The Presbyterian Church's history in Oklahoma pre-dates even the existence of the state of Oklahoma itself, going well back into the days of the region being called Indian Territory.
But in those 180 or so years, no history of the church's impact in the area had been undertaken.
In 2001, a group of Presbyterian leaders called the Oklahoma Presbyterian History Project Task Force met to discuss the possibility of a book to chronicle the church's history in Oklahoma.
The group selected a pair of historians -- University of Oklahoma professor of letters Danney Goble and former history professor and administrator Michael Cassity -- to take on the project.
Their result, eight years later, is the book "Divided Hearts -- The Presbyterian Journey through Oklahoma History."
The authors' goal was to have the book completed in time for the state's centennial celebration in 2007. But Goble fell ill during the research and died in March 2007.
Cassity finished the book, which was published this month through the University of Oklahoma Press.
He gave great credit to Goble for his efforts on the project.
"His contribution to the volume before his death was large, and his coauthorship is appropriate even though he was unable to finish all the chapters he intended," Cassity wrote in the book's preface.
Goble had written or collaborated on eight other books about Oklahoma history prior to "Divided Hearts."
The book chronicles Presbyterianism from its earliest days in the state, back in the days of being Indian Territory, with white settlers making their way west and also with members of the Five Tribes already living in the region.
A common theme through much of the book is Presbyterians' differences in perception to their mission and issues, perhaps lending inspiration to the book's title.
It looks at people, issues and places as it creates a timeline of events in the church leading up to modern times. The book finishes with a listing, as of 2007, of Presbyterian churches in the state.
It is filled with historical accounts by church members and congregations across the state and first-hand stories of the church's growth in the region.
"Religion serves for many people as a way in which they define their lives spiritually, and it also defines their relationships with others in the secular world," Cassity wrote.
The book is 320 pages and retails for $24.95 hardcover.
Religion
The Presbyterian journey
Book chronicles church"s history in Oklahoma
- Religion
-
-
Norman church sends work, witness team to Belize
For eight days, 23 members of the Norman Community Church of the Nazarene built more than pews for a church in Belize, they also built friendships....
-
Church to participate in National Preach-In on Global Warming
Unity Church in Norman, 3001 S. Berry Road, will take part in the National Preach-In on Global Warming, from today until Sunday. The church will join more than 1,000 others participating nationwide in the third annual event, which is ...
-
The heart behind Trinity Lutheran School
Cheryl Anderson sees every day the power that education and faith can have on children. As administrator of Trinity Lutheran School and Childcare, Anderson is so passionate about the school that she is anxious to get the word out about ...
-
Holy Ascension Orthodox Christian Church plans open house Saturday
Holy Ascension Orthodox Christian Church is inviting Norman residents to an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at 3350 12th Ave. NE....
-
Church briefs
St. Joseph’s to celebrate Mardi Gras St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will host its annual Mardi Gras celebration from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the parish center gymnasium, 421 E. Acres St. A New Orleans menu of pork shoulder, Cajun ...
-
Something is in the air
Reports of snow in the air are circulating as we prepare for this weekend. The weather forecasts are predicting snow by Sunday evening and our children (and their teachers) are dreaming of a snow day on Monday. Ahhhh, but something else is ...
-
Religion roundup
Church-wide garage sale Saturday St. Joseph Catholic Church will hold a church-wide garage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday in the Parish Center Gymnasium, 421 E. Acres St....
-
Relics of Saints to be installed at Our Lady of Lebanon
A local Catholic parish will celebrate the installation of relics on the feast day of its patron saint, Sunday....
-
Mondays can be revolutionary
Mondays are so hard, right? Ever felt the Monday morning blues? Many a song has been written about this challenging day. Who can forget the melodious voice of Karen Carpenter singing “Hangin’ around, nothing to do but frown; rainy days ...
-
What is the best way for people to live their faith?
Heart, soul, might Rabbi Mark Levin of Congregation Beth Torah, Overland Park, Kan.: Faith is the love and service of God. Deuteronomy 6:5 commands us to love God with all our “heart, soul and might.” Each person balances them differently, ...
- More Religion Headlines
-
