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Our History

Established in 1948
If you have any information or media in regards to PADC's history, please contact us!
Some information here might be a little off, but we're working on getting all the information correct.

Excerpt from an AG newsletter describing our origin and first location.

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 . -->

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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.



Pastors

Pastor Warren Duane Hindman
  • Born: Wednesday November 14th, 1923
  • Died: Wednesday August 9th, 2006
  • Went to Oklahoma School to the Deaf
  • Pastor of Silent Sheep Deaf Church until called to deaf congregation in Houston, TX
Warren Duane Hindman was born in Antlers, OK to Milas L. and Ada L. Hindman on November 14, 1923 and went home, peacefully, to be with his Lord and Savior on August 9, 2006 in Dallas.
In Tulsa, OK he went to the deaf school, taught by Mimi Fandrei and continued at Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, OK. Later, he returned to Tulsa to work at the bomber plant to help in the war effort.

Warren was married in Tulsa, OK on June 15, 1947 to Elizabeth Lorraine Marshall (b. August 29, 1924). He was pastor of Silent Sheep Church in Tulsa, until called to a deaf congregation in Houston, TX in 1950.
His pastorate continued until family obligations led him to work for Mrs. Baird's Bakery in Houston. Continuing with them, he moved to Dallas in 1960, and retired, after 40 years. Warren was widowed and thus separated from the love of his life, his wife, "Betty", she having gone to be with her Lord, ahead of him, on March 12, 1992. Warren's favorite verse, given to him by his wife, before she died, was Isaiah 41:10.
Survived by sons, David Hindman (57) and John Hindman (51) of Portland, OR, brother Billy Jack Hindman (80) of Antlers, OK, granddaughter Michelle Hindman (34) and her three children Lily, Aeron and Rubi, of Santa Fe, NM.
Warren was an active and participating member of Silent Friends Chapel (at First Baptist) for many years. He was also an active participant of the Deaf Action Center in Dallas, Texas.
Warren dearly loved his Lord, wife, sons, brother, granddaughter and great-grandchildren. He is in God's hands now. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial gifts be given to Silent Friends Chapel or the Deaf Action Center.

In Loving Memory of Warren Duane Hindman
Born November 14, 1923 Antlers, Oklahoma
Entered Into Rest August 9, 2006 Dallas, Texas
Funeral Service 12:00 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2006 Mills & Coffey Funeral Chapel Antlers, Oklahoma
Officiating Reverend Daryl McCleery
Music Amazing Grace How Great Thou Art It Is Well With My Soul
Interment Antlers City Cemetery Antlers, Oklahoma

Pastor Shirley Rae Forsythe

Shirley Rae Forsythe, 80, of Tulsa passed away, January 15, 2015. She was born December 21,1934 in Bixby, OK, daughter of the late George Oscar and Mildred Hunter (Mapes) Alexander. She graduated from Tulsa Central High School and attended The University of Tulsa.

    Shirley dedicated her life to her family and deaf ministry. At age 8 she started learning sign language by learning "Jesus Loves Me" and continued to learn a new song each week. At age 10, she interpreted her first wedding. In her 20's she started a church for the deaf, "The Silent Sheep Church". Shirley founded and started a Deaf Camp in Davis, OK which she operated for many years. Shirley would travel to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf regularly in the 60's and organized Christmas programs, Easter Programs and taught them God's word. She was a master of the language of signing. None like her and a legend in her own time. She was involved in all aspects of deaf education and interpreted for many important people. She taught the Deaf who only read lips to sign. She was an interpreter for the Deaf during President George Bush Senior's campaign's for President. She signed "on and off" for Dr. Warren Hultgren's "Moments of Meditation" on Chanel 8 in the 60’s.
    She loved politics. She wanted to make a difference and did not hold back on her views. She ran for House of Representative a number of times and knocked on doors to register people to vote. She was a Past President of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, served on the American Medical Association Auxiliary, was a co-founder of Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association, and was a member of the Tulsa Republican Party.
    Shirley served on the board of the Cancer Treatment Center of America and was employed with Patterson Realtors for many years as a Real Estate Agent. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church for 43 years and served as the interpreter of 37 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Rodney Curtis Kenslow, and sister, Lila Sue Wilkerson. Shirley is survived by daughters, Karen Frates, Vickie Ford and husband, Kelly and their father, Curtis Rex Kenslow, and daughter, Julie Wegner, son, John Alexander Forsythe and their father, Dr. John T. Forsythe; nine grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. The Memorial Service will be 11 AM, Thursday, January 29, 2015 in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, Tulsa. The family suggests contributions in Shirley's memory be made to the Tulsa Speech and Hearing Association, 8740 East 11th St, Ste. A, Tulsa, OK 74112.

