New Wesley Ties to Anton Classen Unearthed
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| Anton H. Classen Jr. |
The Triangle at NW 25 and Classen Blvd and the later landscaping all were evidence of the same generous spirit that supported the early Epworth University effort. To see an excellent historical overview of Classen Blvd. fronting Wesley on the east, see this page.
Now, through research of this blog, it has been discovered that there was more than mere civic support behind his gifts. While searching through early membership rolls it was found that the brother and a sister of Anton H. Classen were members of Wesley Methodist Church.
John Randolph Classen, his wife Nysa and daughter Ruth J., while living at 1512 W 30th Street, united with the church on June 8, 1919. The pastor at that time was Dr. Dean C. Dutton.
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| Anna Classen Wahl |
Also, it has been discovered that other relatives were also members of Wesley. Anton's father had been a member of the German Methodist Church of Oklahoma City. There was a daughter there as well named Anna Helena Sophia Classen Wahl. The Wahls and several of their children's families were active members of Wesley (The McBride family and McAlister family). [See entries on the Wahl's elsewhere on this blog]
In the dedication program of May 1928 it reads: "Between the church building and Classen Boulevard in the foreground to the east is a triangular plot of ground which was given to the church by Mrs. Anton Classen and her late husband. Mrs. Classen has provided a plan prepared by Hare and Hare, landscape architects of Kansas City, Mo., and will park the triangle according to the plan, thus providing an ideal setting for this beautiful Temple of God."(pg.16)
The Wahl family....Anna and Lewis G....parents of Frances. The photo was taken at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Lewis Gottlieb WAHL was the son of German immigrants, Johann Wilhelm Wahl and Wilhelmina Rosine Klein Wahl.
He came to Oklahoma October 1889 with his wife Anna Sophia Helena CLASSEN and daughter Lydia Wilhelmina. He was a real estate developer and worked with his brother-in-law, Anton H. Classen, Jr. He was also involved in the Wahl-Klein Real Estate Company. He was a member of the Germany Methodist Church (later known as the 8th Street Methodist Church, at 8th and Lee). Then later the Wesley United Methodist Church. He had three daughters, Lydia Wilhelmina (Mrs. Walter H. Rhodes), Pauline Mary (Mrs. Earl DuWain McBride) and Frances Ruth (Mrs. Wayde McAlister).
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| L.G. Wahl |
He came to Oklahoma October 1889 with his wife Anna Sophia Helena CLASSEN and daughter Lydia Wilhelmina. He was a real estate developer and worked with his brother-in-law, Anton H. Classen, Jr. He was also involved in the Wahl-Klein Real Estate Company. He was a member of the Germany Methodist Church (later known as the 8th Street Methodist Church, at 8th and Lee). Then later the Wesley United Methodist Church. He had three daughters, Lydia Wilhelmina (Mrs. Walter H. Rhodes), Pauline Mary (Mrs. Earl DuWain McBride) and Frances Ruth (Mrs. Wayde McAlister).
His son-in-law, Dr. Earl D. McBride founded the McBride Clinic and the Bone and Joint Hospital. Mr. Wahl was instrumental in finding the land for the hospital on NW 10th street.
Wahl had a brother who was a member of the German Methodist Church and pastored in Ohio and Missouri. Note: at one point there was a Blondeville WAHL listed as a local preacher associated with Wesley, unknown if this person is related to L.G. and Anna Wahl.
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