Redeemed Missionary Baptist Church (formerly called Walnut Grove Baptist Mission; the mother Church was located in Konawa, OK), humbly began on March 9, 1969. The Walnut Grove Mission was located at 700 S.E. 5th Street. The name Walnut Grove was very indicative of the church’s location, for it was located in the heart of Oklahoma City just beyond some railroad tracks, in the midst of a thickly wooded area of walnut/pecan trees.

The Walnut Mission was ready to disband due to the resignation of Rev. J. L. Edwards, who had served as Pastor of the Mission for several years. Before leaving, he recommended Rev. L.R. Drinkwater as his successor to carry on the work of the Lord. Pastor Drinkwater came to the church and immediately began to do God’s work. With the desire to work for God, our Pastor prayed, studied, and embraced what the Holy Spirit told him to do.

The Mission was an old vacant cement laundromat. It was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. As one would cross the railroad tracks and circle the bend, a distinct aroma from the neighboring stockyards and factories would greet your arrival.

Sis. Drinkwater spray-painted gold crosses in the windows of the Church because there was nothing to distinguish its presence in the community. These crosses were to remind the members of the sacrifices that had been made on Calvary and to encourage them that they too have to make sacrifices. Keeping that in mind the Church was never the same again. Many reported that they could feel a special warmth, which they believed to be the sweet power of the Holy Spirit, and we know that same spirit tabernacles with our Church today. Strips of old carpet covered most of the concrete floor. The benches were wooden and had splinters. The Church had only two rooms, and in order to get to the back room, one would have to walk through the Pulpit. That room was used for the Pastor’s Office, the Finance Room, a Sunday School classroom for all ages, the kitchen, and the Baptistery, which was no more than a horse trough.

Bro. Henry Ransom was the first Deacon of the Mission and his wife, Tillie Ransom was the first Mother of the Church. While doing God’s work, Pastor Drinkwater was given a vision from God on how to advance the Kingdom of God and God’s people. He asked the members to pray for a new name for the Church. After three months of praying and fasting, a meeting was held on May 31, 1969. Sandra Scott, a youth member, suggested the name REDEEMED which was revealed to her by the Lord.

Redeemed is defined as being bought back or restored. Pastor Drinkwater’s vision, combined with the new name brought forth the Church’s duties and a new progressive era for the RMBC. In 1970, the RMBC was Incorporated and a Church Seal was obtained. In November of that same year, Bro. Herbert Blair, became the Church’s First Ordained Deacon.

The years 1969 through 1974 are referred to as the “Survival Years”, and Phase I of the vision. During these years Redeemed endured many hardships and adverse conditions, but remained active in worship services and was dedicated to doing God’s work. The Church was blessed with the strength to carry out the work of God, and made preparation through fasting and prayer to relocate. On February 19, 1972, God made it possible for the Church to secure a permanent location in the Northeast sector of Oklahoma City. The Holy Spirit directed Pastor Drinkwater to 2119 N. Stonewall. Four lots were purchased, and then an old army barracks from Tinker Air Force Base was purchased. Before the army barracks could be set up at the new location, obstacles had to be overcome. The four lots needed to be filled in with dirt, because it was nothing but a gigantic hole in the ground and permits needed to be acquired because residents in the community opposed such an unattractive structure in their neighborhood.

On August 6, 1972, after being delivered from our fore stated struggles, Redeemed was ready to dedicate the location back to God. The faithful little congregation gathered at the new site, walked around the lots seven times, and threw one penny in the ground for each time they walked around the lots. Seven signifies the number of completion. The pennies are a permanent part of the foundation; they serve as a constant reminder of the Church’s humble beginning

Ground Breaking Services were held on February 19, 1973. By that time, the membership had grown from the three families (the Drinkwater’s, the Scott’s, and the Blair’s) to 130 members. In 1974, the Holy Spirit brought to the Church: Noon Day Prayer, Early Friday Morning Prayer, and Love Week. The Church adopted the motto “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it” Psalm 127:1a, which remains our motto today.