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.

Parking Permits for the 2026-2027 school year go on sale August 3rd for new permit holders. 
See below for details.

Purchase in person in the Salem Church Office: 
Office Hours are Monday - Friday, 9 am - 1 pm.
Go to the Duck Street entrance by the small parking lot.

2026-2027 Permit Valid: August 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027

Cost: $130 for payment with Cash or Check, $135 for payment with PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Debit or Credit Card.

Bring: Driver's License, Make, Model and License Plate Number.

The parking lot is NOT available to permit holders at these times for the 2026-2027 school year:

• Sundays (unless attending worship or other church events)
• Wednesday evenings after 6pm (unless attending a church event)
• Saturday evenings after 6 pm
• Special Use Occasions - funerals, weddings or other special events designated
by the church. Notifications of parking lot closings will be sent by email.
• Parking permits are not valid during home football games. The back lot will
be closed to incoming vehicles at 3pm the day before the game. Your vehicle
must be moved out of the lot by 5pm the day before the game.

Answers to frequent questions
• The permit application must be signed, and the payment must be made in person.
• Permits are not sold for just one semester.
• Permits can not be transferred or sold to others.

Salem is not responsible for injury or damage that occurs in the parking lot. Contact the Salem office at (405) 372-3074 or [email protected] with questions.

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!