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On August 4, 1901, the First Christian Church met for its first worship under its first "building," a huge tent! Tents were about the only shelter available on the 320 acres of prairie grassland slated to become the city of Lawton when the lottery was conducted two days later.
The Rev, A. B. Carpenter was sent by the Oklahoma Territorial Missionary Society to organize a church, which he did under the tent as an aid to the weary, dust-laden travelers who arrived from all parts of the United States.
At night the tent served as a Y.M.C.A. Hotel for young men to sleep in. Brother Carpenter put a barrel of water with a hose to provide a place to take showers, and during the afternoon he and his assistant helped these young men, far away from home, to write their loved ones a letter. The first Court system met under the tent and the Public Schools organized there, too.
As people were invited to attend the services, they were also enticed by the sound of the music coming from the portable organ that was brought with Brother Carpenter. To this day, the sound of carillon bells ring out on the hour in downtown Lawton, continuing to bring music and an invitation to all people.
First Christian has been a home and safe-haven where many have exchanged their wedding vows, baptized their children, provided Christian education for their children and youth, found strength and faith for the struggles of life, and laid to rest their loved ones.
The church has had a part in encouraging Lawton to be a town full of love, care and hope!