First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church is a Protestant house of worship in downtown Muskogee featuring two unmatched towers and a steep gabled roof. The facade displays two shades of red brick and includes crenellated details typical of a strong architectural design.

The church was founded in 1876 by the Baptist Mission Board of Nashville as a mission school for Native Americans and formerly enslaved people. It later became a major religious center for the Black community in Oklahoma.

The church served as a gathering place for the African-American community and hosted important social events. Its growth in the 1920s reflects how central religious institutions were to local life.

The building sits at the corner of Denison Street and North 5th Street in the downtown area. A historical marker stands on the public sidewalk, making it easy to spot and learn about the location.

During the 1930s Great Depression, the congregation operated a soup kitchen to feed struggling residents. This service shows how the church extended beyond worship to provide direct aid to those in need.

Location: Oklahoma

GPS coordinates: 35.75277,-95.37396

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:47