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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. rrata o lalure. 3 32X 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 S 6 ^ V V y y. vv V v y m ^ v y v y y w v v ^ y y v y y v m v v yy y y y v y v >. ^ I- t iS^ '^, s^/yj^f i^/^^ 0ii (Sip ,,(^# ,„,«""ii Hi f 7'i'!!ii,if'' < < •4 )K"',«I< III !^ I- ni.'""""''i'lri I'! iir""*>. Ill""" iK C^J^^yy^ /ci'.^ci' / /cfcf^ 60 '^S HIMES THE PRINTER, PORTLAND Price, 50 Cents per Copy. .4-u.O FRED LOCKLEY RARE WESTERN BOOKS 4227 5. E Stark St. PORTLAND ORE I ? ^ * HI Wl'OK V .n. ad\i< i.. Maplism-Cieed— Ailicles of Faith -Dropping names iron, church roli -Fxtenipore I'r.-aching-Frce .Sea; .System-llymn l!ooks-lnvi;ation lu the Connnunion ral.le-l.ocal Liuirch Staled .Ministry -Sympathy he! ween ciuuches Treatment of Offentlers i, 4o 4'^- il Ml '":-r:::;;r^^^ y- " ^-^.^-a,. I'niMm, ■;' ^''-•"•") " ■• M..M..„.,y ..,.,„,. .innrh 4') 53- ' ".\n i:k \ n. 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That, how- ever, was not the fijst of Conofiejj^ationalism in Ore- gon as will he seen by the following sketch of the work of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions on this coast, prepared hy Rev. C. Eells, for the Centennial, 1876: " History of Indian Mission Work of the A.B.G.F.M. in Oregon. "Previous to the year 1835, gentlemen of the Hudson's Hay Company had communicated some knowledge of the true God to the Spokane and adjoining tribes of Indians. Subscniuently, among those thus instructed, a desire prevailed for the obtaining of like addi- tional knowledge. Impelled by such desire, about the year 18,^2 a deputation of five, more or less, commenced a journey eastward, in search of such knowledge. The journey was continued to St. Louis, Mo. The substantial fiicts relative to these Indians became known. In print, the statement caught the eye of interested read- ers. The officers and patrons of the American Board of Foreign Missions saw in it indication of an open door. By it, they heard anew the voice of their Lord— 'Go teach all nations.' They were not disobedient to the call. Consequent thereupon, ineffectual ef- fort was made in '.834 to cause exploration. In 1835 the effort was renewed. Rev. Samuel Parker and Marcus Whitman, M.D., pro- ceeded to St. Louis, Mo., the headquarters of the American Fur Company. They were permitted to travel with the caravan of the company to their rendezvous on Green river. At that time and place, ihere was a large gathering of fur traders and trappers. Representatives of the Hudson's Bay Company and of several In- dian tribes were present. By information then and there obtained, it became apparent that the way was open to Christian teachers to locate on the western slope of America. Consequently, Dr. Whit- man and Mr. Parker separated. The latter, for the purpose of ad- ditional exploration, proceeded to Walla Walla and Vancouver, I \(J Con(;ui:(;atioxai. Association. under ihc auspices of the Hudson's Bay Company. The next year he returned to Boston hy the way of the Sandwich Islands. Dr. Wliituian accompanied the returning caravan. His report caused prompt action. Dr. and Mrs. Whitman, Rev. II. H. Spalding and wife, and Mr. \V. II. Gray were appointed missionary labor- ers of the .Vmerican Hoard of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- sions destined to Oregon. Early in 1846 said missionary band commenced their journey to their foreign field. From the western frontier of the states they were favored with the protection of the American and Hudson's Hay Companies. In the autumn following, thev reached Walla Walla and Vancouver. By favor of the Hud- son's Bay Company, outfit was furnished the Mission families. " The\ returned and located, Dr. Wiiitman on the Walla Walla among the Cayuse, and Mr. Spalding on the Lapwai among the Nez Pcrces Indians. Bv the following spring, in the opinion of tiie mission, additional helpers were needed — therefore it was agreed that Mr. Gray return East, the bearer of such communica tion. A reinforcement of three ordained missionaries with their several wives, assistant missionaries, was appointed, viz: Revs. E Walker, A. B. Smith and C. Eells. The recently married Mrs Gray received appointment. In the spring of 1S38 the four fami lies met at Independence, Mo. Last of April they came up with the American Fur Company, at the crossing of Kansas river. Under the protection of said company they proceeded to rendez- vous on W^ind river. During most of the way from there to Walla Walla, they were fuinished by the Hudson's Bay Co. with escort. On the 39th of iXugust said reinforcement arrived at the station of Di'. Whitman, having been 129 days on the way from the western l^order of Missouri. "At a meeting of the mission held early in September, Mr. Gray was assigned to Lapwai, to co-operate with Mr. vSpalding. Mr. Smith was appointed tlie associate of Dr. Whitman. Messrs. \\ alki.i- and Eells were to select a new location among the Spokane rn(lian>«. The place chosen was near a spring on a plain six miles north of the vSpokane river. Of this they took posses- sion March 20, 1839, having spent the winter at Wailatpu or Cavuse station, in the stud\ of the Flathead language. Ne/ Perces Lawyer was their teacher. In the summer of 1839 Mr. Smith, at his request, located among the Xez Perces at Kamiah, sixty miles Congregational Association. II Gray Mr. essrs. the 3lain ■)sses- u or rces h, at miles I from Lapwai. In the summer of 1842 he left the station and mis- sion, and joined the Sandwich Islands' mission. In the autumn of the same year Mr. Gray withdrew from the mission. About the same time Dr. Whitman started eastward overland, and, in March following, ai rived at Washington City, D. C. During that season he conducted a wagon train of a thousand souls from the western frontier to the Columbia river. The arrival of said immigrants was decisive in regard to the settlement of the country by Ameri- cans. " Missionary work was prosecuted among the Nez Perces, Cayuse and Spokane Indians till November 39, 1846, on which day Dr. and Mrs. Whitman and seven others were massacred. Subse- quently, and connected therewith, five more victims were added. During the win^^er following Mr. Spalding and family, together