Near El Reno in Canadian County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
In Memory of Pioneer Mennonite Settlers
Mennonites settled in this area soon after Oklahoma territory opened by run April 22, 1889. Their first mission activity was among Indians. This colony was southernmost for Mennonites along Chisholm Trail. Farmers of Swiss (from Berne, Ind.), German, and German-Russian descent were urged to settle here in order to establish the Christian faith on the frontier.
Testimony of faith services continued in this church building until 1953. It now stands as a continuous reminder of the rugged faith of pioneers to this area. The keystone of Mennonite faith for over 400 years has been 1 Cor 3:11, "and no one can ever lay any other real foundation than that one we already have - Jesus Christ."
Erected 1972.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1889.
Location. 35° 38.322′ N, 97° 57.569′ W. Marker is near El Reno, Oklahoma, in Canadian County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 81 and 164th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 81. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: El Reno OK 73036, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Victorian (approx. 6.7 miles away); Adjutant Office (approx. 6.7 miles away); Chapel (approx. 6.7 miles away); Commanding Officer's Quarters/BlueSTEM AgriLearning Center (approx. 6.7 miles away); Guard House/Post Office (approx. 6.8 miles away); 1876 Officers' Quarters (approx. 6.8 miles away); Fort Reno (approx. 6.8 miles away); The Chisholm Trail and Fort Reno (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in El Reno.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 222 times since then and 142 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2021, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.