The Sand Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church marked a historic milestone Oct. 9–10, 2026, celebrating “One Hundred Years of Proclaiming God’s Love” with a weekend of worship, fellowship, and homecoming joy.
The congregation’s formation unfolded over eight years, from a Sabbath School group in 1921 to formal organization in 1929. The church chose 2026 for its centennial celebration, roughly midway between the anniversaries of these founding milestones.
Joni Bokovoy and her dedicated team coordinated the weekend. 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.
The celebration opened Friday evening with a soup-and-bread supper followed by an evening worship program, 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 a.m. service by welcoming the large homecoming crowd and acknowledging the blessing of seeing so many who had come home for the centennial Sabbath.
Sand Springs Mayor Jim Spoon delivered an official 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. 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.
Following the proclamation, Oklahoma Conference President Daniel Ortega, accompanied by his wife, Yesenia, offered reflections on the significance of reaching a 100-year milestone. He reminded the congregation that while buildings and history matter, the church’s people carry its mission forward, saying, “This church is made up of people—the faithful believers who have carried the mission forward through changing times.” Ortega encouraged members to continue proclaiming the 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 Stephen E. Brooks, executive secretary of the Southwestern Union. Preaching from Romans 5, Brooks emphasized the heart of the Gospel: God demonstrated His love for us through Christ’s death while we were still sinners. 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.
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.
Among those attending was June Hurst, whose work preserving the Bristow Seventh-day Adventist Church’s history inspired a statewide initiative encouraging congregations to document their histories and celebrate ministry milestones. Members warmly greeted her and expressed appreciation for her encouragement to preserve their stories and honor past generations.
The afternoon continued with lunch and memory-sharing time, with attendees sharing 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. The celebration concluded with an evening worship and ice cream social.
The centennial celebration not only honored the past but also inspired hope for the future. With hearts full and faith strengthened, the Sand Springs church is stepping 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.