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Tulsa's Historical Churches, Tulsa

Tulsa's Historical Churches (Self Guided), Tulsa

Tulsa, Oklahoma is home to an array of remarkable churches, cathedrals, chapels, and other religious sites collectively reflecting the city's diverse religious heritage. A good number of these sanctuaries are located downtown. By far more than just places of worship, they are also architectural marvels and cultural landmarks.

Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, with its striking Art Deco design, is a true testament to Tulsa's architectural ingenuity. The First United Methodist Church, established in the early 20th century, showcases the Perpendicular Tudor Gothic style, rendering it one of the city's most stunning buildings. First Christian Church, known for its neoclassical design, has played a vital role in fostering a sense of community and service.

Holy Family Cathedral, the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, stands as a symbol of faith and tradition. The First Presbyterian Church, with its stately Gothic architecture, has provided spiritual nourishment to generations of Tulsans, while Trinity Episcopal Church, with its picturesque English Gothic style, continues to inspire worshipers with its timeless beauty.

And of course, the First Baptist Church, a towering presence in downtown Tulsa, has been a beacon of hope and faith in the city since 1927.

Undoubtedly, these historical churches not only embody the spiritual heritage of Tulsa but also contribute to its cultural identity. Exploring these architectural gems offers a glimpse into Tulsa's past and present. So, do take a moment to visit these sacred sites on our self-guided tour, marvel at their beauty, and experience the rich history and faith that they represent.
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Tulsa's Historical Churches Map

Guide Name: Tulsa's Historical Churches
Guide Location: USA » Tulsa (See other walking tours in Tulsa)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Author: karenl
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Boston Avenue United Methodist Church
  • First United Methodist Church
  • First Christian Church
  • Holy Family Cathedral
  • First Presbyterian Church
  • Trinity Episcopal Church
  • First Baptist Church
1
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church

1) Boston Avenue United Methodist Church (must see)

The Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in downtown Tulsa stands as a towering icon of American Art Deco ecclesiastical architecture. Completed in 1929 and reaching 15 floors high, it is considered one of the finest religious examples of the style in the U.S. Recognized for its significance, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999.

The church’s design is attributed to a unique collaboration—Adah Robinson, a Tulsa art teacher, and Bruce Goff, her former student and rising architect. While Robinson sketched the original ideas and is officially credited by the church, Goff, who was with the firm Rush, Endacott, and Rush, developed the architectural plans. The debate over authorship remains unresolved, but the result is universally admired.

The structure features a 225-foot tower, a semi-circular auditorium, and an educational wing. Embracing verticality in the spirit of both Gothic cathedrals and Art Deco’s upward thrust, the church is adorned with stylized praying hands, a motif rooted in Robinson’s original sketches. Materials like limestone, granite, terra cotta, glass, and metal are masterfully integrated, while sculptor Robert Garrison—also a former student of Robinson—contributed detailed terra cotta figures that depict religious scenes and Oklahoma flora.

Above the south entrance, equestrian sculptures honor the early Methodist Circuit Riders, including Bishops Francis Asbury and William McKendree. The north entrance features idealized statues of John, Charles, and Susanna Wesley, anchoring the church’s Methodist identity.

Inside, the building features a Möller pipe organ with 105 ranks, expanded multiple times since its original 1962 installation. A columbarium, completed in 2000 and featuring a stained-glass window by Richard Bohm, now offers interment for church members and their families. In 1993, murals by Angelo Gherardi were added for the congregation’s centennial, continuing the Art Deco aesthetic.

Even beyond Tulsa, the church has left its mark—literally. A stone from its structure is embedded in the Chicago Tribune Tower, joining stones from iconic buildings worldwide.
2
First United Methodist Church

2) First United Methodist Church

Located in the heart of downtown Tulsa, the First United Methodist Church stands as a testament to faith, history, and architectural grandeur. Founded in 1886 as a mission church on the edge of the American frontier, it began with a group of spirited Methodists worshipping under a brush arbor after being deemed “too rowdy” by Tulsa’s only other church. From those humble beginnings, the congregation quickly built a small white chapel, then a larger red brick church at 9th and Boulder, and finally, in 1921, began construction of the cathedral that stands today at 11th and Boulder.

