The Oklahoma Land Run, specifically the Cherokee Strip Land Run, was a major event in Perry, OK, taking place at 12:00 noon on September 16, 1893; the largest of Oklahoma's five land runs. Perry's original name was Wharton, the name of a train station built in 1886 by the Southern Kansas Railway (part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway system) about 1 mile south of the present city. Prio
r to the land run, Reverend Thomas Wolcott was dispatched to oversee Methodist mission work. In the aftermath of the run, Rev. Wolcott summoned all Methodists to gather near the northeast corner of the square. Fifteen responded, consisting of twelve Methodists and three South Methodists. The very first services of the First Methodist Episcopal Church were held in a humble tent near the square. Though makeshift, this tent symbolized the resilient spirit of the congregation. The first regular service took place on Sunday, October 8, 1893, at 4:00 p.m., in a building situated on the north side of the square. This event was monumental, marking a transition from the temporary tent to a more permanent setting, signifying the growth and establishment of the church within the community. A week later, on October 15, Reverend Wolcott preached again. His sermon was not just a matter of spiritual guidance but also a step towards organizational development. On that day, he organized a class of ten members, laying the cornerstone of what would become the First Methodist Episcopal Church. This small group of ten members was the seed from which the church blossomed, growing in number and spirit, and firmly establishing its presence. Thus, a bit of history of the First United Methodist Church of Perry; a testament to the enduring faith and determination of its early members. From a tent near the square to a building on the north side, and ultimately to a fully organized congregation, the journey of this church reflects the heart and soul of the community it serves.
