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  • The balcony at the First Baptist Church in Yale gives visitor's a feel of the church building's 90 plus year history. Chase Rheam

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  • A golden dome adorns the roof of the First Baptist Church in Yale. Chase Rheam

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September 2, 2010

Yale landmark church known for its dome

The 90-year-old plus building has seen many services

By Chase Rheam Stillwater NewsPress

STILLWATER, Okla. — Those traveling through Yale may have noticed a unique building featuring a gold dome. The building is home to the First Baptist Church and has been in existence for over 90 years.

In October 1916, the church purchased property for $800. Two months later, construction began on the building. The congregation had been organized on Sept. 6, 1901, and had been having services in a schoolhouse before the construction.

Two sisters from an oil family donated $5,000 each to the estimated $12,000 cost of the building and, with other funds raised, the First Baptist Church was dedicated on Sept. 2, 1917.

In November 1951, construction was begun on an education annex to add to the existing structure. It was dedicated on Sept. 13, 1953.

Mary Matlock, the church secretary and a member of the congregation for 43 years, wonders why a dome was chosen.

“I don’t know why they chose a dome,” said Matlock. “But it’s very unique and it’s brought a lot of attention to our church.”

Harold Adkison, a 60-year member of the church, loves the congregation and the what the building means to him, the church and the community.

“It’s just like home,” said Adkison. “You know everybody. We’ve got a real good spirit here. Everybody knows everybody. If somebody gets sick, a lot of times we take them meals. We take care of each other. It’s a very important place.”

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