The current building—opened in 1928—was designed by architect Charles Bolton in the Perpendicular Tudor Gothic style, a design that emphasizes verticality and light. Its massive exterior walls are constructed from local sandstone and oak, accented with Indiana limestone arches and tracery. Inside, the sanctuary is laid out in the shape of a cruciform, reinforcing the church’s foundation in the cross of Christ. Two soaring towers frame the main entrance, while pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, and spires lift the eye—and the spirit—toward the heavens.

Beyond its striking architecture, First United Methodist Church is driven by a mission: to help all people become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. The church embraces the grace of God and strives to love deeply, serve boldly, and live with gratitude and integrity. From the symbolic art inside its sanctuary to its active presence in the Tulsa community, the church continues to blend tradition with purpose—a living legacy of faith in action.
3
First Christian Church

3) First Christian Church

Standing proudly in Tulsa’s Cathedral District, the First Christian Church is a striking architectural gem that blends historical elegance with enduring community spirit. Dedicated in February 1920, the church has served as a downtown landmark for over a century, recognized for its impressive green central cupola and four smaller domes, all fashioned from Indiana limestone in a classical Greek style.

Construction began as early as 1902 under architect J. Walton and was brought to completion by V. Slyke in 1920. The resulting structure became the third home for the congregation on Boulder Avenue. Inside, the sanctuary stuns with oak pews, original chandeliers, stained-glass windows, and a vast organ boasting over 4,000 pipes. Though renovations over the decades have transformed parts of the building, original details still endure — from the oak spindles along the staircases to the ornate plasterwork that remains in the foyer.

The stained-glass dome is not just a visual marvel; it also hides a clever feature — a hand-cranked system that once helped cool the sanctuary by circulating air from the basement out through the roof. In its early days, the church regularly hosted more than 1,200 worshippers, with overflow listeners gathered in the adjoining chapel, tuned in via an early intercom system.

Today, the First Christian Church remains a cherished institution, rich with archival treasures like century-old blueprints and dedication programs. With its clay tile roof, copper cross, and continued care for its historic details, the building doesn’t just reflect Tulsa’s past — it anchors its spiritual and architectural heritage in the present.
4
Holy Family Cathedral

4) Holy Family Cathedral

Holy Family Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral and the mother church of the Diocese of Tulsa. Construction of the church began in 1912. It was dedicated only two years later though the church wasn't finished until 1927. It was designed in the Gothic Revival and Classic Revival architectural styles by J.P. Curtin of Curtin, Winkler and Macdonald.

Holy Family Cathedral was the tallest building in Tulsa until 1923 when it was overshadowed by the Mayo Hotel. Its height came from the single spire, which is somewhat unique in Gothic architecture. The cathedral and its buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The stained glass windows may be viewed from both inside and outside of the cathedral. These windows were replicated from stained glass created by the Royal Bavarian Art Institute in Munich. The windows are original to the building.

Those who wish to admire the interior architecture and stained glass may do so via a guided tour. These tours are available from Tuesday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
5
First Presbyterian Church

5) First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa—known locally as “First Church”—holds the distinction of being the city’s very first organized church, established in 1885 in what was then Creek Nation, Indian Territory. Initially gathering in a general store owned by the Hall brothers, the congregation was ministered to by circuit-riding preachers until Reverend Charles William Kerr arrived in 1900. Kerr’s leadership, which spanned over four decades, oversaw the construction of three church buildings, transitioning from a modest wooden structure to two enduring stone sanctuaries.

The current church building, completed in 1925 during Tulsa’s oil boom years, stands near the Deco District and is a striking example of the city’s lesser-known Gothic Revival architecture. Adorned with majestic spires and intricate stained-glass windows, the building has expanded over the years, reflecting both the church’s spiritual growth and the city’s evolving history.

