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Presbyterians Fight for Custody of Church Property

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"It was a relatively long, arduous effort on our part" that ended when conservatives failed to sway church leaders at the June meeting, Block said.

On Wednesday, the congregation voted to join the conservative Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Block said. The Michigan-based EPC includes approximately 200 churches and about 70,000 members.

"Kirk of the Hills is the biggest congregation to leave," Van Marter said. "That's why it kind of sends a shudder through people."

Theologically, Kirk of the Hills may be able to split from the denomination, but legally, it may not be so easy.

In March, the local governing body, the Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery, filed court documents asserting ownership of the church's property. Kirk of the Hills filed a lawsuit in response, asserting the property belongs to it.

The Presbyterian Church (USA)has an internal process for churches that wish to leave, but Block said the deck is stacked in those proceedings. "The presbytery acts as the judge, the jury and the benefactor," he said.

Still, with money and sweat poured into Kirk of the Hills since its founding in 1961, the congregation won't let church property go without a fight.

"You can bet that one is going to be a case to watch," Williamson said.

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