Haven’t you noticed the way sunlight catches the steeple of University Baptist Church? It seems like a beacon, doesn’t it? University Baptist Church has a unique story. It began with a small group and a big vision. It all started in June 1921. A group of families needed a closer place to worship. Transportation to downtown churches was difficult. These families lived on the northern edge of Shawnee.
Reverends J. L. Guthrie, J. E. Akin, and William Whicker led the way. They met at J. L. Guthrie’s home at 310 W. North Street. This street later became MacArthur Drive. About twenty people signed the church charter. Some charter members included Dr. and Mrs. J. L. Guthrie and Mr. and Mrs. William Whicker. Reverend J. E. Akin moderated that first meeting. Dr. J. L. Guthrie was chosen as pastor.
During the summer and fall of 1921, the Guthrie home remained the meeting place. The area lacked electricity. So, the church used an old gas lantern for light. In the fall of 1921, the church members built a crude tabernacle. It was located at 2613 North Kickapoo. They used volunteer labor. The tabernacle had a dirt and sawdust floor. Homemade benches offered seating. A pot-bellied stove provided warmth. Hinged wooden flaps served as windows.
Velma Clotfelter remembered those early days. She said people eagerly found places to serve. Initially, there was no pianist or music director. Two girls from OBU joined the church. One played piano. The other directed music. They served for a semester or longer. Others were capable Sunday School teachers. A close Christian fellowship grew among the members.
Rita Collier Hedges shared her memories too. She taught primary Sunday School during her high school years. She was also active in BYPU. Dr. Guthrie tutored her in violin for church services. Her sister Novella played piano. Their little orchestra didn’t last long. Dr. Guthrie ended his pastorate in 1926. Later, they formed a choir. They sat on two wooden benches behind the pulpit. The church grew and had another baptizing.
Olen Cornelius, an OBU student, succeeded Dr. Guthrie in 1926. He served until December 4, 1927. C. H. Evans, the third pastor, served briefly from February to July 1928. These years marked growth for the church. University Baptist Church took a stand on moral issues. In January 1927, the church thanked Dr. J. B. Round for opposing an Inaugural Ball. In February, Brother Stith organized against Sunday picture shows. In March, the church supported federal officials cleaning up Shawnee. A committee visited people breaking the Sunday law. In October 1927, the church commended Dr. J. B. Rounds for opposing the teaching of evolution.
A. F. Loftin became the fourth pastor in August 1928. Construction began on a three-story brick building that September. This building is now the north education wing. Services were held in Shawnee Hall at OBU. The old Tabernacle was torn down. Its materials were used for the new facility.
Loftin resigned in 1930. O. E. Thompson became the fifth pastor in 1931. The church was originally named North Church. It had incorporated under that name in 1928. This caused confusion about affiliation with Northern or Southern Baptists. On March 4, 1931, the name changed to University Baptist Church.
Thompson resigned in 1933. W. O. Miller became the sixth pastor in July 1933. The church addressed the issue of divorced persons in membership. It decided to receive them fully. Miller resigned in 1937. Leon Gambrell became the seventh pastor in September 1937. Under his leadership, the church started its third building program. The groundbreaking took place in 1938. Dr. Roland Q. Leavell was the guest speaker.
The church faced financial difficulties. In 1939, they built a temporary wooden Tabernacle. Volunteer labor was used. The concrete patio area was the floor of the white wooden tabernacle. W. A. Boston became the eighth pastor in July 1941. During his tenure, the church established a rotating system of deacons.
Dr. Clifton Malone became the ninth pastor in 1943. He led the church to purchase a parsonage. In March 1945, the Musson Baptist Mission was organized. On December 1, 1946, it became Hilltop Baptist Church. A highlight was a watchnight service on December 31, 1944. The church’s debt was burned at midnight.
Today, University Baptist Church continues to shine. It is a testament to faith. It is also a commitment to community. Its story reflects dedication. It also reflects service. It is a legacy that continues to inspire.