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According to Reverend Charles Davis, Jr of Haskell, his father was mustered out of the Union Army at Ft Gibson. Since he had received some education, he taught school in a number of locations in Indian Territory. He, along with a number of others built a new church building at the site of Ebeneezer Mission, begun by Isaac McCoy in 1832. They called the church Fountain Church, since there was a large spring in the vicinity. Pg 219 <complete>

Information concerning the Four Mile Branch Baptist Church and the Fort Gibson Colored Baptist church has been furnished by Reverend R H Nero. The Four Mile Branch Baptist church was organized in 1867. It appears to have been a mission of the Fountain Church, the successor of Isaac McCoy's Ebeneezer Mission. Incidentally the settlement around Four Mile Branch seems to be the result of two conditions: first, the cholera epidemic at Fort Gibson near the end of the Civil War, and second, the attempt of the Cherokee Nation and the military to disperse Cherokees and Freedmen to the farm land around Ft. Gibson. The following persons are listed on the church roll of 1893: Amy Smith, Sarah Vann, Malinda Johnson, Sallie David, Bessie Ross, Bessie Johnson, Lydia Thompson, Lydia Nave, Mary Johnson, Rachel Wilson, Peggie Hudson, Mary Tyner, Victoria Thompson, Phidio Petit, Nintie Thompson, Marie Brady, Elsie Vann, Fannie Miler, Martha Starr, Peggie Talley, Hannah Lashley, Mattied Johnson, Rosy Sheppard, Jane Johnson, Sallie Williams, Kizzie Karland, peggie Hudson, Nancy Tyner, Dollie Grey, Minnie Carter, Emma Dennis, Ellen Griggs, Rhoda Curbie, Johanna Sheppard, Tiddie Irons, Patsy Nivins, Athia Mason and Mary Beam. The following pastors are recorded in the minutes of the church: Reverend Frank Vann 1893; Reverend Solomon 1896; Reverend Frank Vann 1901; Reverend A L Cartwright 1903; Reverend W R Reynolds 1904; Reverend A C Reeves 1908; Reverend C J Jennings 1909 and Reverend J M Dade 1910. A number of persons have acted as moderators or supply pastors for a number of years among whom were: A L Nero and S Williams. R L Nero acted as secretary much of the time from 1893 to 1910. Incidentally, the minutes give accounts of charges being brought against various persons for improper conduct including playing baseball on Sunday. Pg 219 <complete>

The first mention we can find of a Methodist church in Ft Gibson is in the biography of Reverend James Young Bryce, as it indicates that he came to Ft Gibson as pastor of this church in 1868. This work also indicates that the first Methodist conference of the Cherokee Nation was held in Ft Gibson in 1870 with Reverend Bryce as the host pastor. Pg 219 <complete>

The earliest records we find of the Methodist church begins with 1886. From these records, through the courtesy of the present pastor, John Romine, we have determined the following pastors: G S Yarbrough 1886-87; F E Shanks 1887-88; W M Baldwin 1890-91; H H Goode 1890-91; W J Barnhouse 1892-94; J D Wasson 1894-95; W P Pikins 1895-97; J H Messer 1897-98; C P Cox 1902-02; G W Damon 1905-06; A B L Hunkapillar 1913-14; C S Brooks 1914-15; R L Hunnicutt 1924-25; H M Lively 1925-27; A G Garrison 1927-28; W M Grose 1928-30; Albert T Ward 1930-32 ..... pg 220

One early roll lists Mrs Sam Benge as number one, followed by Mr and Mrs Sid Garrett. Another one lists Mr Sid Garrett as number one. Other persons given on these early rools are: Mrs Jessie Grissom Isom, Miss Kitty Heydon, J C Pirkle, Mr and MRs M J Langston, Mrs Luna Cooper, Mrs Lila Grissom Stratton, Mary June Isom Hubbell, Mrs Ida chilcoat, Leo D Harman, Leo D Harman Jr, Mrs Betty Lou Isom and Robert Langston. Pg 220 <complete>

F T H Higgins was given on a number of occasions as recording secretary, and Robert Langston served on the board of trustees sixteen years. A L Maples is listed as superintendent of the Sunday school, as is Mrs N S Butler. Other persons who seemed to have had places of responsibility include Jack Gott, Martin Steward, C E Willey, William Dooley, Ed Walker, O G Morgan, W D Gott, Joe Gott J B Haas [J F Haas], Will Davis, Dr A L Brewser, Aaran Butler, Elizabeth Walker and Nora Butler. Pg 220 <complete>

According to Reverend R H Nero, former pastor, the Ft Gibson Colored Baptist church was organized in 1869. The present brick structure was built in 1921. A fire several years ago destroyed the records which make it impossible to give a more definite account. We do know that Reverend Prince Tyner was pastor of a church, and the best information we have been able to obtain is that he was pastor of the Baptist church. Pg 221 <complete>

Chronicles of Oklahoma December 1, 1937, page 470 indicates that the Reverend Mr T W Barry, Episcopal Chaplain at Ft Gibson, christened Arabella West in 1890. Pg 221 <complete>

The First Baptist church of Ft Gibson was organized August 1, 1903 by Reverend J M Brindal, who at that time was missionary to the Cherokees and Reverend J M Newman, district missionary for the northern half of Indian Territory. Reverend Bridal preached the organizing sermon. Reverend Brindal was elected pastor of the newly formed church by the following charter members: Mr and Mrs Venice Malone, Mr and Mrs W M Coley, Mr and Mrs L C Grisham, Eva Welch, Caroline Grisham, dollie Grisham, Mrs Caise, Cassie Welch, Mable Malone, Estella Malone, Mary Wilson Miller, Mrs S E Johnson, James T Hurd, clint Welch, Daniel Malone and Reverend J G Brindal. The following pastors served the church between Aug 1, 1903 and January 5, 1911. J G Brindal, T A O'Bryan, J B Bounds, T F Cole, A H Wilson and J R Blanton. ... pg 222

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