There are 47 tribes in the state of Oklahoma; 37 of the tribes are federally recognized. The Oakerhater Episcopal Center in Watonga, Oklahoma, is the center of Native American Ministries within the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. Named for David Pendleton Oakerhater, the center is located on twelve acres and is also home to Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family, a Cheyenne and Arapaho mission.
The Oakerhater Center is active today with many programs, including summer Bible School camps for children, an art camp with Oklahoma University School of Art and Art History for teenagers, the annual Honor Dance celebrating David Oakerhater, Sunday morning Holy Eucharist, and local tribal events.
30th Anniversary Oakerhater Celebration and Honor Dance with the Presiding Bishop (2016):
Deacon and Missionary of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, 1931
David was “God’s Warrior” and “a dweller among the campers.” As a solider he fought against the United States government, and as a missionary he faithfully worked among the Cheyenne and Arapaho for fifty years.
Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family1000 East Russworm DriveWatonga, OK(580) 614-1660pm_gonza@yahoo.com
Watch Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s Sermon at Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family, Watonga 30th Anniversary Oakerhater Celebration and Honor Dance (9-10-16)
Creator, we give you thanks for all that you are and all that you bring to us within your creation. In Jesus, you placed the Gospel in the Center of the Sacred Circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever. Amen.
(This prayer was written by the Native American Ministries Office. We use it every Sunday at Whirlwind Mission as the beginning of our Entrance Rite.)
924 N. Robinson I Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (405) 232-4820 dioceseofoklahoma@epiok.orgHours: 9 am to 5 pm CST