Mrs. Lora Wagner came from Wichita, Kansas as a missionary from Faith Baptist Church in 1939. The first mission services were held 3 ½ miles southeast of Sallisaw, in private homes. In 1941 a mission was built on property given by Henry Burrows. Attendance at that time was about 40 in each service. Within a year, it had grown to nearly 100. The mission was organized into a church for five years, and then went back to a mission. It became a mission of First Baptist Church until 1959. It was then organized into Immanuel Baptist Church. In August 1965, the church moved into a new church building in Sallisaw on South Elm Street. The church continued to grow over the next several years. In late 1978 a church building on Maple Street was purchased. After moving there, many new ministries began. We soon ran out of space and added an addition to the rear of the church building. We then added preschool and kindergarten. A short time later, we purchased the buildings nearby for Youth Department and more Children’s Church space. In July of 1983 the church purchased 21 acres on North Wheeler, and in August 1985, we held dedication services with construction already on the way and moved into the new facility in February 1987. Pastors of Immanuel Baptist Church from 1959 to now have been Hugh Harris, Franklin Carroll, O.J. Looper, Audra Martin, Mark Hall, Harold Mathena, Mike Ford, John H. Ewart, Ken Mackin, Jason and now Kevin Peterson.
Sunday school theme verse:
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11
We have an exciting children's ministry in Kidzville. Each week our kids learn about Jesus in fun and creative ways and have their own children's Sunday worship time. While the adults meet on Wednesday nights, Kidzville is hopping with awesome games, learning, and worship. Monthly activities range from ice skating to nursing home visits to kids camp.
Our teenage students participate in The Extreme, a worship experience with their music, their games, and their hearts. On Sundays the youth gather for study and fellowship, discovering together how Christ has answers for the struggles they face. You can usually find them headed to a movie, concert, weekend retreat, bowling, to camp or just to hang out.
The 55+ club have something happening all the time with the monthly luncheons, trips and ministries. They are anything but retired.
College students, singles, families and couples young and old can relate to the trials and joys of their season in life. With women's ministries, couples night out, and fellowships, we partner together through encouragement and love.
We would love for you to come and join us - give us a try - this Sunday. Come ready to experience meaningful worship and Biblical teaching - not as a guest, but as part of this great family of faith.
We hope to see you!
Your Immanual Family