Notably, the church and its pastor played a courageous role during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Reverend Kerr opened the church's doors to African American women and children seeking safety amid the violence and destruction that devastated the Greenwood District. This act of compassion remains a powerful part of the church’s legacy.

By 1948, First Church had grown to become the second-largest Presbyterian congregation in the nation, affiliated with the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA. The church's 1926 structure is now a contributing property in the Oil Capital Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2010.

Today, First Presbyterian Church continues to serve as a place of worship, community, and outreach, committed to its mission of honoring God, growing together, and serving both Tulsa and the broader world.
6
Trinity Episcopal Church

6) Trinity Episcopal Church

Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa is a historic and welcoming spiritual home located at the corner of Fifth Street and Cincinnati Avenue, in the heart of the city’s Deco District. Established in 1926, it holds the distinction of being Tulsa’s oldest Episcopal church and remains a vibrant center for worship, music, and community service.

Architecturally, Trinity is a standout example of English Gothic design. The church’s intricate wood carvings, ecclesiastical stained-glass windows—including a notable depiction of the Apostles’ Creed—and colorful interior flooring all contribute to its serene, reverent atmosphere. Its rich visual artistry is complemented by a strong musical tradition, with services often featuring high-quality choral and instrumental offerings that enhance the liturgy.

Trinity is known not only for its beauty but for its inclusive and affirming community. Guided by Anglican values and a spirit of open inquiry, the church welcomes all individuals regardless of background or belief. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their full, authentic selves to worship and to engage in thoughtful discussion and social action. Programs include multiple Sunday services, youth ministries, Christian formation classes, Taizé services, and outreach efforts focused on justice and compassion.

Whether you’re attending a service, enjoying a concert, or simply admiring the historic architecture, Trinity Episcopal Church offers a space where tradition and progressive values meet in harmony.
7
First Baptist Church

7) First Baptist Church

First Baptist Church in downtown Tulsa stands as a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture and a cornerstone of the city’s early history. Located at Fourth Street and Cincinnati Avenue, the church traces its roots back to the days when Tulsa was still a modest Indian Territory trading post affectionately called “Tulsey Town.” The current sanctuary, completed in 1927, reflects the grandeur of that era with its soaring steeple, elegant stonework, and luminous stained glass windows.

Over the decades, First Baptist Tulsa has expanded its role in the community, growing both in size and mission. A major renovation updated the sanctuary and education wing, transforming the church into a modern facility with over 250,000 square feet of space—while still honoring its historic character.

In addition to worship and ministry, the church is known for hosting elegant weddings. Couples are guided by a dedicated wedding liaison from planning through rehearsal, ensuring their ceremony is meaningful and memorable. The sanctuary’s dramatic lighting, music, and architecture create a timeless setting for vows and photographs alike.

Today, First Baptist Tulsa remains a place of spiritual growth, fellowship, and lifelong commitment—where faith and tradition meet in the heart of the city.

Walking Tours in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Create Your Own Walk in Tulsa

Create Your Own Walk in Tulsa

Creating your own self-guided walk in Tulsa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
University of Tulsa Walking Tour

University of Tulsa Walking Tour

Located on the historic U.S. Route 66, America's "Mother Road", the University of Tulsa campus centers on a wide, grassy, quad-like space, known as Dietler Commons. Formerly called "The U", it is found not far from the downtown area and is dominated by English Gothic architecture.

At the top of Deitler Commons sits one of the campus' most notable landmarks, the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Tulsa Introduction Walking Tour

Tulsa Introduction Walking Tour

Straddling the Arkansas River in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, the city of Tulsa is deeply rooted in the Native American history and, more recently, in the oil industry too.

The area of modern Tulsa is considered an Indian Territory, and has been formally settled by Native Americans since 1836. The tribesmen named their settlement Tallasi, which means "old town" in the Creek language,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles