Choska Indian United Methodist Church of Bristow, Oklahoma

The original Choska Indian United Methodist Church was built on a five acre tract of land given by Mr. Palmer Tiger for the express purpose as a site for the new Church. The first Church was built on that tract of land approximately three miles south and one mile east of Bristow, Oklahoma in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. The first Church was a white, one-room lumber frame building with a characteristic steel bell mounted upon its roof.

The building of eight or nine camp houses around the Church followed the building of the Church. It would be in 1944 or 1945 that tragedy would strike the very foundation of the Church. A fire would consume the Church and all the camp houses present at that time. It was a significant set back, but a new Church would be built.

The present day sandstone Church replaced the first Church and would be built on the exact footprint of the original Church. The building of the present day parsonage in 1949 would follow the building of the Church. A new fellowship hall would be built in 1978 followed by the building of a bathroom building in 1980.

Choska Indian United Methodist Church survived and is now enjoying a present day revival. The present day congregation is primarily made up of four Bigpond sisters and their extended families, and the Satoe family, which has ties with the family through Patsy Presson. The Choska congregation is a fun loving group who enjoys greatly playing volleyball together, and recently hosted a softball tournament which was a great success.

The future is bright for the Choska Indian United Methodist Church of Bristow.

May God continue to bless us and guide us according to His will.

approved by Michael Eddy, pastor