The 1990s: Looking to the Future
The 1990s marked a decade of vision, renewal, and preparation for the future at John Knox Presbyterian Church. As the world changed rapidly around us, our congregation remained grounded in worship, stewardship, and service. Through new leadership, expanding ministries, and a growing commitment to the Tulsa community, John Knox continued to build upon the strong foundation established during its first forty years.
When Rev. Lonnie Lee was installed as Senior Pastor in September 1987, he brought with him a vision of the congregation as a worshipping community:
“Worship comes alive for a congregation as the gathered people of God participate fully in hearing and responding to God’s Word.”Rev. Lonnie Lee
To Lonnie, the spiritual renewal of a church begins with the renewal of worship. Associate Pastor Roberts A. Anderson joined the staff in July 1988, followed soon after by Beth Jewett, Professional Christian Educator. Together they undertook an evaluation of every program and ministry of the church. Following Rev. Lee’s resignation in 1995, Rev. Dr. Eugene Linton served as Interim Pastor. In April 1997, Rev. Bob Jenson was installed as Senior Pastor, and the church began to move forward into another exciting chapter of ministry.
The 1990s were a season of growth for John Knox. New members found a welcoming church family where worship, fellowship, and service went hand in hand. Ministries for every age flourished, creating opportunities for members to deepen their faith while building lasting friendships.
Life at John Knox extended far beyond Sunday morning worship. Youth ministries thrived, Presbyterian Men’s Club provided fellowship and service, and Women’s Retreats offered opportunities for spiritual renewal. Together these ministries strengthened relationships, nurtured faith, and helped create the vibrant congregational life that defined the decade.
Showing the growing maturity of the congregation, John Knox established a formal Bequest and Planned Giving Program, returning the church to its foundation of fiscal responsibility and commitment to caring for future generations. In 1993, the congregation approved a $675,000 Capital Maintenance Fund Program, demonstrating a willingness to invest in the facilities and ministries that would serve the church for years to come.
The vision of serving the community continued to grow throughout the decade. The church expanded its stewardship of its facilities to meet the needs of children, families, and musicians across Tulsa. The John Knox Child Development Center was established as an independent ministry, providing quality all-day care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Scholarships were created so that children from families with financial need could also benefit from its nurturing environment.
In conjunction with the Child Development Center, the church established the Frankie R. McKinnon School of Music, named in memory of our beloved Director of Music Ministry following her tragic death in 1990. The school offered private and group instruction, special classes, visiting artists, and performance opportunities, strengthening music education within both the church and the wider community. Following Frankie’s passing, Laven Sowell faithfully served as temporary choir director until David Cain joined the staff, continuing John Knox’s tradition of musical excellence.
Mission remained at the heart of John Knox throughout the decade. The Deacons became active in Meals on Wheels, organized clothing drives for children in need, and expanded Project Merry Christmas, serving 94 families in 1996. The Women’s Association faithfully supported the Day Center for the Homeless, Mother Tucker’s Ministry, John 3:16 Mission, Project Get Together, Little Light House, Goodland Home, Dwight Mission, Emergency Infant Services, Domestic Violence Intervention Services, and the Mental Health Association. Even the John Knox Co-op celebrated a milestone by welcoming its first “Mr. Mom.” These ministries reflected a congregation committed to living out Christ’s love in practical ways every day.
In August 1998, John Knox celebrated the retirement of Joyce Douglass, who had faithfully cared for generations of children through the nursery ministry and Wednesday Co-op for twenty years. Her loving service touched countless families and became one of the many quiet ministries that shaped the life of our church. As the twentieth century came to a close, John Knox Presbyterian Church stood ready for a new millennium. Worship remained central, ministries continued to flourish, outreach expanded, and the congregation invested faithfully in future generations. The 1990s were a decade of growth, vision, and hope—a decade that prepared John Knox for all that God had yet to accomplish.