Pastor LaVona Nell Vaughan
VAUGHAN - LaVona Nell, was born near Checotah, OK, October 16, 1911. She moved to Tulsa in 1935. She married in 1937 to Tommy Thompson, who preceded her in death in 1963. Mrs. Vaughan was active in ministry to the deaf for over 50 years. She established and pastored the Silent Sheep Church for 14 years. She ministered to the Oklahoma School for the Deaf in Sulphur, OK and directed deaf youth camps for 9 years. She worked in a counseling ministry at Oral Roberts University prayer tower for 14 years. After retirement she met Lloyd Vaughan from Carlsbad, NM. They married in 1968. Mr. Vaughan preceded her in death in 1999. Mrs. Vaughan is survived by: 2 nieces, Betty Goforth of Tulsa and LaVeta Dilly of Larned, KS. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews and great- great-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Happy Hands Education at 5717 E. 32nd Street, Tulsa, OK 74135 . Service will be 10 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2008, at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel with graveside services at 2 p.m., Checotah City Cemetery. Moore's Southlawn Chapel.

Pastor Al Proo (Written by Al Proo 1-26-2005)
       Our Deaf Church was first called SILENT SHEEP DEAF CHURCH. The church was first located on first street downtown (Cinncinati & 4th). Rev. LaVonna Vaughan was a very big part in establishing that church, then getting it moved to Central A/G Church on 5th and Peoria. Of course the name was changed to "Central A/G Deaf Church."  Just after I, Rev. Al Proo, became the pastor at Central, the hearing church had a huge ugly church split. That is when Joan Morton and I moved the Deaf Church to Garnett A/G in 1986. Then of course you (Rev. Jimmy Schwyhart) led the way for a name change to "PRAISE ASSEMBLY DEAF CHURCH." It's up to you now, Brother, to keep it out of the desert and go into the promised land! You've done a lot of great work!
    So Rev. LaVonna Vaughan was the first Pastor, then Rev. Gerry Tigert, then me (Rev. Al Proo), then lastly you (Rev. Jimmy Schwyhart). Gerry was the Pastor when I first got involved with Tim Moore and Deaf Camp at Turner Falls,OK. I think in 1981 or 1982.

Pastor Jimmy Schwyhart
      In 1994 while leading the role of assistant pastor in Spokane, Washington, God told Jimmy to contact Pastor Al Proo. Pastor Jimmy had no idea that Al was looking for a replacement to focus his effort on establishing Happy Hands Education Center. That same year the Schwyhart family moved to Tulsa - starting out as assistant pastor and then taking the role of pastor. As Al Proo mention, Pastor Jimmy changed the name of the church to Praise Assembly Deaf Church and established it as its own governing body under the Assemblies of God. Prior to this it was a missions church and had limitations. His goal was to raise up Deaf leaders and lead the church in full independence. In 2002, God told Jimmy to start a 7 year goal of raising $20,000 each year for the purpose of purchasing their own property. It was not until 2014, 12 years later, that the congregation was able to realize this goal.
     Pastor Jimmy was very outgoing and loved people. He was director of South Central Deaf Retreat and President of National Deaf Fellowship. He continued pastoring until going home to the Lord in 2012.

Pastor Janie Schwyhart
       In the wake of Jimmy's passing, the church approached his wife, Janie, to ask if she would be willing to pastor. Under Pastor Janie's leadership the vision of independence continued and the church purchased their own property. Pastor Janie did a fabulous job leading the congregation spiritually even though the church went through tough times. Taking up a pastoral role after the previous pastor passed away was not easy, especially when they are your spouse. Moving locations was not easy. Leading the church through endless construction was not easy. Leading the church through COVID was not easy.
       Pastor Janie in early 2022, while spending a week in prayer, heard God tell her to resign - after celebrating 25 years at PADC and leading the church herself for 10 of those years. She remains an important member of the church and we cannot thank her enough for her sacrifice.


