From the Archives

The town of Edmond began as an isolated railroad station on the Santa Fe Railroad in 1887, originally called “Summit” because it was the highest point on the route originating in Arkansas City, Kan. With the arrival of the railroad, the white settlers were not far behind. 

On April 22, 1889, the Oklahoma Land Run took place and three million acres that belonged to American Indian tribes were opened for settlement. Approximately 160 people had encamped in Edmond by the end of the day.

The Catholic community in Edmond was small, but they were determined to build the first church (of any denomination) in Oklahoma Territory. The priest responsible for the town was a missionary by the name of Father N. F. Scallan. 

Father James White recalls: “The small but serviceable frame church, which cost about $500, was dedicated on June 24, 1889, the feast of Saint John the Baptist. At first, the church was served from Oklahoma City and it was used by all the denominations until their church houses were built. This kind of cooperation was characteristic of men and women in the raw new land where religious prejudice was a luxury that few could afford.” This remarkable example of ecumenism would not endure, however.

The formal blessing of the little church (which had been enlarged and renovated) took place on Nov. 8, 1891, by the newly installed Vicar Apostolic, Bishop Theophile Meerschaert. His first visit to Edmond was a social event for the entire community. The city council of Edmond had resolved that the whole town would greet the bishop and supply a formal reception in his honor. 

A Protestant minister, the Rev. Mr. Horner proposed that the other churches suspend their services the following day that their members might attend the Catholic services. With the large crowd, Bishop Meerschaert used the opportunity to preach about confession hoping to dispel misunderstandings.

Another church was constructed in 1900 and was partially destroyed by fire in 1936. It was moved to a new property at 9th and Littler and rebuilt. It remained until a brick structure was built in 1955, which still stands.

Incredible growth was the hallmark of the parish in the 1970s as it rapidly outgrew the church. Eventually, the present Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church was constructed in 1977 with numerous renovations. Several new structures have been added since.

Now the largest parish in the archdiocese, Saint John continues to flourish 32 years into its second century. Considering its humble beginnings, it is one of the great stories in the history of the Church in Oklahoma.