Gethsemane Baptist Church began in May of 1965, as a mission band meeting in the home of Deacon & Sis. Sam (Mabel) Jeffrey. The meetings continued later in a small storefront (dedicated as a house of prayer) by Rev. S. M. Richardson. It was in this humble location in the 2000 block of N. Norfolk that Sis. Charlene Hervy, Bro. W. H. Jarrett, and Deacon Sam Jeffrey gathered for prayer & songs and bible teachings by Rev. W. E. (Billy) Jarrett. Later, with the increased membership of Mr. & Mrs. Melvin (Barbara) Monday, the first preaching service was preceded by a solo by Rev. George Washington. Around this time, growing community knowledge of the little mission began to spread. Having laid the foundation of two or three assembling themselves on one accord, God sent Rev. Clint Simmons, pastor of First Baptist Mohawk, to deliver an inspiring sermon. A group of young people sang heavenly songs, after which Rev. Simmons opened his church doors for the ordination of Gethsemane as a church. In 1966, the Rev. W. H. Woods, officiated in the ordination, assisted by Rev. C. J. Jeffrey, Rev. Hoyt Atkins, Rev. L. V. Price, Barber D. M. Mims, Service Station Owner Natheniel Dean, Rev. Ben Hill & Attorney Amos Hall, who supported and witnessed the service. Sis. Mabel Jeffrey, confined to a wheelchair, named the church Gethsemane and gave its interpretation "Pray, then Up and About My Father's Business" [in reference to Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:36]. It was with faith and trust in doing the will of God that Gethsemane was blessed with a move to a larger facility in 1966, to Latimer's School of Music. God continued to bless Gethsemane with membership and growth. Another move was made late in 1966, to the old Shiloh Church Building, 2702 N. Trenton, nineteen members united in the first service. In 1969, Rev. Jarrett resigned, and Rev. Willie Lauderdale accepted the call to pastor the church. He delivered a dynamic acceptance sermon on November 16, 1969, and was honored with an installation service on January 11, 1970. Rev. Clint Simmons delivered the sermon. Under the leadership of Pastor Lauderdale, the membership doubled. By continuing to "Pray, then Up and About Our Father's Business," the support of his faithful wife, Sis. Bertha Mae Lauderdale, Rev. Lauderdale continued preaching, thus saith the Lord. The church bus was paid for, and the church was purchased and completely remodeled. An organ, pews, and pulpit furnishings were purchased, and many additional assets were added to the church. He preached the gospel from Genesis to Revelation, and ordained three Deacons: Chester Wilder, William Hall & Everett Dodd. Deacon Wake Morgan was among the nineteen who joined in the first service. Deacon George Littlejohn joined as well. Pastor Lauderdale visited the sick, the imprisoned, baptized, and rendered many good deeds to his fellowman. Still under the leadership of Pastor Lauderdale, in April 1975, Gethsemane again moved into its present location at 727 East 56th Street North. A 47-passenger bus was also purchased that year. In 1976, the church opened a Christian daycare center. A group of local pastors met at Gethsemane in 1983 and organized the Canaan District Association under the leadership of Rev. C. O. Morris as moderator. Other affiliations include the Oklahoma State Baptist Convention and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Gethsemane’s congregation continued to grow, so much so that in 1988 the sanctuary was remodeled by adding 1,000 square feet of additional floor space. This increased the seating capacity from 250 to approximately 500. Two restrooms were added, the choir stand was extended, new pews, carpet, and pulpit furnishings were purchased. A tape ministry was established primarily for sick and shut-in members. In 1989, an outreach ministry began. For two years, a newsletter was distributed each month as another means of reaching, teaching, and sharing Jesus with members and non-members of Gethsemane. The church purchased an additional 5.5 acres of land adjacent to the church in 1991. The church property is 10 acres. A new roof was completed in 2002. A fishing pond was excavated in 2003. In 2004, the parking lot was expanded and resurfaced, allowing 101 regular spaces and five reserved disabled parking spaces. A new billboard was purchased in 2005. May 2005 marked the 40th church anniversary and mortgage burning celebration. A new pulpit and communion table were purchased in 2018. Pastor Lauderdale continued in the Lord’s service at Gethsemane until 2022, when he resigned. Rev. Lauderdale introduced Rev. Larry D. Hooks to the congregation and recommended him to fill the pulpit vacancy. In June 2022, the church voted, and Rev. Hooks accepted the role of Pastor. Under the leadership of Pastor Hooks, the use of social media was implemented to reach both members and non-members for bible study and worship services. He partnered with World Vision to provide free goods to the community. On June 23, 2024, Rev. Larry D. Hooks resigned as pastor under doctor's orders. A pastoral search committee was immediately formed. After an extensive search, the church members voted in a new pastor on February 5, 2025. On February 16, 2025, Dr. Winston Prescott preached his first sermon as pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church. He was installed on March 16, 2025, under the direction of Dr. Anthony Scott, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church North Tulsa & President of the Oklahoma Baptist State Convention. Pastor Prescott believes "The Best is Yet to Come."