Pastor Audrey and Jared Schwyhart
        In 2018 God called Jared and Audrey to the mission field. They decided to join YWAM Deaf World in Washington DC in connection with YWAMDC David's Tent. It was through this two year experience that their understanding and faith grew exponentially. During this time they did a three month Discipleship Training School in Washington DC and two month outreach in Eastern Europe. In late 2019 they went back to Greece to serve with YWAM Thessaloniki for the max visa of 90 days. Then after a lot of prayer decided to go to YWAM Ozark, AR where Jared was able to do an intense 3 month Discipleship Bible School. In the Fall of 2020 they decided to move back to Tulsa when their second child was due. 
         In January of 2023 the church board approached them about becoming interim pastors with the goal of becoming full time. While it was not the goal of the church or the Schwyhart family to "pass down leadership," God has his plans and one thing Jared and Audrey learned while on the missions field is God desires the simple, "Yes, Lord. I will." While both will be co-pastoring, it is VERY important to them that the pastor is Deaf. Audrey will take the community role and preach most sundays, while Jared will lead more of the technical things.
         They are very excited for this new opportunity and feel this is what God was leading them to back in 2018 when they took a huge leap of faith. They understand the deep history of PADC and the importance of a Deaf church in the Tulsa community.

From owning to renting

How did the church go from owning to renting?
We've only heard rumors of what happened. We will probably never know the full details. Supposedly, when highway 244 was constructed in 1965, the City of Tulsa took eminent domain of our property and the building was demolished. The City did pay for the property; however, when the congregation moved to a 'temporary' location (renting a facility from another church), the money was, for a lack of a better explanation, improperly taken cared for. This is what caused the congregation to rent for the next several decades.
Thankfully, after MANY years of saving under Pastor Jimmy Schwyhart, the congregation was able to again purchase their own property where we are currently located. It's small, but it's ours to do with what we want. Ironically, our current location is within a mile of the original location (Rockford & Admiral, where HWY 244 is now).

Summary

  • Rev. and Mrs. Paul Meacham pioneered the congregation in 1936
    • Named the congregation 'Church of the Silent Sheep'
  • Rev. LaVonna Vaughan takes over leadership
    • Constructs first building near Rockford & Admiral
  • Rev. Gerry Tigert became pastor
    • Moved to Central AG Church on 5th & Peoria
    • (Moved sometime between 1954-1960)
    • Name changed to Central AG Deaf Church
  • Rev. Al Proo became pastor at Central AG Deaf Church
    • Joan Morton and Al Proo moved the congregation to Garnett AG in 1986
  • Rev. Jimmy Schwyhart became pastor in 1994
    • This made way for Al Proo to establish Happy Hands
    • Changed name to Praise Assembly Deaf Church and became its own established church organization within the AG
  • After pastoring for 18 years, Rev. Jimmy Schwyhart passed away in 2012
  • Pastor Janie Schwyhart became pastor in 2013
    • Church moved from Garnett Assembly of God to its location on Delaware and Admiral
    • Marking the first time since it's first location that the church has owned their own property

  1. Rev Meacham - 6 years
  2. Rev LaVonna - 6 - 12 years
  3. Rev Gerry - 26 - 32 years
  4. Rev Al Proo - 7 years
  5. Rev Jimmy - 18 years
  6. Pastor Janie - 10 years
  7. ​Pastor Audrey and Jared - present

Location at Delaware and Admiral

PADC purchased property at 2827 E Admiral PL  Tulsa, OK 74110 and moved December 2014.  Unknowingly, we purchased a property that was within a short distance from the church's original location. We were able to put $100,000 down! So far we have paid cash for all construction costs.
The building needed a ton of work and over the last six years we have had many volunteers from various places. Asbury United Methodist church and Barling Asssembly of God from Barling, AR were huge in the success of the construction.

The sanctuary building, which is the largest, passed all inspections and received occupancy on February 20, 2020.
~The children's building is still under construction. We're hopeful it will pass all inspections in 2021.~

Our rent house (A house behind the church property that was included in the purchase) was fixed up in summer of 2020). Picture shown is from December 14, 2020.
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February 20, 2020
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December 14, 2020
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February 7, 2020

Articles to download

All in PDF format
seeing_signs___tulsa_church_geared_exclusively_to_deaf_-_tulsa_world__archives.pdf
File Size: 723 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

interview__change_the_way_you_create_and_collaborate_-_proclaim_blog.pdf
File Size: 238 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

urgent-pray_for_jimmy_schwyhart__updates_.pdf
File Size: 497 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

1948_02_28.pdf
File Size: 9720 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


Our Future

Although only God knows what our future looks like, we trust that He will guide us. We are so excited to finally have a place to call our own and look forward to all the memories that will be made!
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Love God, Love People
2827 E Admiral PL  Tulsa, OK 74110
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