The Once-Beloved Church In Oklahoma That Has Been Left In Ruins
By Ashley|Published March 18, 2024
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Ashley
Author
Ashley has lived in Oklahoma for 30 years and is the Oklahoma staff writer for onlyinyourstate.com. When she isn't writing about Oklahoma, she enjoys visiting the beach and exploring new areas.
In the quiet town of Earlsboro, Oklahoma, stands the abandoned Earlsboro Church of Christ. Photographed by Abandoned Atlas in February 2024, their images offer a glimpse into the past of this once-beloved landmark. Formerly a cherished cornerstone of the community, this historic church has stood silent and empty since the late 1990s or early 2000s. Now, as time marches on and nature takes its toll, the echoes of its former glory fade amidst the windswept plains of Oklahoma.
Constructed in 1929, this church was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a beacon of hope in a town yearning for moral guidance. Spearheaded by local figure J.A. Ingram, the church was envisioned as a gift to the community, a sanctuary where faith could flourish and souls could find solace.
Its dedication ceremony on March 17th, officiated by Bishop Boza from Little Rock, Arkansas, marked the beginning of a new chapter for the town. Inside, the main auditorium could accommodate 500 worshippers, while Sunday school rooms, a kitchen, and a basement provided space for fellowship and community activities.
Under the guidance of Pastor Schooler, the church flourished, its congregation swelling in size and spirit. But as time passed, the winds of change swept through Earlsboro, and the once-beloved church fell into disuse.
The exact circumstances surrounding its closure remain shrouded in mystery, but it's believed to have occurred in the late 1990s or early 2000s, leaving behind a void in the community's collective soul.
In 2010, a final act of preservation saw the removal of the stained glass windows, a bittersweet decision made to protect them from the hands of vandals. Yet, despite these efforts, the passage of time has taken its toll on this architectural gem, leaving it a mere shell of its former glory.
Though its doors may be closed, its spirit lives on in the hearts of those who once found solace within its walls. And as we gaze upon its weathered façade, we're reminded that even in ruin, there is beauty to be found - a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of faith.
