Parish

The parish of St. Francis of Assisi in OKC is one of the longest living Catholic communities in OK. Located at 1901 NW 19th St in Oklahoma City, it shares common ground with the first bishop's residence established in 1907, that of Bishop Theophile Meerschaert.

At that time, this became the center of Catholic missionary activity for Indian Territory. This facility remains in constant service to the St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and some of the large meeting rooms were recently restored to their original elegant decor.

In 1925, Bishop Francis Kelley established St. Francis of Assisi as the fourth parish of Oklahoma City.

In 1927, Fr. John van den Hende, a missionary priest from Belgium, became the third pastor and established St. Francis School at 18th and N. Young St.

The Sisters of Mercy served as the faculty of the school during its first ten years. They lived at the convent of Mount St. Mary. Records show that 45 students were enrolled on September 10, 1928, and by the end of the second year there were 70 students. In 1932, grades one through eight were established.

The school was moved to the present parish grounds because of overcrowding, and in 1934, the frame building was moved to the East Side of where the present school stands. The school occupied the main floor space of the Meerschaert House.

After World War II, Father Edward Van der Grinton built a beautiful parish church. The Indiana limestone used in its construction gives it a unique and appealing appearance. The interior is decorated with marble from the United States and Italy. Construction of the church was completed in 1949.

Both the school and the church have housed a thriving community for what is now close to 100 years.

Welcome to our ever-growing and always new community!

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