Founding
Our first service was April 13, 1997 after a small group of people decided to start a new church which would be open and welcoming to all. Rev. Kathy McCallie was our founding pastor, and served for 17 years.
History Highlights
1997
- First worship service of Church of the Open Arms on April 13 in Mayflower sanctuary
1998
- Welcomed into the United Church of Christ Denomination by the Oklahoma Association
- Moved from Mayflower UCC to 1212 N Hudson where we began renting space
2001
- Purchase of our current 3131 N Penn building. First service Oct 14, 2001.
2002
- 1st Homosexuality & Scripture Conference in which the KKK planned to protest
- Opened our “client choice” Food Pantry, organized by Sharon Doan
2012
- Installation of our elevator to make our building more accessible to all
2013
- Loss of our founding pastor, Rev. Kathy McCallie
- Welcomed Rev. Victor Force as our interim pastor
2016
- Installed Rev. Kayla Bonewell as our settled pastor