History of Pastors
The Ministers of the Methodist Episcopal Church South
The first 49 years of the Methodist Episcopal Church South in Norman, including the first 14 years of McFarlin, saw 29 Methodist ministers. Many of their contributions have been lost through the ravages of time and poor record keeping. Early records include "Hughes" and " J.T. Farris" as the first to preach to the Methodist South in 1889. Reverend Farris was appointed as the first head of the Wesleyan School. The first official appointment was Reverend A.M. Averyt, by the Indian Conference in 1890.
Reverend E.D. Cameron, came in 1892 and the first parsonage was built a block south of the building used for the Church. In 1893 Reverend T.M. Patterson came, but, failing health caused him to move a few months later. Reverend A.J. Worley completed the year. He was president of the Wesleyan School. Since the school, then known as Highgate College, was discontinued "before Christmas in 1894," Mr. Worley left and was replaced by the Reverend H.J. Brown for the rest of 1894.
During the three-year pastorate of the Reverend J.F. Sherwood, 1895 to 1898, membership grew to one hundred. Little is known about A.C. Pickens, W.D. Matthews, N.L. Linebaugh, W.G. Shackleford, W.M. Wilson, J.R. Smith, W.M.P. Rippey, and W.J. Moore, most of whom served one year or less.
Reverend R.E.L. Morgan came in 1907, the year Oklahoma became a state, staying four years and organizing the first student group - the forerunner to the Wesley Foundation. In 1946 his library was presented to McFarlin Church by his widow, and the Church Library, located just outside the east sanctuary door was designated as the R.E.L. Morgan Library.
Reverend R.L. Ownsbey was pastor from 1911 to 1915. Reverend H.E. Snodgrass held the record for the shortest stay of any of the South Methodist ministers, one month. The reason for his early departure is not known, but Reverend M.L. Butler finished out the year. Reverend E.R. Welch, laid the groundwork in 1916 for a new more centrally located church building. He was not reappointed and returned to North Carolina.
Reverend Charlie Walker began plans to build a new church at the corner of Eufaula and Webster in 1917, in spite of Professor Gilbert Smith and the Sooner Bible Class, who were dreaming of a church at Apache and South University. However, the latter plan was supported by the East and West Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Mr. Walker, who had tuberculosis, went to Arizona for his health. But, he did go to Baltimore where Robert McFarlin was hospitalized, returning with news that Mr. McFarlin had proposed to build the church himself if his health and legal problems permitted. While waiting to see if these plans would materialize, Reverend W.L. Broome, with a reputation as a "church builder" replaced Charlie Walker in 1919. He assisted with a statewide fund-raising campaign,chaired by Professor Smith. They hoped to raise $50,000 in Norman, $50,000 among Oklahoma Methodist churches, and $50,000 from each of the Conference Boards to make the $200,000 goal.
In 1922, with Mr. McFarlin's plans underway, Mr. Broome was appointed by the Conference to raise funds for the Centenary fund. His successor was Reverend L.S. Barton, the McFarlin family's pastor at Boston Avenue Methodist Church. He was about 55 years of age and had served as a missionary evangelist, a Presiding Elder, and Commissioner of Education at SMU. He was "a good businessman" and a pastor with a distinguished presence in the pulpit. Mrs. Barton was described as "lovely, the epitome of a southern gentlewoman."Dr. Barton superintended the expansion of the building plans, as Mr. McFarlin wished, and presided over construction after the cornerstone was laid January 21, 1924. The cornerstone vault contained a Bible, a Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, copies of The Norman Transcript, a copper plate by the Church contractors, the Holmboe Company, plus two dried olives from the Mount of Olives, tying the Church to Biblical times. The McFarlins came from San Antonio for the cornerstone ceremony. Dr. Barton continued as pastor during the exciting early days of the Church. Dr. Don Schooler was student pastor. He and Gilbert Smith conducted the last service in the Tonhawa Street church in north Norman.
After Dr. Barton, ministers included John Rice, W. New Harris, and John O. Ensor. In 1929 the Conference appointed Reverend J.T. McClure, who had been Presiding Elder of this District during the building of McFarlin. He selected the architect and insisted on enlarging the plans as well as putting in an outstanding organ. (1929 - 1932).
In 1932 Dr. A. Norman Evans began a tenure of 11 years. He presided over the Unification of the North and South branches and strengthened the Church's presence among students at OU. The Wesley Foundation was officially organized in 1926, and the Reverend C.V. Metzell was the first "Secretary" of "The University Department of McFarlin Church."
The Methodist Episcopal North Church from 1889 To 1938
The first preacher, Reverend J.S. Bundy, came from Purcell in the summer of 1889 and organized a "Methodist Class." The first assigned minister was Reverend B.F. Cargay, who was appointed in 1889, but for some reason did not begin preaching here until March 1890. He was followed by J.C. Helmick, J.M. Green, J.T. Henderson, J.R. Hendrickson, G.R. Rowan, and J.L. Bean. Each served one year or less.
In 1899 The South Methodist Church was characterized as more vigorous than the North Methodist Church by Reverend J.E. Wagner who wrote of his problems in being the Methodist Episcopal minister. "I, being a Southerner from Texas, had a handicap to overcome, both among the Southern people because I had become a Northern Methodist and among the Yankees for having been a Southerner ever." His wry comment was indicative of the times, "These lines were tighter in 1900 than later." He was, young, in his twenties, with an annual salary of $550.00, and raised membership to 150.
