They came from Russia

At the end of the nineteenth century, on the invitation of the United States government, Oklahoma was settled by legions of frustrated adventurers, farmers and bankers, teachers and traders as well as the poverty-stricken. They came on foot, on horseback, in buggies and buckboards. They came from everywhere. Some failed while others persevered.

Among those that persevered were the patriarchs of Salem Lutheran Church. They were German-Russians from Imperial Russia looking with restless eyes for a new start on the Oklahoma prairie with the promise of freedom. Salem’s legacy was built by a series of powerful human events and this brief history will be told over several installments.

Salem stands on the shoulders of these hardy souls long gone. It was during their many hardships that they leaned on the strength of their faith, for it was Martin Luther who said, “Here I stand, I can do no other”. Yet they were grateful for what little they had. They gave thanks for the year that closed and for the year to come. They asked the Lord for patience, that they may love others as themselves, and their Creator in heaven beyond all.

A Certified Monarch Waystation was installed under the pecan tree on Duck Street in 2020. The project was spearheaded by Dr. Annette Cowell with landscaping completed by Cathy Minnick and team of Crosstimbers Landscaping. Lawson Hearp, his boy scout troop, and Salem members installed stone benches and planted the appropriate monarch-attracting plants as Lawson’s Eagle Scout project. We welcome members of the community to enjoy the beauty of the garden in bloom.

And, yes, our garden has made a difference in the Monarch Butterfly population!