Durant in Bryan County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)
Philadelphia Baptist Church
Founded October 5, 1837
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2025
1. Philadelphia Baptist Church Marker
In 1835 Ramsey Potts and his wife came to the Choctaw Nation as missionary teachers. On October 5, 1837 he constituted the first Baptist church in the Choctaw Nation with 4 charter members. First named Ramsey in honor of Potts, it was originally located 10 miles west of Fort Towson and 5 miles north of the Red River. It was reorganized in 1854, the name changed to Providence, and later to Philadelphia Baptist Church. Its first building was erected 3 miles southwest of Armstrong Academy. In 1883 the building was moved to 3 miles east of Blue. That building burned in 1887 and was rebuilt at its final location one mile west and one mile south of this marker. The Philadelphia Church is now defunct but its church bell hangs in the bell tower of the Stubblefield Chapel at Oklahoma Baptist University. This marker is erected at Blue Baptist Church, established in 1897, the nearest existing church to the final Philadelphia Church location.
Erected 2010 by Historical Commission, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is October 5, 1837.
Location. 33° 59.85′ N, 96° 13.943′ W. Marker is in Durant, Oklahoma
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Oklahoma’s Choctaw 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 New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chahta Tamaha (approx. 6 miles away); Fisher Durant (approx. 8.3 miles away); General Ira Eaker (approx. 8.3 miles away); The Square Cafe (approx. 8.3 miles away); Robert Lee Williams (approx. 8.3 miles away); The Russell Building (approx. 8.3 miles away); Durant (approx. 8.4 miles away); Morrison Hall (approx. 8.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Durant.
Also see . . . The Armstrong Academys History as Part of the Choctaw Educational System (Chronicles of OK).
(By Dennis Miles) Excerpt: An additional concern of the early missionary teachers was to convert the [Choctaw] boys to Christianity. Potts believed that in order to educate the boys, the institution needed to be conducted upon religious principles. In addition to his duties as the superintendent of Armstrong Academy Potts was instrumental in starting a congregation of Christian Choctaws that was eventually to be called the Philadelphia Baptist Church, and one of the meetings of that church was held at the Armstrong Academy in February 1847.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2025
2. Philadelphia Baptist Church Marker
Looking south from US Highway 70, the marker is located in front of Blue Baptist Church.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
