Holy Cross

Although Mass was celebrated as early as 1891 in residents homes of Wagoner, I.T. (Indian Territory), Wagoners first Catholic celebrated its first Mass on December 8, 1895, in a small wood frame building built on the corner of Cherokee and State streets as a striking evidence of the faith, courage, and generosity of the pioneer families in the area... . In 1907, as Wagoner prospered and became a thriving town of three railroads, Father James McGuire was named the first resident pastor. In 1909, he undertook the task of building a new and much larger style church on the same property for the growing Catholic population. The new church was dedicated on November 10, 1910, by Bishop Meerschaert. There were twelve other pastors that served the parish over the next 30+ years before Father Paul Brown was named pastor in 1942. He organized the first Altar Society, which is still active , although now called the Mary and Martha Society. Also, in 1942, a rectory consisting of five rooms was erected on the church property, thus enabling the first resident priest to live in the parish since 1910. In 1945, the railroad industry had declined and there was a drastic drop in the number of parish families. During that time, Father Ramon Carlin greatly reduced the seating space in the church by moving the outside walls inward to leave arched porches on both sides of the church. In 1969, the north archways were enclosed to become a part of the new parish hall. The south archway space was converted into four classrooms in 1983. On June 2, 1996, Holy Cross parishioners, under the guidance of much beloved Father Stephen MacAulay, ushered in their second hundred years by dedicating the third Holy Cross parish complex in its present location at S.W. 15th & Pierce Ave. Mindful of our predecessors deep faith in 1895, may Holy Cross continue to grow and prosper. And may the Holy Spirit support and guide us on our journey of faith. The above stained glass window was relocated to the present church when it was built in 1996. It was ...Read More