Muskogee in Muskogee County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Grace Episcopal Church

The First Episcopal Church in Oklahoma Indian Territory

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2024

1. Grace Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription.
The present building was constructed at Sixth and Broadway in 1905 and was moved to this site and enlarged in 1923.

Church HistoryThe first Episcopal Bishop of Oklahoma Indian Territory the Rt. Rev. Francis Key Brooke established Grace Church as a mission on February 23, 1893 and then a Parish on March 4, 1904.

“Prepared in cooperation with The Historic Preservation Commission of Muskogee, Oklahoma,
December 1989.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is February 23, 1893.

Location. 35° 45.12′ N, 95° 22.502′ W. Marker is in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in Muskogee County. It is on North 6th Street just south of Court Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is mounted on the southwest corner of the subject church, facing south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 218 North 6th Street, Muskogee OK 74401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Muscogee Nation

and specifically in the Cherokee Nation.

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 walking distance of this marker: The First Baptist Church (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Severs Hotel (about 800 feet away); The Bill of Rights

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Muskogee Lodge #28 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Masonic Temple (approx. 0.2 miles away); Severs Block (approx. 0.4 miles away); Okie from Muskogee (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hitching Post Stone (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Muskogee.

Also see . . . History of Grace Church (Grace Episcopal Church Website).

Excerpt: “The Rev. Francis Key Brooke was consecrated Missionary Bishop of Oklahoma at Grace Cathedral in this city to-day in the most impressive Episcopal form.” St. Louis Globe-Democrat, January 7, 1893. Bishop Brooke was described as a charismatic man in his early forties when took the post and was facing what seemed to be an impossible task for the time. Oklahoma and Indian Territory were known for unforgiving terrain and weather. With no public schools for his children, limited resources for his mission, and little support staff to accomplish his goals, Bishop Brooke certainly was facing a challenge. In the beginning, he regularly served dual roles as Bishop and Priest, responsible for baptizing, marrying,
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2024

2. Grace Episcopal Church Marker
The marker is mounted on the southwest corner, facing south. A related marker is mounted on the granite pedestal nearby.
and burying members across Oklahoma and the Territory, which required long days of travel in often harsh conditions in order to perform them. Bishop Brooke was undoubtedly surprised to find a packed Church, an impressive choir, and four baptismal candidates waiting for him when he arrived in Muskogee. He was evidently impressed because he immediately went to work organizing a Mission at Muskogee.

(Submitted on October 30, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Grace Episcopal Church Leadership Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2024

3. Grace Episcopal Church Leadership Marker

(mounted on a granite pedestal near the southwest corner)
Grace Episcopal Church
1893 Muskogee, Oklahoma 1993
In Recognition of a Century of Spiritual LeadershipThe Rev. Dwight Benton, Deacon-in-Charge October 1893-November 1893
The Rev. Henry Tudor, Priest-in-Charge May 1894-February 1897
The Rev. A.V. Francis, Priest-in-Charge November 1897-May 1902
The Rev. A.B. Perry, First Rector February 1903-January 1906
The Rev. Hugh J. Llwyd, Second Rector March 1906-April 1941
The Rev. Paul R. Palmer, Third Rector September 1941-January 1958
The Rev. J.L.B. Williams, Fourth Rector September 1958-February 1961
The Rev. F. Grover Fulkerson, Fifth Rector April 1961-July 1966
The Rev. Daniel Leen, Sixth Rector September 1966-August 1971
The Rev. Edwin L. Hoover, Seventh Rector January 1972-March 1986
The Rev. Richard C. Allen, Interim Rector May 1986-April 1987
The Rev. Drew H. Wales, Eighth Rector June 1987-August 1990
The Rev. Max B. Berry, Jr., Ninth Rector November 1990-December 2004

Grace Episcopal Church (<i>southwest elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2024

4. Grace Episcopal Church (southwest elevation)

Markers are visible near the southwest corner [left edge] of the church.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2024

5. Grace Episcopal Church Marker

Grace Episcopal Church (<i>northwest elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, September 11, 2024

6. Grace Episcopal Church (northwest elevation)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 202 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 30, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.