By 1947, with the return of veterans and the subsequent growth of families, Bishop McGuinness addressed the need for a new parish north of Northwest 50th Street. With the purchase of the vacant lot on the corner of Elmhurst and Dorset Drive, Oklahoma City’s Christ the King parish was born.
To begin the process, The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help’s assistant pastor, Father Charles Buswell, was tapped to be the first pastor. Young and capable, Buswell’s energy and love of the people he served came to the fore from the outset.
As was the custom, the school was constructed first in the fall of 1949, and the first Mass was celebrated in the chapel, which would serve as the worship space. By 1951, the chapel was too small, and another was built with the old chapel becoming the cafeteria. In that same year, four new classrooms were added, and by 1960, almost 500 children were enrolled in a neighborhood that was becoming increasingly affluent.
Of course, the plan was to construct a new and larger church. In 1959, Monsignor Buswell was appointed as the bishop of Pueblo, Colorado, and the task of building the new edifice fell to Father Charles Conley – the new pastor. On Sept. 16, 1962, the current church was dedicated by Bishop Reed. A unique baldacchino in the shape of a crown was conceived by Oklahoma priest and artist, Father Jack Walch. The stained-glass windows were designed and produced in Altadena, California, with imported German glass.
The 95-foot tower contains three bells dedicated to three bishops: Francis (Kelley), Eugene (McGuinness) and Victor (Reed).
After Father Conley, Father Ernest Flusche served as pastor from 1969 to 1978. His successor, Father Clement Pribil was responsible for overseeing the construction of the new family center. Tragically, Father Pribil succumbed to brain cancer at a young age. A useful gathering space was added in the atrium style in 2001.
The school is still one of the educational gems of the Church in Oklahoma City, boasting more than 500 students. The church remains vital and continues to grow boasting a magnificent choir and stirring liturgy. Bishop Buswell would not recognize his pride and joy, but would no doubt be pleased to see the plant that he shepherded in its infancy.
Photo: Msgr. Buswell and Sr. Mary Paul on the playground, 1952.