Chihowa Okla United Methodist Church

Chihowa Okla UMC Chartered July 18, 2010

Close to 100 persons came in support of the chartering of OIMC's newest church, "Chihowa Okla United Methodist Church", on Sunday evening, July 18, 2010, in Durant, Oklahoma

Twenty persons officially joined Chihowa Okla UMC, which means, "God's people," in the Choctaw language. The name was kept in suspense until Bishop Hayes called for the name and a marker revealing their name was unveiled.

Three joined as baptized youth; six joined as baptized children and three were listed as constituent members. The church is currently meeting at the Choctaw Community Center, located near the new Choctaw Nation Resort. Three children were also baptized at the chartering service.

The church had been meeting as the Durant Indian Fellowship for the past five years, using different facilties in Durant. The Choctaw Nation agreed to let the fellowship use their facilities for their services and activities. The church will continue to meet at the Choctaw Community Center.

"The Fellowship had no pastor over the past year of its organization", said Rev. David Wilson, Conference Superintendent.

"It is a testament of their faith and commitment that this group of people at the church continued to worship, organize and operate without a pastor over this past year. They are truly committed to seeing their church grow and they have worked hard to get to this point."

Diana LaRocque was appointed as the Lay Missioner to Durant at the 2010 annual conference. She is excited about her appointment and is working with the church as they take their first steps as a chartered church.

Members of the Fellowship have been faithful to attend training events in the region and are also on various committees in the Southeast Region. Four of their members attended the Southeast Region Lay Speaking School this year.

The new church is also preparing to become involved with Native American campus ministry at Southeastern State University, which has a large Native American student population. Some of the new members attend Southeastern.

Rev. Wilson said this is the first church in the Southeast Region to charter in the past 30 years. The last church to become a chartered church was Grace Chapel, who is celebrating their 30th anniversary on August 29th. Grace is located at Hartshorne, Oklahoma.

Lay Missioner Diana LaRocque, Southern District Superintendent Rev. July Tecumseh also participated in the service, along with the Conference Superintendent, Rev. David Wilson, who has worked with the church to become chartered over the past year.

The charter members include: Crystal Davenport, Sean Davenport, Rhonda Glover, Connie Hudson, Jordan McDaniel, Amanda Perez, Shirley Sexton, Timothy Sexton, Timothy Sexton, Jr., Casey Wallace, Spencer Wallace, Jeff Watkins, Joyce Watkins, Nicole Watkins, Lee Watkins, Kevin Wilson, Lonia Wilson, Pamela Kay Wilson, Major Wilson and Oneida Winship.

The baptized youth include, Brandon McDaniel, Zachary Sant and Caleb Sexton. Baptized children include, Chloe Bryant, Cornelia Bryant, Stephen Bryant, Kashis Wilson, Kyra Wilson and Kenzie Wilson.

The constituent members include, Madison Glover, Jordan Davenport and Jerry Smith.

The church currently meets on Sunday nights at 5:00 and at 6:00 on Wednesday nights at the center, which is located at 2750 Big Lots Parkway in Durant.