Hope was founded in 1968 by 53 Charter Members from All Souls Unitarian Church. It was an act of creation that had been planned since All Souls moved to its present location in the 1950's with an eye towards future growth. With a commitment to spreading the good news of liberal religion to South Tulsa the new church held its first worship service at Key Elementary and shortly therafter moved to Thoreau YMCA where it remained until construction was completed on its present building in 1977. Located on the highest point in Tulsa County, Hope's building is the creation of nationally recognized architect, Ron Dirsmith. It's unique design appears to grow organically out of the top of the hill. The natural stone walls of Oolagah limestone, the domed ceiling of its Sanctuary (The Great Hall) and its natural setting create a space that invokes the sacred. Over the years Hope has been served by five called ministers: The Rev. Fred Lipp, The Rev. Bill Gold, The Rev. Jim Eller, The Rev. Gary Blaine and The Rev. Jack Bryant. Blessed with with the outstanding lay leadership of individuals such as William N. Holway, a nationally known Unitarian lay leader and one of its Charter Members, Hope has served the Tulsa Community in ways ranging from its outstanding preschool that operated from 1980 to the mid 1990's to the jail ministry program it helped to organize in the 1970's. Today its ministries include a variety of childhood enrichment programs, partnership with Hamilton Middle School, a Christmas Families Program and every month support of the Feed the Homeless Program in conjunction with Tulsa's Day Center for the Homeless.
