History of Olivet

Payne County, Oklahoma

Submitted & © 2002-07: Sherian Kennedy

The first pastor of Olivet was R.B. Foster, D.D. of Perkins. Charles Drake was elected president of the Olivet Cemetery Association on August 16, 1894. Other officers were Francis M Main vice-president, Burton B. Wiley secretary, George Ridpath, asst. secretary and D.W. Pettigrew treasurer.

The Olivet Church was built 1894 as a Non-denominational church due to the number of homesteaders of all denominations living in the community. When Charles Drake's grandchild died, there was no cemetery close by and Grandpa Drake, as he was called by friends and neighbors, insisted that they must have a church and cemetery at once. Drake gave an acre of ground for the church and cemetery, so soon afterwards the plans were under way for building a church, with the help of others living in the community. Lumber was hauled from Guthrie and the church was dedicated on Sunday afternoon March 17, 1895.

Our Ancestors

Help us preserve the history of Olivet and the families that settled in the area. We want to know about your ancestors...When did they move to the Olivet community? Where did they live? Were they in the military? What branch/years? List all family members and maiden names. What are your memories of Olivet? Please submit to: Sherian Kennedy, Rt 1 Box 190, Perkins, OK 74059 or email:SLKENNEDY@aol.com