The names of D.W. Ross, Marion Porter, R.A. Barnes, R.L. Grant, C.B. Larabee, T.H. Corkill, L.A. Cook, D.F. Stiles, L.D. Corning, Jr., J.L. Patterson, E.S. Benjamin, R.D. Poole, H.W. Lewis, C.D. Mead, Robert M. Lehew, M.L. Simpson, and J.R. Caffyn are listed as Methodist Episcopal pastors from 1900 to 1927. Reverend Bruce Corbin, Methodist Episcopal minister from 1928 to 1930, had a colorful career as a professional evangelist, author, radio speaker, and publisher after leaving Norman.
Reverend H.J. Cockerill, a native of England, and his wife, Mary Cockerill, were beloved members of McFarlin after Unification. In retirement he served as an honorary pastor and taught many Wesley Foundation Sunday School classes. The Cockerill's son, Reverend Herbert Cockerill, succeeded his father in 1933, playing a leading role in uniting the two congregations on July 24, 1938. He became McFarlin's co-pastor, serving with Dr. Evans for two years. His wife, Mirabel Hernandez, grew up in Norman where her parents were church leaders.
The Clergy Leadership of McFarlin Church, 1938 - 1950
Dr. A. Norman Evans was a popular minister with a lengthy tenure. In 1942, Goodrich Methodist Church began with funds provided from the estate of Mrs. Emma Goodrich and blessings from McFarlin. Members began meeting at the southwest corner of North Porter and Frank, until 1956 when a new building was built at 200 West Hayes Street.
Dr. William H. Mansfield, was at McFarlin during "The War Years." The difficulties of the World War II era were compounded by the additional demands of two Navy bases in Norman and many military trainees at the University. Due to poor health, he transferred to a less demanding pastorate in Ardmore in 1945.
Dr. Robert J. Smith, and his wife, Jessie, brought much warmth and graciousness. Mrs. Smith had an extensive collection of art work on Mary, the Mother of Jesus. In 1946 he was appointed as district superintendent.
Then, 20 years, Dr. Phil Deschner and his wife, Estelle, were integral to the life of the Church. His tenure came at the time of a great influx of returning veterans to Norman, the campus, and the local churches. His thoughtful, Bible-based sermons rendered in a melodious accent reminiscent of his Eastern European origin were considered very inspirational. In 1950 Dr. Deschner became a district superintendent in Clinton. Until 1953, four retired ministers in the McFarlin congregation, the Reverends J.L. Hefley, H.J. Cockerill, H.M. James, and T.N. Weeks, served in the associate minister capacity.
Dr. Finis Crutchfield, 33, was an expert fund raiser. He was appointed in 1950, with Reverend T.M. Moore as associate. In 1956, after Rev.. Moore died, Dr. Crutchfield encouraged Dr. Deschner to return as associate minister. Fred Seals designed the air conditioning system and first elevator was built to the second floor. It was extended to the 3rd and 4th floors in 1985. Benja Lee (Benny) Crutchfield, Dr. Crutchfield's wife, served as hostess, presiding over the original parsonage on University Blvd. In 1957, in one day, the Crutchfields moved to the parsonage at 1007 Elmwood. In July, 1960 Dr. Crutchfield became pastor of Tulsa's Boston Avenue Methodist Church and was elected to the Episcopacy in 1972. In 1982-83 he was president of the Council of Bishops, Methodism's highest honor.
Dr. Poe Williams came in 1960. The notorious "60s unrest" was beginning, making local ministry difficult. Dr. Williams' warmth and good humor were helpful during those trying years. The air conditioning was completed. The associate pastor was the Reverend W.W. "Bill" Haynes.
Dr. Wayne Coffin arrived in 1966 to serve 10 years with thoughtful, timely sermons. He encouraged the development of a strong laity and a firm financial footing, acquiring the first church van. His wife, Kathleen, taught Sunday School and joined him to greet people after services.
Senior Ministers 1976-2002
Dr. Jack Featherston and his wife Jill both had genial personalities. The budget had reached $337,000 with no significant debt by 1979, his last year, but it was obvious the physical plant was in urgent need of repair. Plans were made for a $500,000 bond issue to finance renovations.
Dr. Philip J. Fenn, a third generation Methodist minister, came to Norman from the Village UMC. His years were marked by growth in spirituality, membership, and programs. The $6,000,000, 43,634 sq. ft. Fenn Hall Addition was completed in 2001. Son of Dr. J. Lemuel Fenn, Phil Fenn has always been at home in the pulpit. His wife, Gloria Jean, taught 4th grade Sunday School.
In 2001 Dr. Richard House came from St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Muskogee to lead McFarlin into the new millenium. His people-friendly personality helped welcome both longtimers and newcomers to the Church, insuring the continuation of a vibrant congregation. His wife Nancy sings in the Chancel Choir.
This historical account of the ministers of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church was excerpted from "A Priceless Heritage" by Mary Joyce Rodgers. If you are interested in a more complete history of this venerable church, contact the church office for a copy of the book.