Our Church History

Calvary Apostolic Church as it stands today

In the early 1900's most all Pentecostal believers met by the old Blacksmith Building South of Rogers Blvd. It was called the "Tin Mission." The main-line denominal Churches refused membership to those who had received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking with other tongues. In around 1914 when the revelation of Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ was received, many of them were rejected by those meeting in the "Tin Mission." They begin to meet in homes. In 1922 land was purchased at the present location 300 South Locust, to build a Church Building. In 1931 and in 1936 adjoining lots were purchased. Some of the earlier Pastors of "The Pentecostal Church of Skiatook," were: Rev. C.P. Kilgore, Rev. Schrader, Rev. Bill Buster, & Rev. Sargis. Some of the early Preachers that came from this congregation were: Sam Crain, and Earl Carter. Rev Horace Wilburn became Pastor in 1939 to 1946.

It was about this time that the Church joined forces and merged with "The United Pentecostal Church." Rev Joe Gilstrap became Pastor in 1946. It was during his pastorate that the new building was built on the North side of the property. They moved into the new building on November 11th, 1949. Rev. Gilstrap resigned in 1958, and Rev. Wilburn returned until 1961. Rev. Gilstrap came back as Pastor from 1961 through 1973. In 1973 Rev. Jimmy Keller became Pastor. In 1977 Rev. Keller added four Sunday School rooms, an office, and Evangelist Quarters onto the building. His son Rev. Carl Keller was his Asst. Pastor. In 1990 Rev Jim Crain was also installed as an Asst. Pastor. In 1999 the entire structure was bricked, and the Sanctuary was remodeled. In 2001 Pastor Keller retired. Rev Carl Keller felt his burden for India, and became a missionary to that country. Rev Jim Crain assumed the pastorate. In 2004 the name of the Church was changed to "Calvary Apostolic Church." and a five acre tract of land was purchased on Javine Hill Road at the West edge of the Town for future growth. We are still affiliated with the "United Pentecostal Church Int." We preach the same message that the Apostles preached in the book of Acts in the Bible.

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