The 1950s: A Vision Takes Root
It all began with a vision. In the spring of 1951, as Tulsa continued to expand in the post-war years, a group of faithful Presbyterians imagined a new church—one that would take root in southeast Tulsa and grow alongside a young and thriving community. What began as an idea soon became a calling. Their dream was to create a church home for families in a growing part of the city.
On April 3, 1951, that vision became reality when Tulsa Presbytery approved the petition to establish a new congregation. Just weeks later, on April 29, 168 charter members gathered at Kendall Hall on the University of Tulsa campus. They chose the name John Knox—and with it, a shared identity grounded in faith, learning, and service. Under the leadership of organizing pastor Rev. Dr. R. Grady Snuggs, this new church family began worshiping together, trusting that God would guide their next steps.
Those steps came quickly. By mid-summer, the congregation had already taken a bold leap of faith, purchasing 8.5 acres at 31st and Florence for $21,500. At the time, the area was still developing, but the church’s leaders could already see the potential for growth. Soon after, Rev. William S. Findley—a former WWII pilot serving in Hot Springs, Arkansas—accepted the call to become John Knox’s first pastor. He and his wife, Gerry, brought energy, leadership, and a deep sense of purpose to this young congregation.
Life at John Knox quickly became vibrant and full. The post-war baby boom filled nurseries and Sunday School classrooms, and new member classes met regularly as the congregation expanded. There was a sense of momentum—of something meaningful taking shape week by week. By Christmas of that first year, the pageant drew record attendance, with children, teachers, and families packing the space—an early glimpse of the life and joy that would define the church.
In 1953, members and neighbors gathered for a milestone moment—the groundbreaking of the first church building. Thirty-first Street was still just two lanes at the time, but both the road and the church would soon grow. The master plan envisioned a congregation of up to 1,000, serving one of Tulsa’s fastest-growing areas—and already, that vision felt within reach.
By 1955, the congregation moved into its newly completed spaces: a fellowship hall, chapel, classrooms, nursery, and offices. No longer meeting in borrowed space, John Knox finally had a home of its own. Worship in the fellowship hall marked a new chapter—one filled with gratitude, excitement, and a deep sense of belonging. Even today, there is a tangible connection to those early services—the cross that once hung on the fellowship hall wall now resides in the Chapel, alongside the original pulpit and baptismal font, quietly linking past and present in our shared space of worship.
Two years later, the music program began to flourish with the arrival of James “Jim” Boles as minister of music and his wife Carolyn as organist. Under their leadership, music became a central and joyful expression of worship. Choirs for children, youth, and adults quickly grew—but so did expectations. Jim Boles was known for his high standards, including requiring choir members to memorize their music.
It was no small task, but it created a sense of excellence, confidence, and deep engagement that shaped the musical life of John Knox for years to come. By 1959, the second phase of construction was complete, including the north education wing with youth areas on the lower level. Each classroom was equipped with its own piano—a remarkable detail that reflected the church’s commitment to both education and music. Membership had grown to 1,059, a powerful testament to the vitality of this young congregation.
Through it all, a simple but profound statement guided the life of the church—printed week after week in the bulletin:
to introduce people to Jesus Christ,
to deepen the faith and commitment of those who know Him,
and to demonstrate Christ’s way of love in service to the world.