ABOUT US
HISTORY
For the past 50 years, The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma has operated St. Crispin’s Conference Center + Camp in central Oklahoma. Our mission is to promote hospitality, nourishment and growth. We operate as a conference center for adult groups but also as a summer camp for kindergarten through graduated seniors. We want every group to leave feeling fulfilled and pleased with their experience. Ultimately, our goal is to impact the lives of adults and youth for the better. Groups from all walks of life, faith traditions and ages find St. Crispin’s to be the perfect setting for a conference, retreat or outdoor experience. At St. Crispin’s you will find a tranquil, pleasant contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern life. If you are interested in booking a group or summer camp session, call us at (405) 382-1619!
Our Staff
Welcome Trueman and Wendy Hoffmeister as they come to lead St. Crispin’s!
Dear Friends of St. Crispin's Conference Center and Camp,
Hi! I'm Trueman Hoffmeister and I will become the new Executive Director in early December. My wife, Wendy and I are currently in final preparations for our move to Oklahoma from Wisconsin. As I write this note, it is 12 degrees and we have about 3" of fresh snow on the ground. We are definitely eager to experience the much milder winter at St. Crispin's!
Last week was Thanksgiving, and we reflected about all the blessings in our life. As we have looked back over our careers in conference, camping and education, it became clear that we were being prepared to accept this position, and know we are becoming a part of a very special place.
We are also extremely grateful to Alton the Joy for their leadership and guidance in preparing St. Crispin's for this next phase of delivering hospitality, nourishment, and growth to all we serve. Wendy and I look forward to meeting all of you and learning about your experiences and connections to St. Crispin's. Hope to see you at camp!
Together in the Walk,
Trueman and Wendy Hoffmeister
Food Service Team
Wesley Belew, Food Service Director
Brenda Smoker Assistant Food Service Director
NayNay Wood, Destiny Hare, Chrissy Smith, Connie Streater, Manuel Musgrave, Charles Chaffin and Elvin Spradley
Operations/Maintenance Team
Ronnie Glass, Operations Director
Thomas Wind, Jeff Smoker, Kevin Mercer, and Max Nolen
Accommodations Team
Marissa Blackwell, Coordinator
Leslie Ware, Nariah Jones, Jessie Leming and Courtney Tiger
Program Team
Carly Herndon, Kevin Mercer
The Rev. David Pendleton Oakerhater
One of St. Crispin’s Lodges is called Oakerhater Lodge. This lodge honors the Reverend David Pendleton Oakerhater, Episcopal deacon to the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe of Western Oklahoma. Rev. Oakerhater was the first Native American to be ordained in the Episcopal Church, to the order of deacons.
Oakerhater, or “Making Medicine”, was born circa 1847 in Western Oklahoma. He was a warrior, possibly involved in the Second Battle of Adobe Walls, and a spiritual leader. His name can also be transliterated as “Medicine Man.” He was imprisoned in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1875. While there, he was among those who developed “ledger art.”
Captain Pratt, the camp officer, saw Oakerhater’s leadership skills, and how his fellow prisoners respected him, and made Oakerhater a trustee. The former Cheyenne warrior led the prisoners in daily military drills, using dummy rifles.
In 1877, Mary Douglass Burnham, an Episcopal deaconess, made arrangements to sponsor the education of several prisoners, including Oakerhater. David was sponsored by Senator George Pendleton of Paris Hill, New York, and ultimately moved in with Rev. John B. Wicks, the rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Paris Hill. There, he received instruction in agriculture, Scripture, and current events.
He was baptized about six months later, in early 1878, and adopted the Christian name David, after King David of the Bible, and Pendleton, in honor of his sponsor.
He was ordained a deacon in July, 1881, and returned to western Oklahoma. He served near Anadarko for Sunday services, and spent weekdays visiting and caring for sick members of various tribes.
He began his work at Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family in 1889, near Fay, Oklahoma, about 17 miles west of Watonga. He remained there until his retirement in 1918. Even in retirement, he continued to preach, and served as a Native American chief and holy man. He died in 1931, at the age of 84. He was named a Holy Person, or saint, in the Episcopal Church in 1985; his feast day is September 1.
A more detailed biography may be found at From Warrior to Saint, which includes letters written by David.
Click here to see the Oakerhater Lodge at St. Crispin’s.
Click here to see the Oakerhater Chapel at St. Paul’s Cathedral in OKC.
CONTACT
St. Crispin's is located just sixty minutes from the Oklahoma City International Airport, and ninety minutes from the Tulsa Airport. Our central location makes us the ideal conference and meeting facility for both small groups and large events. If you have any questions, call us today at (405) 382-1619!
Phone: (405) 382-1619
Email: info@stcrispins.org
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St. Crispin’s Conference Center
36302 St Hwy 9
Wewoka, OK 74884
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