Lamarla Cook was recently called to be the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Seminole, and she is already making history. Cook is the first woman to ever lead the local flock.

Cook was named as pastor effective Jan. 4 to replace Mark Watson, who was reassigned to the United Methodist Church in Checotah.

“I am excited to get involved in the community of Seminole and look forward to see how God ‘s plan for ministry here will unfold,” Cook said.

Prior to making the move to Seminole, Cook served as head pastor of Newcastle United Methodist Church, where she had been since 2017. She has also held pastoral positions at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and Mount Zion United Methodist Church in El Reno.

Cook grew up in Moore, but moved with her family to Bedford, Texas after high school. She moved back to Oklahoma City one year later and began a secretarial career at Stockyards Bank.

“My husband and I met while employed at the bank and in 2021 we will celebrate our 43rd wedding anniversary,” Cook said.

“God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters, two wonderful sons-in-law and four precious grandchildren. I had the privilege of witnessing the miracle of birth of three grandsons,” said Cook.

Cook said she left the bank and became a legal secretary for more than 20 years, but was looking for something more in her life.

“I will always remember the day while sitting at my desk, I asked myself this question, ‘Is there more to life than this job?’ God spoke to my heart and said, ‘Yes there is. Come follow me.’

“I proceeded to get my priorities in order, starting with God first, family second, and career third. Six years later I left my secretarial job and took a staff position at my church,” Cook recalled.

According to Cook, another turning point in her life came when her father became ill.

“My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997 and died in December of 1998. It was during that time I became very dependent on God, praying constantly, and asking help for my dad,” Cook said.

“God was faithful to answer each prayer, not always the way I had hoped he would answer. Throughout my dad’s illness I was confident God loved me and loved my dad more than I could ever love him,” Cook affirmed.

“There were many significant signs from God that confirmed my journey into ministry,” Cook stated. “After a 23-year gap to raise my children, I returned to college finishing my bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma City University in 2006. In that same year I received my first church appointment and began fulfilling my ministerial educational requirements at Perkins School of Theology and Duke Divinity School.”

Cook said her call remains strong to serve in the local church to preach, teach, provide pastoral care and counsel, and administer the sacraments, welcoming all to the faith community.

“First United Methodist Church is very involved in community outreach, which is one of my passions, Cook said. “Another is seeking opportunities to partner with schools to help children and youth succeed and thrive reaching their full potential.”

First United Methodist is located at 910 West Wrangler Blvd. in Seminole. Services begin at 10:45 a.m. each Sunday.