TFA Sneak A Peek: First Christian Church

First Christian Church
Sunday, August 18th, 2024

$20 | $15 | First Entry at 1:00

Tulsa boasts a wide variety of impressive buildings throughout the city - many of which few people have an opportunity to see inside. The goal of TFA’s SNEAK-A-PEEK program is to give those who love architecture and history an opportunity to see behind the doors of Tulsa’s most interesting buildings through self-guided exploration with accompanying written information about the property's history.

This SNEAK-A-PEEK features the historic and architecturally distinctive First Christian Church!

Join us on August 18th, First Entry at 1:00, to tour the stunning First Christian Church`!

J.W. Marshall was a settler from Missouri who arrived in Tulsa in 1901. He realized there was no Christian church in the young town and began organizing the First Christian Church of Tulsa in 1902.

While the first meetings were held in the Marshall family living room, the growing congregation searched for a new location. In 1903 the church dedicated a building near West Second Street and South Boulder Avenue but soon outgrew it. By 1910 it dedicated an even larger building near Fourth and Boulder, but capacity issues followed.

In 1915, while temporarily worshiping inside the County Courthouse, plans were underway to build a church that would finally solve the issues facing the congregation and also rival the other massive churches under construction at this time.

On Feb. 1, 1920, the domed structure at 913 S. Boulder Ave. was officially dedicated, its architecture an eclectic mix of Byzantine, baroque and rococo. The landmark structure was renovated and expanded in later years.

The building remains home to First Christian Church, which still holds services in the building. The buliding is currently on the market and looking for its second owner since opening in 1920.

TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for this event are $20 for not yet members and $15 for TFA members.

SAVE ON TICKETS BY JOINING TFA TODAY: www.tulsaarchitecture.com/support-tfa/

CHECK-IN LOCATION: Check-in for this tour will take place at:
First Christian Church

913 S. Boulder Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74119

PARKING: First Christian Church has a free parking lot. Please plan to enter through the covered Main Street entrance (next to the playground).

ON OPEN HOUSE DAY: Entry begins at 1:00 pm and continues in 30-minute increments. Consult your ticket for the entry time you selected when purchasing your ticket.

ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION: TFA is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for all. If you have any questions regarding accessibility accommodations at our various tour locations, please contact us at [email protected] and we will be happy to assist with planning your experience.

Please note that The Snedden Mansion has elevator access to the basement and 2nd floors, but the attic is only accessible via stairs.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography is allowed!

Host or Publisher Tulsa Foundation for Architecture