This week in AG history -- February 28, 1948
Mon, 28 Feb 2011 - 3:10 PM CST
The February 28, 1948, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel reported the dedication of a new church — "Church of the Silent Sheep." Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it was reportedly the first Pentecostal church building constructed exclusively for a deaf-mute congregation. Rev. and Mrs. Paul Meacham pioneered the congregation in 1936. Following their departure, LaVona Thompson took care of the flock.
Read more about the dedication of "Church of the Silent Sheep" on pages 12-13 of the February 28, 1948, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel . -->
--> Deaf - Mute Church Dedicated The first Pentecostal church ever erected for the exclusive use of a Deaf-mute congregation was dedicated in Tulsa, Oklahoma; January 11. Fred Vogler, Home Missions Director, gave the dedicatory message to an overflow crowd in the new church building, which seats 150.
The service was conducted by LaVona Tompson, pastor of the congregation, which is known as the "Church of the Silent Sheep." Included in the program were appropriate songs in the sign language, Scripture readings, an original poem, and short messages by the following speakers : John W. Stallings of Norfolk, Virginia, Superintendent of the Christian Deaf Fellowship; Paul C. Meacham of Kansas City, Kansas, Assistant Superintendent; and V. H. Ray, Superintendent of the Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God. They report a blessed service, marked by the presence of God throughout.
Gospel work among the deaf was begun in Tulsa in 1936 by Brother and Sister Meacham, Deaf evangelists. Some time later the Meachams moved on to other fields in evangelistic work, leaving the Tulsa congregation in the care of La Vona Thompson.
Sister Thompson, although she has her hearing, is thoroughly conversant in the sign language, and has been called of God to minister to the Deaf. In 1944 God spoke to Sister Thompson about a church exclusively for the Deaf, and they began their building fund with $17.00. Through co-operative labor, prayer, and faith in God, the many obstacles of discouragement, spiritual depression and persecution were overcome, and it was truly a happy time for the Deaf of Tulsa as they participated in the dedication of the Church of the Silent Sheep. Their dreams of a church of their own, where they could have freedom to worship God in their own unique way, at last has become a reality.
DEAF CONVENTION
The second biennial convention or the Christian Deaf Fellowship will be held in Springfield, Missouri, June 9 to 13, at Central Bible Institute. A good gathering of missionaries to the deaf is expected from all over the United States, and many delegates from the various deaf congregations.
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