Meet Our Saints
You will find that our congregation consists of all types of people from all walks of life. We are common every day people with everyday problems, and everyday joys. We are joined together with one common love and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has saved us from sin! He has given us a brand new life! The love and compassion of this congregation is overwhelming. You will see that age does not separate us. A few saints have provided comments as to why they have chosen this church to worship:

Matt, 7 years old
"The neatest thing about our church is the missionary videos
and children’s church. The puppet shows are cool. I like the children’s choir. You get to sing solos and sing for the Lord. Our church is a place to praise God. I can praise God in children’s church, in Sunday School and in the sanctuary.”

Lynell, 60+
"I have attended Southern Oaks since I was a teenager. (then Southeast UPC). That has been over 50 years. This is a family church to me with deep-seeded roots. I love the people, the pastor, and the worship of this great congregation. You will always feel welcome with the family atmosphere."

 

History of Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church
The Southeast United Pentecostal Church was founded by Rev. F.M. Wilkerson and a small group of saints in November of 1953. They worshipped in a frame church building located at 700 Southeast Binkley. In January of 1957, Rev. M.D. Deal became pastor and ministered for approximately eighteen months. Upon his resignation Rev. R. D. Whalen assumed the pastorate on August 17, 1958.

A gradual growth overcrowded that first building until, in May of 1965, construction was begun on the basement of a new addition at the same address. The congregation moved into the new sanctuary in July of 1966 with final completion of the entire building a year later.

In September of 1978, Mark H. Parker joined Southeast United Pentecostal Church to assist Rev. R.D. Whalen. He later became youth leader and eventually associate pastor. In July of 1980 a ten-acre plot located at 5716 South Harvey Avenue was purchased. The congregation moved to the 12,200 square foot structure on this property in June of 1985. At this time the church began to use the name “South United Pentecostal Church" because of its location on the southwest side of Oklahoma City.

In 1990 another ten acres were purchased on Walker Avenue between 64th and 66th Streets. Following the acquisition, the church needed to move a creek that passed through the middle of the property. After nearly two years delay permission was granted, by proper government authorities to move the creek . The rerouting of the creek was completed in June of 1996.

On December 3, 1995 Rev. R.D. Whalen resigned as pastor of the South United Pentecostal Church. On January 4, 1996 the congregation cast its vote for the associate pastor, Rev. M.H. Parker, to serve as pastor.

Ground was broken for our current facilities on May 18, 1997. One year later on May 17, 1998 the congregation, now named Southern Oaks United Pentecostal Church, moved to its present location at 6501 South Walker Avenue.