From the Archives

A self-proclaimed "army brat," Daniel Fletcher always spoke of himself as an almost native Oklahoman as his family moved to Fort Reno when he was 5. He then grew up in El Reno and stated that Monsignor Peter Paul Schaeffer, his pastor, was his inspiration to explore the priesthood.

After a stint at Kenrick Seminary in Saint Louis, he was ordained at the seminary by Cardinal Glennon on June 14, 1917. He was assigned to Holy Family in Tulsa (later the Cathedral) under the tutelage of Monsignor Heiring, himself a Tulsa legend. Receiving his first pastorate in 1919, Union City became his home for the next two years, eventually landing in Sand Springs as the pastor of Saint Patrick Catholic Church for seven years. Saint Francis Catholic Church in Tulsa was next for another seven years.

His next station would define his priesthood as he was named pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church in Tulsa in 1935. This beautiful art deco masterpiece (and Bishop Kelley’s favorite church) would be his home for the next 25 years. While serving this parish, he would celebrate two silver anniversaries, one for his ordination and another for his time as a pastor.

As Tulsa grew, it became apparent that more parishes needed to be carved out of Christ the King Catholic Church. Father Fletcher was instrumental in establishing Madalene to the southeast and Church of Saint Mary to Brookside. His friendship with the rabbi and community of Temple Israel led to the purchase of their building, which became Marquette Hall and later Fletcher Hall in his honor. This edifice became the parish hall for social occasions and meetings. He also remodeled and installed air-conditioning in both the church and rectory.

For his untiring and unrelenting ministry, he was honored as a domestic prelate, the rank of Monsignor, by Pope Pius XII in 1942. Monsignor Fletcher was elevated to the highest rank of Monsignor in 1949, prothonotary apostolic. Relatively few priests in the United States held this title, and it carried with it the honor of being allowed to celebrate a pontifical high Mass, a privilege usually reserved for the bishop. He availed himself of this right only twice after being so honored.

The good Monsignor was, in short, the consummate servant. Bishop Kelley once stated succinctly: “He is a good shepherd.” He was a trusted voice to three bishops and a font of wisdom. On his 25th anniversary as the pastor at Christ the King Catholic Church, it was recounted that he baptized more than 700 children and witnessed nearly 500 weddings.

Due to declining health, the beloved priest retired at age 70 and died two years later in 1964. The requiem Mass was celebrated at his cherished Christ the King Catholic Church by his friend and bishop, Victor Reed.

Photo: TV host Ed Sullivan, Bishop McGuinness and Monsignor Fletcher, circa 1950.