A Heart for Service
At Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC), our vision is to bring hope by providing help and homes to children and their families. Rooted in our mission to show and share the love of Christ, we are dedicated to transforming lives through compassion, care, and unwavering faith.
Our core values guide everything we do:
- Respect – Treating everyone with God-honoring dignity.
- Integrity – Upholding the highest level of Christian character.
- Gift of Life – Cherishing every child as a gift from the Lord.
- Home – Advocating for families as the foundation of society.
- Together – Partnering with others to advance our gospel mission.
Through these principles, we strive to create a brighter future for children and families, one filled with love, hope, and the promise of Christ’s grace in Oklahoma.
A Century of Compassion
In 1903, Reverend J.A. Scott and his wife, Theodocia, opened their home to a baby girl in need, planting the seeds of what would become Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC). From this single act of compassion, OBHC has grown into the largest provider of private, non-profit residential child care in Oklahoma.
A Mother’s Last Wish
In 1903, Mrs. J.A. Scott answered a dying mother’s plea to care for her baby, Gladys Smith. This act of compassion marked the beginning of OBHC’s mission to provide Christ-centered care for children.
The First Children Welcomed Home
Gladys Smith and Annabelle Hunt became the first children taken in by the Scotts. Gladys, a three-week-old baby, was brought into their care after her mother’s plea for help. Annabelle, just two months old, was found abandoned in a wagon. These acts of compassion marked the beginning of the Oklahoma Baptist Orphans’ Home, a place of safety and love for children in need.
The First Home and Care Giver
The Oklahoma Baptist Orphans’ Home opened its doors in a small house on Pottawatomie Street in 1903, offering safety and love to children in need. Nine children called it home by June of that year. Miss Winnie Mitchell became the first permanent house matron of the Orphans’ Home on West Pottawatomie Street. Her dedication and compassion laid the foundation for a legacy of care, nurturing countless children with love and grace.
A Growing Mission
In 1907, OBHC moved to a 40-acre property at NW 63rd and Pennsylvania. The new campus, with its three-story building, became a haven for up to 46 children.
The Birthday Bank Tradition
Since the early 1900s, churches have supported OBHC through the Birthday Bank, a tradition of giving that began with pennies and continues to provide hope for children today.
William McKinney: Leading Through Challenges
From 1907 to 1915, William McKinney served as superintendent of the Orphans’ Home, guiding it through a time of economic hardship. Thanks to the generosity of Oklahoma Baptists, the Home endured, providing care and stability for children. McKinney’s leadership, along with cherished moments like children riding their beloved horses, Prince and Bill, created a lasting legacy of hope, love, and resilience.
Come explore the Heritage Room at our Oklahoma City Campus. Discover inspiring stories and our vision for the future. We’d love to host you — call 405.691.7781 or click the button below to sign up for a visit!
Legacies of Love
The Vine, Oklahoma City (1903)
The journey began in 1903, before Oklahoma even became a state. The Baptist Children’s Home in Oklahoma City was the original campus, established in 1907 at NW 63rd and Pennsylvania. For 75 years, it served as a safe haven for hundreds of children in need. In 1982, the campus relocated to south Oklahoma City, where 11 new buildings, including six cottages, were constructed to continue the mission of providing care and love. In 2018, the campus transitioned to a Family-Focused campus eventually resulting in a name change from Baptist Children’s Home, Oklahoma City to The Vine.
Boys Ranch Town, Edmond (1953)
Born from heartbreak, Boys Ranch Town was the dream of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Johnson, who lost their 14-year-old son, Jimmy, in 1937. In 1953, their vision became reality when they donated 160 acres of land and $500,000 to establish the ranch. The groundbreaking ceremony drew over 2,500 attendees, and since then, Boys Ranch Town has been a home and a place of hope for thousands of boys.
Baptist Children’s Home, Owasso (1973)
The third OBHC campus opened in Owasso in 1973, thanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. J. Ray Smith of Tulsa. Their gift of land and funding brought to life the long-held dream of Tulsa Baptists. With its cottages and Christ-centered care, the Owasso campus has remained steadfast in its mission to nurture children and provide a foundation of faith and love.
Baptist Home for Girls, Madill (1978)
In 1976, former Oklahoma Governor Raymond Gary and his wife, Emma, donated 37 acres of land and $200,000 to establish a Baptist Children’s Home in Madill. By 1977, groundbreaking was underway, and within three and a half years, five cottages were built. In 1999, the campus became the Baptist Home for Girls, OBHC’s only all-girls campus, continuing its legacy of care and empowerment.
Our Mission Continues with You
The need in our world to care for children and families remains great, and the opportunities to show love through action are endless. Together, we can:
- Support our residential care ministry to meet the growing need for loving, stable homes.
- Help women choose life and find hope through Christ-centered resources and education.
- Partner with us to equip and support foster families.
Join us in carrying this legacy of love into the future. Together, we can change lives one child and one family at a time.