Near El Reno in Canadian County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
In Memory of Pioneer Mennonite Settlers
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, July 4, 2021
1. In Memory Of Pioneer Mennonite Settlers Marker
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 • Religion & Religious Structures • 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. It is at the intersection of US-81 (U.S. 81) and 164th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling south on US-81. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Oklahoma Frontier Country and in Greater Oklahoma City. It is also in the American South, specifically on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Darlington (approx. 3.6 miles away); 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in El Reno.
Photographed by Jason Armstrong, July 4, 2021
2. Cemetery of Settlement
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2021, by Jason Armstrong of Talihina, Oklahoma. This page has been viewed 494 times since then and 21 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.
