{"id":5453,"date":"2023-11-30T15:00:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T21:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/?page_id=5453"},"modified":"2024-10-15T15:04:20","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T20:04:20","slug":"the-history-of-the-global-ministry-center-bethany-oklahoma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iphc.org\/gso\/the-history-of-the-global-ministry-center-bethany-oklahoma\/","title":{"rendered":"The History of the Global Ministry Center, Bethany, Oklahoma"},"content":{"rendered":"

The History of the Global Ministry Center in Bethany, Oklahoma<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Many of us in the IPHC have memories of spending time at the Global Ministry Center, formerly known as the “headquarters” in Bethany, Oklahoma. In 2025, this center will celebrate its 50th anniversary, but its history stretches back much further.<\/p>\n

Did you know that the Global Ministry Center in Bethany, Oklahoma was once a children’s orphanage? It was built in 1910, just three years after Oklahoma became a state! The IPHC purchased the home and property in 1973, and they renovated the building. The new IPHC “headquarters” was dedicated in 1975 under the leadership of Bishop Floyd Williams.<\/p>\n

As the GMC’s 50th anniversary\u00a0 approaches in 2025, let’s take a look at its past.<\/p>\n

Here is an aerial view of the orphanage, taken in 1944. Notice the chapel is there. There was once a two story home behind the GMC, as well as a one-story home, and a ranch style home–check out the top right hand corner to see.<\/p>\n

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The name of the orphanage was St. Joseph’s, as you can see on this water tower.<\/p>\n

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Below are photos showing what life was like at the orphanage.<\/p>\n

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THE SAINT JOSEPH CHILDREN\u2019S HOME<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A Brief History based on an entry in the Bethany Centennial History Book (2009)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By <\/strong><\/p>\n

Marilyn A. Hudson<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Just three years after Oklahoma statehood, 27 \u00bd acres of land were purchased to create the \u201cSt. Joseph Orphanage Asylum and Industrial School.\u201d\u00a0 The land was excellently situated near the half-way point of the new \u201cEl Reno Interurban\u201d rail line connecting Oklahoma City and Yukon. With 60 acres by 1913, early promoters noted the gardens, truck produce, farming, and livestock of the orphanage would advertise the rich farming potential of the area.[1]<\/a>\u00a0 The facility grew to include various tracts of land and included\u00a0\u00a0 the \u201cnorth farm\u201d where the present day St. Francis Center for Christian Renewal and Resurrection Cemetery are located.<\/p>\n

Overseeing this scale of a charitable endeavor in the Roman Catholic Church of Oklahoma required strong leaders.\u00a0 The Very Rev. Bernard Mutsaers, James Maney, and His Excellency the Right Rev. Theophile Meerschaert, Oklahoma\u2019s first Bishop, proved to be those leaders. The Rev. John M. Kekeisen, late of Newkirk, assumed the position of first director of the orphanage. Other Directors were Fathers P.P. Schaeffer, James Garvey, and A.A. Isenbart.[2]<\/a><\/p>\n

On August 1, 1912, Sister Mary Scholastica, Superior, and Sisters Mary Anthony. Mary Raphael, Mary Ambrose, all Sisters of Mercy, arrived to receive the children. On October 6, 1912, Bishop Meerschar performed a solemn service of blessing celebrating the new facility.<\/p>\n

In 1921, Father P.P. Schaeffer, foresaw a need for infant and elderly care.\u00a0 The Article of Incorporation at that time to \u201cSt. Joseph\u2019s Orphanage and Home for the Aged.\u201d\u00a0 Father Garvey, starting in 1928, used a popular annual parish picnic to raise funds to reduce the orphanage indebtedness. The result was that by 1934 the mortgage on the orphanage was fulfilled.<\/p>\n

Over the years, the large brick building set on a gentle knoll, saw a gymnasium added, a chapel, and classrooms.\u00a0 It was central to many of the charities of its day for Catholics in Oklahoma and the people they helped.\u00a0 The history of the Oklahoma Catholic Charities also begins at St. Joseph, as they were headquartered at the orphanage until 1926.<\/p>\n

Over the next sixty years, the orphanage would see many changes in its structure, outreach, and workers.\u00a0 More than seven orders of women religious served there (Sisters of Mercy, Sisters of the Blessed Carmelites, Benedictines, Missionary Sisters of the Most Blessed Trinity, Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Divine Providence Sisters)[3]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In 1965, the Children\u2019s Home relocated to an area off Eastern Avenue in NE Oklahoma City with a modern set of dormitories, cafeteria, and chapel.[4]<\/a> \u00a0Changes in society were making orphanages less common[5]<\/a>. In 1973, however, the original facility, empty for three years, sold to become the general offices of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.[6]<\/a><\/p>\n

From its opening in 1912 to 1955, St. Joseph provided care for some 5,000 children.[7]<\/a> \u00a0\u00a0Many were like the child a Sister Providentia recalled. \u00a0\u00a0A tiny girl, neglected by her family, asked the Sister if it was true they \u201creally<\/em><\/strong> received three meals a day\u2026\u201d[8]<\/a>\u00a0 Happily, the St. Joseph Orphanage could and did provide three meals and much more.<\/p>\n

The map shows how the facility looked ca 1927.<\/p>\n

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[1]<\/a> \u201cOrphanage plans more buildings\u201d Daily Oklahoman.<\/u> 4\/14\/1912; special thanks to James Weinmann , Heritage Room Director, Catholic Pastoral Center, Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> \u201cDiocesan Charities Office Has Cared for Thousands.\u201d Southwester Courier: Golden Jubilee<\/u>, n.d., pg. 96-97.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> \u201cSt. Joseph\u2019s Children\u2019s Home.\u201d The Sooner Catholic<\/u>. Sunday, Sept. 5, 1976.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> \u201cEmpty Orphanage a Tranquil Store of Memory.\u201d Daily Oklahoman<\/u>. (5\/27\/1973, pg. 22).<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a>\u00a0 \u201cNecessity for Orphanages has virtually disappeared.\u201d\u00a0 Daily Oklahoman<\/u> (12\/26\/1974), pg. 87).<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> \u201cChurch to move headquarters to City.\u201d\u00a0 Daily Oklahoman<\/u> (8\/7\/1973, pg. 11).<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Quoted in \u201cSt. Joseph\u2019s Children\u2019s Home\u201d. Sooner\u00a0 Catholic<\/u>, Sunday, Sept. 5,1976.; \u201cEmpty Orphanage a Tranquil Store of Memory.\u201d Daily Oklahoman.<\/u>\u00a0 (5\/27\/1973, pg. 22).<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> St. Joseph\u2019s Children\u2019s Home.\u201d The Sooner Catholic<\/u>. Sunday, Sept. 5, 1976.<\/p>\n

Here are the blueprints for the renovation completed by the IPHC:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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The Headquarters’ Brochure<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Of course, there is no stream next to the IPHC, nor was there ever a stream. However, it is a beautiful idea!<\/p>\n

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The Dedication Ceremony<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Postcard<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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