Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church is a three-story brick building located on North Walnut Street in downtown Oklahoma City. It features twin towers with brick parapets and distinctive pointed-arch windows with detailed brickwork throughout.

The building was constructed in 1921 by African American architect Russell Benton Bingham. It later became central to civil rights activism when students based there launched campaigns against segregation.

The church served as a gathering place where students organized sit-in protests at lunch counters to fight segregation. These demonstrations made it a meaningful symbol of the civil rights movement in the city.

The building is located in the heart of downtown and is easily accessible on foot with clear visibility from the street. Visitors should keep in mind that access for tours may vary depending on events and operating hours.

The first sit-in took place on August 19, 1958 at Katz Drug Store, marking the start of organized resistance to segregation. This action inspired follow-up campaigns that eventually led to the desegregation of around 175 restaurants.

Location: Oklahoma

GPS coordinates: 35.46972,-97.50833

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40