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May 9, 2024In 1947, Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness saw the need for a new Catholic parish in the developing northwest area of Oklahoma City. Vacant property was purchased at Elmhurst Avenue and Dorset Drive for the new church, and Father Charles Buswell, then assistant pastor of The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was named the first pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church.
Now, Christ the King celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024.
On Passion Sunday 1949, Bishop McGuinness broke ground for the building of four classrooms and multipurpose room, which could serve as a temporary chapel. The school opened in fall 1949 with 72 students in kindergarten through fourth grade. Benedictine Sisters from Guthrie staffed the small school, with Sister Mary Paul, O.S.B., serving as the first principal.
There were 125 families registered at Christ the King.
All these years later, 525 students are enrolled in preschool through eighth grade and the parish counts more than 5,500 registered parishioners. Under the direction of Father Rex Arnold, Parochial Vicar Father Prabhakar Kalivela and Principal Jenny Richard, there is a place for everyone at Christ the King.
Christ the King Catholic Church and School is observing its jubilee anniversary in many ways throughout the year. In April, parishioners served six local agencies on CK Service Saturday. Nationally renowned concert organist, Todd Wilson of the Cleveland Institute of Music, performed in concert for the community at large. Catholic speaker Sheri Wohlfert will share her humor and wisdom on timely topics in a series of presentations to enhance the church, school and home experiences. A Legacy Mass and Reception will be held in June to honor founding families and parishioners who have called Christ the King home for 50 years or longer.
Christ the King Catholic School will hold the 9th annual CK Run in the fall, as well as an alumni gathering in November.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, a 75th Anniversary Gala will be held at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Christ the King Sunday on Nov. 24 will cap the year of celebration.
Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma City is a faith community dedicated to helping each person develop a relationship with Christ in his Church, forming disciples, serving others and proclaiming the Good News. To learn more about Christ the King Catholic Church or School, visit ckokc.org.
Christ the King Catholic School alumni
Alumni of Christ the King Catholic School are asked to submit their most current information online at ckschool.com/alumni-registration-database or [email protected] to keep informed of the events in the school community and to be included in the special 75th anniversary events. Representatives from the following graduating classes are needed: 1954, 1969, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1993, 2011, and 2016. Contact Amy Feighny at (405) 242-4516.
