Around 1920, shortly before Tom Slick became interested in Nuyaka, a frame building was built about one-half block from Main Street and about one-half block northeast of the building that became Joe Beidleman�s store. It may have been built originally as a school or as a church, but it was used
as a Methodist Church on Sundays and as a neighborhood school the rest of the time. However, when the Nuyaka School was built in 1922, both the school and the church deserted the building and left it standing empty.
But, soon the Assembly of God Church set up their services in this empty building and held meetings in it for about ten years. Then, in 1934, this Assemble of God congregation had become so active and so strong that it decided to build for themselves a new church, according to their own plans. They bought a lot on Main Street almost straight across from Nuyaka School and built their church. One of the first pastors was Rev. Wells. When he left, Rev. Bill Souders was called to be pastor and he worked with the church successfully for many years. Eventually, however, it was torn down for housing space.
About 1947, a church called Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church was built two miles south and two miles west of Nuyaka, across the road east of the Wallace Sims' home. It was built of concrete blocks, the entire construction work being done by the members. This church still has a small but faithful membership and has been active as a group from 1947 until the present time of 1983. Rev. A. B. Thomas is the present pastor. Those who were deacons when the church was built were: G. W. McGee, Rufus Figers, B. H. Franklin, and Levie Mayes.
In 1948, another Baptist Church began services. This group bought the Long Bell Lumber Company building. The members divided the ground floor into a sanctuary and several classrooms. It was painted inside and out, landscaping was done, and playground equipment installed for the small children. The first pastor was Rev. Burvil Jones. He served for a number of years, and then Rev. Gene Taylor took his place. Soon, it was decided to provide a parsonage. The house, which Orvil Wilson had moved into, provided a home for his family was then standing empty, so the church bought it, redecorated it and made it modern. Then it was turned over to Rev. Taylor and his family. In August of 1954, Nuyaka Baptist Church entered a statewide contest in which rural churches were judged on appearance, activities, etc. To the amazement of this Nuyaka group, their church was chosen �Rural Church of the Year�. After many years of activity, this little church had to close its doors because of a dwindling membership. Some moved out of the community; some died, and some joined other churches nearer their homes.
However, the Nuyaka community was changing. There were no longer any tenant farmers raising cotton. Cattle industry had taken over most of the land. Deep Fork River bottoms had been discovered as having the finest native pecan groves anywhere, and since candy and baked-goods producers will use only native pecans in their products, the pecan business became important and profitable. Also, too late for Tom Slick, all around the Nuyaka area many small but profitable oil and gas wells were being produced.
Now, many people with jobs in Tulsa as well as those making a profitable living here, are building lovely, comfortable, modern brick or frame homes, preferring the calmness of rural life to the scramble of city life for themselves and their children.
As a result of this being a different Nuyaka, the Second Baptist Church of Okmulgee chose Nuyaka as the site for a mission. So, the first part of a lovely little rural church was built, with the men from Okmulgee, under the direction of Dr. R.L. Donathan, head of the Building Committee. Soon, a sanctuary, four classrooms, and two rest rooms were ready. So many of the Nuyaka congregation wished to become members through conversion and baptism, that several baptismal services were held almost immediately. One service, which was particularly delightful, was held in the home pool of Jimmy and Marie Howell. Other services have been held in the Second Baptist Church of Okmulgee.
The membership expanded so rapidly that there was soon not enough room for all the desired church activities. So, it was decided to add a wing to the church, but this time the Nuyaka members did the work, under the direction of Dennis Melton, a young member with construction experience. A fellowship hall, a good-sized modern kitchen, five classrooms, a nursery, a larger sanctuary, and two more rest rooms were added. One helper, which Dennis could always rely on, was Jimmy Howell.
Since the building has been completed many activities have taken place; weddings, puppet shows, Christmas plays and musicals, Valentine and Halloween parties, Bible Study Classes and Revivals. Church members are very happy that the Dripping Springs Home Demonstration Club, which has meant so much to our community, has chosen to use our fellowship hall for some of their meetings.
From the very first Sunday, Rev. Theral Roork has been the pastor and his wife Zaye Roork, has contributed much to our church, also. Officers of the church were:
Pianists- Loveta Ennis and Lori Davis
Sunday School Superintendent- Dickie Melton
Song Leader- Zaye Roork
Secretary- Betty Melton
Editor of Church Bulletin- Shirley Aldrich
Collector of Offerings- Kathy Howell and Kina Jo Melton
Teachers- Jimmy Enis, Marie Howell, Loveta Ennis, Nancy Melton, Diane
Jones, and Shirley Aldrich.
Sunday School 10:00 a.m.
Worship/Children's Church 11:00 a.m.
Choir Practice 5:00 p.m.
Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.
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The Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Built 1947
Deacons - G.W. McGee, Rufas Figers, B.H. Franklin, Levie Mayes
Pastor - Rev. C.H. Brown.