Egypt Laura Lee Sanders Mission

Special Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Peacemaking and Christmas Joy

Lindsey House

Stand in the Gap

Literacy and Evangelism International

Sunday School Class Fundraisers and Mission Projects

Martyn Family, Nairobi, Kenya

Synod of Livingstonia, Malawi

Masterwork Academy

The American Red Cross Ready When the Time Comes Disaster Response

Meals on Wheels Ministry of Hope, Malawi

The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon

Mother’s Day Cards: Raising funds The Outreach Foundation for missions worldwide Neighbor for Neighbor

Tulsa Boys’ Home

Neighbors Along the Line PCUSA Missions

Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless; Works of HeArt Program

Pathways Adult Learning Center

Voice of China & Asia

Petra Kis Ministries, Uganda

Voice of Hope, Dallas

Presbyterian Church of India

Wee Kirk Program

Project Get Together

Western Neighbors

PW Circles Mission Projects

Wheels for Mission

Reading Partners

World Vision

Letter of gratitude to Dr. Miller from Session Tuesday, October 24, 2023

October 24, 2023 Dearly beloved, Rev. Dr. James D. Miller, From the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa, on behalf of the little flock that you love -Grace, Peace, and Love of God the Father through our Lord, Jesus Christ, be with you now and forevermore. Amen.

In the meager space of this page we cannot adequately convey our heartfelt gratitude for your constant vigilance, faithful guidance, diligent service, and unwavering care and concern for God’s children both within this Congregation and within our community. Few remain untouched by Christ working through you. The untold hours sacrificed by you and your wife, Diane, and your children, David, Jonathan, and Courtaney, were not in vain, but instead, the benefits of which have been multiplied, just as were the loaves and fishes of old, to the glory of God. As under shepherd to the Master, you have bravely guarded and defended your flock. To the lonely, you have given companionship; to the sad, you have given consolation; to the student, you have served as teacher; to the weak, you have given strength; to the weary, you have given hope; to the oppressed, you have been a champion; to the needy, you have given generously; and to the lost, you have shown the Way – Christ Jesus. Today, we remember you for these and many other acts of kindness, all of which we each cherish and ponder in our own hearts and minds.

More important than this; however, is that God remembers you, Jim, and He loves and cherishes you far better than we, and for this, we give Him our thanks and praise.

Beyond your influence on so many lives, we reflect with thanksgiving on the countless benefits we enjoy because of your encouragement of God’s people to give of their “time, talent, and treasure.” We need only walk through the hallways and around the campus of First Church, or even turn our ears in the direction of Seventh and Boston at noon, to enjoy the rewards of resources well-spent. In this we would be remiss to forget our #1 advocate in every Godly endeavor. You have stoked the fire of the Holy Spirit acting in and through this Congregation, always reminding us of God’s power to multiply our feeblest efforts to bring honor to Him. In these attempts to “find what is pleasing to God,” we have witnessed an ever expanding and improving campus, facilities serving the common good and those in need, urban mission and outreach flourishing, and God’s purposes being served with the resources we are blessed to steward in His name.

To use your expression, as you “turn the page to begin a new chapter” with Diane, we ask that you remember us kindly. Our hope is that when you reflect on the years during which you worked within these walls, your heart might be refreshed with happy recollections of your colleagues and congregants, and you might count us as friends. We look forward to sharing the rest of your story with you, Jim. Should God choose to grant our heart’s desire, He would give us many years together with you and your family in which we may all continue to worship, praise, and honor Him. And now, brother, with all confidence, we commend you and yours into His care knowing that He will prosper you and intends good for your future. May the Peace of Christ be with you now and forever.

Rejoice in Him always, __________________________ Amy Scheiper, Clerk of Session First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa

_________________________ Joel Donohue, Clerk of Session First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa

First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa 709 South Boston Avenue • Tulsa, OK 74119 • Phone: 918-584-4701 • FirstChurchTulsa.org @FirstChurchTulsa

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