8. First Baptist Church

During the oil boom days of incredible prosperity and growth, First Baptist Church erected what was referred to as “one of the most imposing edifices in the state.”  Congregation members B. W. Reeves Sr., Sam E. Babb, R. N. Garrett Sr., Ira Hudson, Dr. J. M. Sheppard and W. I. Bell Sr. oversaw the construction details.  And it was just in time: The church’s burgeoning membership doubled between 1922 and 1926.  The building has since had extensive additions and renovations including the 1982 $1.5 million facility joined by a pedestrian bridge across North West Avenue.