The 1980s: The Roller Coaster Years
The 1980s at John Knox Presbyterian Church were years of both challenge and celebration—shaped by cultural change, strong pastoral leadership, and a growing commitment to mission, fellowship, and community outreach.
Under the leadership of Dr. Richard W. Evans, the congregation continued to grow in faith and purpose. Early in the decade, Dr. Evans emphasized inviting and welcoming others into the life of the church, calling members to become “co-operators with God in the redemption of society” and working to restore a strong church-going tradition rooted in hospitality and spiritual engagement. In 1982, the Rev. Sharon Mook joined the staff as Associate Pastor, serving as a strong advocate for the church’s mission and youth-focused ministries. That same year, a new position was created to support junior high students through young adults, further strengthening the church’s nurture and discipleship efforts.
The decade was marked by significant milestones in the life of the church. On April 24, 1983, the congregation joyfully celebrated the burning of the mortgage, symbolizing a new era of financial freedom and renewed vision. This moment was followed by a three-year capital improvement campaign that raised $250,000 to refurbish and enhance church facilities. The renovated education wing expanded ministry opportunities and allowed for creative partnerships, including sharing space with Tulsa’s Town and Country School for exceptional children and hosting a Korean Presbyterian congregation for worship and fellowship—relationships that enriched the church’s life with cultural diversity and shared ministry.
Worship and sacred space were enriched during this time through the dedication of stained glass windows depicting Patriarchs and Prophets, the Trinity, the Sacraments, the Apostles, the Nativity, Paul’s Ministry, Holy Week, the Reformation, and “Many Faceted Witnesses” above the pulpit. The church also purchased its first van in 1980 and expanded opportunities for fellowship and learning through ministries such as Fellowship University, the Sanctuary Guild, the children’s program “Celebration,” and the Homebuilders Class.
Community outreach and mission engagement flourished throughout the decade. John Knox hosted Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, formed a Widow and Widower Support program, and maintained a strong partnership with Boy Scout Troop 222. Members actively supported local initiatives such as Neighbors Along the Line, Emergency Infant Services, Project Get-Together, and the expanded Christmas outreach known as “Project Merry Christmas.” The Women’s Association played a vital role in mission support through programs such as the Presbyterian Hunger Program sacrificial meal, the creation of a 20-bean soup fundraiser, and the expansion of holiday meals for those spending Thanksgiving and Christmas alone.
The church also embraced creativity in worship and the arts, hosting programs such as the Bagwell and Michael Boone McGowan Seminars, the week-long Spirituality in the Arts Festival, and beloved musical productions including Wind in the Willows, Jonah, and El Shaddai. Organized by Frankie McKinnon, John Knox’s Music Director and Organist, the Spirituality in the Arts Festival was created to nurture imagination, faith, and an appreciation of the arts, and was dedicated in honor of Dr. John Gammie, Presbyterian minister and Professor of Religion at the University of Tulsa. Along with cherished traditions such as the Boar’s Head Feast, these programs enriched the congregation’s spiritual and cultural life.
As the decade progressed, John Knox also experienced a transition in pastoral leadership. Following Dr. Evans’ retirement after more than a decade of service, and the departure of Rev. Mook for further study, the church entered a season of adjustment. Interim leadership provided care and stability as the congregation navigated change and healing, preparing for the next chapter of ministry.
Amid a broader historical backdrop that included global and national change—from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to the collapse of communism, and locally the election of Wilma Mankiller as the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma’s centennial reflections—the church continued to move forward in faith.
