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MAY AVENUE UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH
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MAY AVENUE UMC HISTORY

During the early 1940’s, the area around North May Avenue and N.W. 23rd Street was a newly expanding part of Oklahoma City. Cleveland and Taft schools were catalysts for growth in the area. Methodists realized the need for a church in the area and under the leadership of B.C. Clark, a local jeweler, and Rev. Alva Hutchinson, Methodist District Superintendent, plans were made for a new church start in 1943. The present property, which was then a tavern, was purchased for $11,000 along with a parsonage on N.W. 25th Street.

                 Rev. Byron Caverns was appointed as the first pastor and the church was begun with four other families. The church was officially chartered December 9, 1945 when it reached 100 members.

                 Outgrowing the old facility, the tavern was torn down and a foundation and basement were built. A wooden army chapel was purchased from Will Rogers Field and moved on to the site. The whole exterior structure then received a brick veneer. The cornerstone was officially laid on October 5, 1947.

                 The church experienced rapid growth over the years and continued to expand its facilities. The north wing, ground floor, was completed in 1951 and in 1956 a second story was added to the wing.  In 1977 construction was begun on remodeling the Fellowship Hall and building the parlor and an activities building (gym).

                 During the 1980’s the population made a major shift to the north side of the city, but being the strong church that it is, May Avenue adjusted and planned for the future. In the 1990’s the neighborhood saw  a resurgence of growth and vitality. Into 2000’s  May Avenue  continues to share the Good News of God’s love to future generations.