Historic Church Studio Reopens in Tulsa

The historic Church Studio has recently reopened to the public after being under renovation for more than five years. Located at Third Street and Trenton Avenue, the historic church was turned into a recording studio and home office to Shelter Records in the early 1970s.

In the very beginning, 1915, it started as Grace Methodist Episcopal Church and was one of the earliest churches built in Tulsa; even later, surviving the race riots of 1921. By 1928, it had become the First United Brethren Church, and remained so until at least 1946. In 1948, it began appearing in city directories as the First Evangelical United Brethren Church until 1961, when it was the First Church of God. Originally a brick church, the current “castle” stone was placed in the mid-1950s.

Leon Russell purchased the building in 1972 and The Church Studio was conceived. The mysterious-looking stone structure served as a creative workshop for songwriters, musicians, engineers, and singers.  Successful and award-winning talent such as Russell, Tom Petty, JJ Cale, Jimmy Buffett, Georgie Fame, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder, Asleep at the Wheel, Michael Bolton, The GAP Band, Kansas, Mary McCreary, Freddie King, Jimmy Markham, Dwight Twilly, Phoebe Snow, Peter Tosh, Jamie Oldaker, Walt Richmond, David Teegarden, Wolfman Jack and many more hung out or recorded in the studio.

After Leon’s time in the church, a few of the artists that recorded included The Tractors, Dustin Pittsley, Wink Burcham, Hanson, Roy Clark, Freddy Fender, Carmen, Ronnie Dunn, Red Dirt Rangers, Paul Benjaman, Admiral Twin, Jesse Aycock and even Leon Russell himself, were inspired in The Church Studio under the ownership of either Steve and Charlene Ripley or Randy and Debbie Miller.

With the latest owners Ivan Acosta and Teresa Knox, Tulsa Sound, and Leon Russell fans, the focus is on restoration and rehabilitation first; and then recording studio, audio engineering school, museum, and event space; second. The renovation was recently completed. Being caretakers of Leon’s legacy is of the utmost importance to the new owners while establishing a collaborative space and entertainment network.

The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 due to its significance to American music culture and being the heart of the Tulsa Sound.

The mission of The Church Studio Music Foundation is to support the understanding, appreciation, and advancement of music.

Objectives of Mission:
Propel legacy of Leon Russell.

Establish the studio as a legacy landmark.

Collect, arrange, preserve, and make accessible the permanent items of the The Church Studio Archive as well as rare and unique collections that support the foundation’s mission.

Engage general community through music programs, festivals, education, video, film, recording, and activities.

Showcase the brotherhood, diversity, and evolution of “The Tulsa Sound.”