12 Most Beautiful and Awe-Inspiring Churches and Cathedrals in Oklahoma

Oklahoma became the 46th state in 1907. This state is the home of the Oklahoma Sooners college football team, the oil industry, and the agriculture industry. However, one lesser-known fact about Oklahoma is that it is home to some incredible and historic architecture. This article explores the most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Oklahoma. They feature stunning architectural designs, and many are also historic. In fact, several of the churches and cathedrals on this list are on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of Oklahoma’s most beautiful and historic churches and cathedrals are in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, but there are also several in smaller towns.

1. Boston Avenue United Methodist Church

The stunning and unique Boston Avenue Methodist Church in Tulsa was built in 1929. It features the Art Deco style of architecture, which was popular in Tulsa during the early 20th century. The Boston Avenue Methodist Church is instantly recognizable, even from afar, by its 258-foot tower. Made of limestone and granite, the building features beautiful terra cotta sculptures on the outside. Inside the church is a massive stained-glass dome, tile mosaics, and a pipe organ dating to 1961. In 1978, Boston Avenue United Methodist Church joined the National Register of Historic Places. In 1999, it was listed as a National Historic Landmark.

2. Cathedral of the Holy Family

The Cathedral of the Holy Family is a cathedral of the Roman Catholic Church built in 1914. The building features a combination of the Gothic Revival and Classical Revival architectural styles. According to the Cathedral of the Holy Family, English, French, and other American churches inspired the building’s design. Additionally, it was the tallest building in Tulsa until 1923, when workers built the Mayo Hotel. Today, the cathedral also includes the Holy Family Cathedral School for preschool through eighth grade. The Cathedral of the Holy Family joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This historic building is easily one of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Oklahoma.

3. St. Joseph Old Cathedral

Built in 1902, St. Joseph Old Cathedral was the first cathedral in Oklahoma. It was also the first Catholic church in Oklahoma City. From 1905 to 1931, St. Joseph Old Cathedral was the seat of the Diocese of Oklahoma. St. Joseph Old Cathedral was badly damaged during the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. The cathedral was just across the street from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which was the target of the bombing. Today, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum features a garden, pool, and stone sculptures to honor the victims of the bombing. Officials added St. Joseph Old Cathedral to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

4. First Methodist Church

Built in 1928, the First Methodist Church of Tulsa is the home of the First Methodist congregation. The congregation was founded in 1886 and outgrew two buildings before the First Methodist Church was finally built. The Tudor Gothic architectural style of the First Methodist Church features large, pointed arches and vaulted roofs. It also features two large spires outside the front door. The building itself is in the shape of a cross. Additionally, inside the church is a large pipe organ.

5. First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa was built in 1926. However, the congregation was first organized in 1885. The original wooden building is from 1899. Reverend Charles William Kerr, the church’s first permanent minister offered African American people shelter in the First Presbyterian Church during the Tulsa race riot of 1921. The First Presbyterian Church is part of the Oil Capital Historic District in Tulsa, which joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

6. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Built in 1924, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is part of the Roman Catholic Church. The new stone building replaced the original wood building from 1919. Upon the completion of its new building, Pope Pius XI chose Our Lady of Perpetual Help to replace St. Joseph Old Cathedral as the seat of the Diocese of Oklahoma City-Tulsa. The brick building features an Italianate style.

7. St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

The St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic Church located in Stillwater, which is between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Stillwater is the seat of Payne County. The St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church has had several buildings, the most recent of which was built in 2018. It is a massive, brick building with two large spires that features the Gothic Revival architectural style.

8. First United Methodist Church of Drumright

Built in 1927, the First United Methodist Church of Drumright is a historic building of the English Gothic Revival architectural style. Drumright is a former oil boom town in Payne and Creek counties. Officials welcomed the First United Methodist Church of Drumright to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

9. First Christian Church

Built in 1911, the First Christian Church is one of the most beautiful and iconic churches and cathedrals in Oklahoma. It features a Classical Revival architectural style. The National Register of Historic Places welcomed the First Christian Church in 1984.

10. St. Anthony’s Catholic Church

Built in 1927, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Oklahoma. It is in Okmulgee, which is the seat of Okmulgee County. The building is in Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style and made of stone and marble. St. Anthony’s Catholic Church joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

11. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was built in 1903. A 1902 fire destroyed the previous wood building from 1886. This Catholic church is a brick building that features an eclectic architectural style. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

12. Splitlog Church

Built in 1893, Splitlog Church is the oldest building on this list. A man named Mathias Splitlog built it when eastern Oklahoma was still the Indian Territory. The church features a brick exterior, alongside a beautifully carved wood interior. Splitlog Church joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Summary of the Most Beautiful Churches in Oklahoma

Here is a recap of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Oklahoma:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Patrick W. Moore / CC BY-SA 3.0 – License / Original