| City/Town: • Atoka |
| Location Class: • Church |
| Built: • 1912 | Abandoned: • 1990's |
| Historic Designation: • National Register of Historic Places (September 6, 2007) • Abandoned Atlas Foundation Contribution to POK Most Endangered List (2011) |
| Status: • Demolished |
| Photojournalist: • Michael Schwarz |
Presbyterian missionaries first appeared in the Atoka area in the 1840s and by 1883 the Presbyterian Church was established in the region. In 1897, the congregation built a wood frame meetinghouse on the outskirts of town, which they utilized until 1907.
The current church site was acquired and construction begun on this version of the church in 1912. It was completed in 1913. The church was designed and constructed by the Faudree brothers – notable, local contractors who were associated with several prominent historic buildings in Atoka. The First Presbyterian Church of Atoka is an architecturally distinct building, the lone example of a Romanesque Revival-style church in Atoka County. This particular church is further enhanced by characteristics associated with the Arts and Crafts style that emerged in the first part of the twentieth century.
Membership in the congregation of First Presbyterian grew through the 1930s, but by 1962 the church counted only 46 members. Similarly to many churches around the state, the drop in membership combine with the cost of maintaining the structure led the church to close its doors permanently in the 1990s. A private owner hopes to see the property restored, but issues with costs, conflicts over encroachments on abutting properties, and recent rumors that the site would make a suitable parking lot for neighboring businesses has the community concerned. Organization and advocacy are needed to see that this architectural gem in downtown Atoka isn’t lost.
Gallery Below of Atoka First Presbyterian Church
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I’d love to make a video of this abandoned church for my YouTube channel
Sorry to inform you Carla, it has been demolished…
The President never said he was Muslim.
does anyone know how I can get in to this area and do some photo shoots with a bunch of models of mine? I just need to know my name and a phone number or contact information so that I don't cross over boundaries without permission. Thanks,
kyle Ripton 580 399 2566
I don't think you should be doing nude photo shoots in a church. You are a shameful harlot and a lady of the night and also a tart. And who ever heard of a woman named Kyle?
this majestic land mark is now gone. why must we destroy the past? these historical buildings should be saved for all to enjoy. what a shame.
No, me shell. YOU are what is wrong with America. Put on you tin foil hat and keep yelling at kids to stay off your lawn. Wise up! You are NOT all-knowing and NOT in the majority, you sociopath.
I am Presbyterian. The liberal Presbyterian Church could care less. Very few people care about faith and freedom. obama said he is Muslum and we know he could care less. The Bible means nothing to the majority. All we need is obama phones and handouts. Just print money and go down the tube with obama as our "God" and "leader".
The hell?=/
I'm going to pray to the god obama that he will kick you in the balls.
What a shame this beautiful building is being left to moths and rust. Doesn't the National Presbyterian church care about their buildings?
Thank you for documenting this!
d
I am working on a plan to restore the building. Should be able to start soon
When do you think you will start?
I thought it was for sale? So there are plans for restoration? That is fantastic! A few years ago I got to see it and I was looking to see if the pews were for sale. But if the building is going to be restored they need to stay there.
Your plan to restore the building was to tear it down? That was a stupid plan.
Great photos of a terrific old church..it would be so sad not to save it!