A House (and Final Resting Place) Built on the Prairie

Centennial history compiled 1991, updated 2026
Established 1891 in Deer Creek / Lockridge area, Oklahoma County

📷 Suggested hero photo

Wide landscape shot of the surviving foundation and tall cross on the Lockridge prairie — ideally with open sky and tall grass. This anchors the entire page visually.

1889

Land run

1891

Church built

76 yrs

In service

1967

Lost to fire

ST. PATRICK'S
WHERE THE PRAIRIE WINDS BLOW

November 2, 1991
~ Mary Storin Schneider and Patsy O'Brien Sandefur

This little house of worship was built in 1891
Many blessings were bestowed upon me.
I had the privilege of receiving many generations of pioneer
families as they worshiped and prospered
Under my stately roof and upon my foundation.

I stood proud and strong and tall
To raging winds and rain;
In 1894 strong winds lifted me from my foundation,
But still I didn't falter.

I stood proud and strong and tall
To heavy snows and sleet
Cold winter storms and summer heat,
But still I didn't falter.

My foundation was a little crumbly,
My walls leaned a bit.
My bell tolled from my steeple
Calling all from far and near to pray within my hallowed
walls and under my stately roof.

Both tears of sadness and joy were known by dear ones here
As we celebrated the rites of their faith on each one's
special day,
From the birth of new life to the final goodbye to dear ones.

My doors were closed to worship on July 5, 1959,
To the dismay of my remaining family,
The faith within my hallowed doors remained
And I still stood proud and strong and straight and tall.

I stood proud and strong and straight and tall for 76 years.
I stood to strong winds, rains, tornados, lightening, snows,
sleets, summer heat and bitter winter cold;
But I couldn't stand to the third ravaging vandals' fire.
My proud roof and walls faltered and fell in the raging
flames.

Now, my foundation built on faith and marked by pioneer
stones
Sits proudly on this Lockridge prairie soil.
The tall cross stands stately signifying faith
Of dear ones resting in peace near my side.

Today, 100 years later, God has blessed and guided us,
The descendants, back to St. Patrick's to remember
And once again worship here
Where the prairie winds blow.