One Hundred Years of Proclaiming God’s Love — Sand Springs Church Celebrates Its Centennial
The Sand Springs Seventh‑day Adventist Church marked a historic milestone October 9–10, 2026, celebrating One Hundred Years of Proclaiming God’s Love with a weekend of worship, fellowship, and homecoming joy. Members, former pastors, families, friends, and Ozark Adventist Academy alumni returned from across Oklahoma and beyond to honor a century of ministry that began in 1921 with a small Sabbath School group meeting on land donated by philanthropist Charles Page.
The celebration opened Friday evening with a soup‑and‑bread supper followed by a vespers program led by the Francisco and Just families, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the weekend. Sabbath morning began with a continental breakfast and Bible study, as returning members filled the sanctuary with stories, reunions, and gratitude.
Pastor Jim Landelius opened the 11:00 a.m. hour by welcoming the large homecoming crowd and acknowledging the blessing of seeing so many who had “come home” for the centennial Sabbath. His remarks reflected the congregation’s deep appreciation for its heritage and the many individuals who helped shape the church’s identity over the past century.
A highlight of the morning was the arrival of Sand Springs Mayor Jim Spoon, who delivered an official mayoral proclamation recognizing the church’s 100 years of service. In his remarks, Spoon praised the congregation’s longstanding commitment to the community, noting that churches in Sand Springs consistently “row the boat as fast as they can go” to help those in need. He spoke warmly of the city’s unity and expressed gratitude for the Adventist Church’s role in strengthening the fabric of Sand Springs.
Mayor Spoon then read the proclamation, which honored the church’s beginnings in 1921, the dedication of its first building in 1922, and its formal organization as a church in 1929. The proclamation affirmed the congregation’s century‑long ministry of sharing God’s love and promoting healthy living principles. As he presented the document, Spoon congratulated the members and remarked that moments like this—and “kissing babies”—are among the best parts of serving as mayor.
Following the proclamation, Oklahoma Conference President Daniel Ortega, who was accompanied by his wife, Yesenia, offered reflections on the significance of reaching a 100‑year milestone. Wearing a bowtie in honor of the occasion, he reminded the congregation that while buildings and history matter...
“This church is made up of people—the faithful believers who have carried the mission forward through changing times."—Daniel Ortega
Ortega encouraged members to continue proclaiming the everlasting gospel with love, compassion, and personal connection, emphasizing that the foundation of Adventist doctrine must always rest on the character of God’s love.
The morning message was delivered by Elder Stephen E. Brooks, who also donned a bowtie to celebrate the centennial. Brooks serves as the Executive Secretary of the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh‑day Adventists, a role in which he oversees governance, records, ministerial credentials, and strategic administrative functions for more than 700 congregations across the five-state union territory.
Preaching from Romans 5, Elder Brooks emphasized the heart of the gospel: “God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
He reminded the congregation that:
The cross is not merely a symbol but “the great demonstration of God’s love—love that redeemed us, reconciled us, and drew us back to Himself.”
His sermon called members to continue living out that love in Sand Springs, one person at a time.
A special highlight of the weekend was the presence of June Hurst, whose statewide initiative has inspired churches across Oklahoma—and beyond—to document their histories and celebrate ministry milestones. Her encouragement has sparked a movement of congregations rediscovering their roots, preserving stories, and honoring the faithfulness of past generations. Members warmly greeted her and expressed appreciation for the vision she continues to champion.
Just outside the fellowship hall, guests lingered around a newly installed history wall, a curated display of photographs spanning decades of church life. Families stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder pointing out familiar faces, early Sabbath School rooms, youth groups, weddings, baptisms, and long‑remembered community events. The wall became a gathering place throughout the weekend—an impromptu storytelling circle where memories flowed freely and the legacy of the Sand Springs church came vividly to life.
Behind the scenes, Joni Bokovoy and her dedicated team coordinated the weekend’s logistics, hospitality, communication, and program flow. Their careful planning ensured that every detail—from meals to music to guest coordination—supported a smooth and joyful celebration. Many expressed gratitude for the countless hours invested to make the centennial weekend meaningful for both longtime members and returning families.
Throughout the event, James Bokovoy served as the primary photographer, capturing group photos, candid moments, and the emotional highlights that accompany this article. His images preserve the spirit of the weekend—smiling faces, warm reunions, and the shared joy of a congregation celebrating one hundred years of proclaiming God’s love.
The afternoon continued with a Thanksgiving lunch, a “I Remember…” sharing hour, and an evening worship and ice‑cream social—each event echoing the theme of gratitude and community. Former members shared stories of baptisms, answered prayers, and the spiritual legacy of those who had gone before. The fellowship throughout the day reflected the unity and joy that have sustained the congregation for generations.
As the weekend concluded, members expressed deep appreciation for the church’s heritage and renewed commitment to its mission. The centennial celebration not only honored the past but also inspired hope for the future. With hearts full and faith strengthened, the Sand Springs Seventh‑day Adventist Church stepped confidently into its second century—still proclaiming God’s love, still serving its community, and still believing that the best days of ministry are yet to come.
Reported by Todd Gessele
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