Renovations complete at historic Seeley Chapel
This article appeared in the September 2024 edition of the Chickasaw Times
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and Lt. Governor Chris Anoatubby spoke at a dedication service and unveiling of the newly remodeled historic Seeley Chapel United Methodist Church. The service dedication took place with a crowd of nearly 100 family and friends of the church Sunday, Aug. 4 in Connerville, Oklahoma.
“When given the opportunity to be a part of the restoration efforts, we were eager and honored because of Seeley Chapel’s historic significance and importance to the Chickasaw Nation, and what this church represents to this community and its congregation,” Governor Anoatubby said.
Other dignitaries at the service included Bishop James Nunn of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Margaret Johnson, United Methodist’s Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC) superintendent, and Rev. Sharon Yeahquo, OIMC south district superintendent, among other church and Chickasaw Nation representatives.
“I am aware of the historic significance of this place within the Chickasaw Nation,” Bishop Nunn said. “It is an honor to be here to celebrate not only the rededication of this building, but also the history and vision that came out of this ministry that has shaped the (Chickasaw) Nation in such a marvelous way.”
According to Bishop Nunn, the Chickasaw Nation has been generous to the OIMC. The Chickasaw Nation responded and offered to help the OIMC by giving the gift of the remodel of the historic Seeley Chapel.
“The OIMC is a group of about 80 Native American churches representing different tribes. The majority of these are located in Oklahoma, but also Native Americans in Texas and Kansas. We are yoked together in one ministry group. We meet annually to support and encourage one another,” said Nunn.
Seeley Chapel has played a substantial role in the history and progress of the Chickasaw Nation.
First American churches within the Chickasaw Nation served as focal points for what has come to be known as the Seeley Chapel movement. This grassroots movement led the tribe to reestablishing the ability of the Chickasaw people to assert their self-determination. Meetings at Seeley Chapel spawned renewed energy for positive change in federal policy.
In October 1960, more than 100 Chickasaws gathered at Seeley Chapel.
Those at Seeley Chapel during that first meeting discussed tribal business and the future of the Chickasaw Nation.
Members of the Seeley Chapel movement contributed to passage legislation in 1970 authorizing each of the five Tribes – Chickasaw, Choctaw Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole – to elect their principal officer.
In 1971, the Chickasaw people elected Overton James as Governor in the tribe’s first election since 1904.
“The Seeley Chapel movement set the groundwork for who we are today – a powerful and dynamic tribe dedicated to serving Chickasaw people everywhere,” Governor Anoatubby said.