The History of the Sallisaw Congregation

The Sallisaw congregation of the Church of Christ began meeting each Lord’s Day on May 24, 1937.  On that day a gospel meeting began that would continue for three weeks.  At the conclusion of the meeting, about nine members began meeting in the American Legion Hall in Sallisaw.  A group of Christians, who had been meeting at Price’s Chapel, began to meet with the group of Christians in Sallisaw and on September 15, 1940, they completed a building at Choctaw and Maple.  The building was subsequently enlarged and remodeled and a new building was constructed in 1961.

Brother Ira Brackett began working with the congregation in June, 1952 and continued full time until 1971.  After 1971, Brother Brackett continued to serve the congregation in a part-time capacity until his death.  Other ministers who have served this congregation include Wendell Moody, Gary Rollins, Joel Bradshaw, Danny Wood and Royce Martin.  Danny served as an associate minister and youth director for the congregation for a number of years.  He is currently employed by Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas.  Royce Martin and his family came to Sallisaw in February, 1982, and continued to preach for the congregation in Sallisaw until his retirement in October of 2005.  We would like to thank Royce and Luella for 24 years of dedicated service.

Our current minister is Richard Chambers.  He and his family began their work with the congregation in October, 2005.  We look forward to working with them in the years to come.

On Sunday, April 29, 1979, the present building was officially dedicated.  The current facilities serve the congregation very well and will allow room for future growth.  On April 1, 1990, the congregation celebrated the last payment on the church property.  A special day of remembrance and celebration was held.

The church is presently served by three elders:  Jimmy Dodson, Cana Hall and Doy Wilkins.  Deacons presently serving are:  Don Garrett, Larry Gragg, Richard Ramm, Ron Scott and Shawn Winton.  With this leadership, the Sallisaw congregation continues to maintain New Testament Christianity and continues to be an active part of this community.

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