with the wives and children of those massacred, were taken out of the country by P. S. Ogden, Esq., Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company. " During June, 1848, in accordance with military order, and under military escort, the families of Messis. Walker and Eells were conducted out of the country. The Indians, thus deprived of their teachers, continued to perform acts of divine worship. "In the summer of 1859, by military proclamation, the Walla Walla country was declared open for settlement. During that .season Mr. Spalding made an attempt to resume his previous work among the Nez Perces. Froin that time till his death, August, 1874, he continued in his cherished work to about the extent per- mitted by governmental officers. Ft is indisputable that the seal of Divine approval has been affixed to the Christian work of Rev. H. H. Spaulding among the Nez Perces Indians. " The Spokane Indians, though destitute of spiritual guides, mutually aided each other in retaining a knowledge of Divine truth. They continued earnest and constant in the practice of Christian duties. The residence of Mr. Ee\U at W^alla Walla, from i860 to 1873, furnished them the opportunity of renewing previous instruction. They made faithful improvement of this, to them, highly esteemed privilege. After the removal of Mr. DlelU from Walla Walla, in 1873, tht\ made application to the Protestant religious teachers among the Nez Perces. The result thereof was, that in 1874 Rev. H. T.Cowley locatefl among them. lie is in the 4*' I 2 Congregational Association. employ of jj^overnmcnt as a teacher, but adds thereto Scripture in- struction. " Mr. Eells made three several visits, in 1S62, '74, and '75 to that people in that country. He thus spent near two months with them, and participated in about forty services. The earlier and latter sowing^ of the seed of gospel truth among the Spokane Indians has produced abundant harvest." That mission held its annual meetings, which answered all the purposes of a Congregational and Presbyterian association; Revs. E. Walker, A. B. Smith and C. Eells having been Congregational- ists, and Rev. li. H. Spalding and Dr. M, Whitman, Presbyter- ians. The records of those meetings were destroyed either at the massacre of Dr. Whitman, o • by a fire which in 1872 consumed the house of Rev. C. Eells. After the massacre the remaining members of the mission re- moved to the Willamette valley; other ministers had also arrived in the same region, and July 13, 1848, the association was organ- ized. The following are the records of this event: "The Rev, Messrs. Walker, Spalding, Thompson, Clark and Atkinson met at the house of Bro. Harvey Clark at the Tualatin Plains. Articles of an association for the Congregational and Presbyterian brethren were submitted to them." As a result a constitution and by-laws was adopted, in most points similar to those which now govern the bod v. With one exception, 1852, meetings have been held every year since its organization. There is no record of the meetings ot 1861 but it is evident that one was held from the fact that some of the resolutions passed that year were reconsidered, the following year. The records of 1854 are incomplete, the minutes of one day and part of another having been made, when they are broken off in the middle of a sentence. In those early days owing to the bad condition of the roads, and the scattered condition of the members the meetings were some- times very small, and sometimes were adjourned for a month or two, until more could assemble. Thus at Oregon City, Sept. 13, 1849, only three persons were present, and after one day's session it was voted to " adjourn to meet at such time and place as the secre- tary shall designate," which proved to be November ist, of the same year at the «ame place, after which the body "adjourned to year 1861, If the 'ear. and \ff in and pme- |h or 13, ^n it :re- Ithe |1 to I 1 C()N'GHec;atU)\ai. Ass(x:iation. 1.5 meet at a time most convenient, at the Tualatin Plains, notice hav- ing been given hy the clerk." At one time the hody adjourned to "Tuesday, twelve weeks from the tenth of December," iS^o, but "the association failed to meet at the time of adjournment, and only two members attended the annual meeting Sept. 11, 1S51, whereupon it was resolved to meet at Oregon City, Nov. 20, 1S51." Four persons attended that meeting, and they remained in session three cjays. Such meetings contrast very greatly with those of late years when more than fifty regular members have been present. In 1856, for some reason, the following resolutions were offered, threatening the very existence of the body : " Resohied, That the general associations of Congregational churches in the different states have proved to be important agencies in promoting the kingdom of Christ. Resolved^ That it is advisable to organize such associations in the new states and territories. Resolved^ That the obstacles in the way of such annual associa- tions in Oregon supersede at present the advantages to be expected from continuing the existence ot this organization." After a spirited discussion these were laid on the table, as not ex- pressing the sentiments of the majority, and have never been taken up. Time of Meeting. The tenth article of the constitution of 1S48 says that "the as- sociation shall meet annually at a time and place appointed by vote of the body." The first annual meeting was held September 20, 1848, at which time, the second Thursday of September, was selected. This arrangement continued until 1S53, when the time was changed to the first Thursday of the same month, and so remained until 1864, when the meeting was held on the first Thursday in October; but this did not prove satisfactory, and the time was changed to the third Thursday in June, and it remained so until 1S80, when it was changed to the second Thursday of July. The sessions have generally been held over the Sabbath, though not always so in the earlier years. In 1S56 five ministers asked to be excused from attendance on the Sabbath on account of previous engagements for that day, and an earnest discussion arose as to the propriety of continuing the sessions over the Sabbath, but after H CONOREGATIOVAL ASSOCIATION. considerable debate it was determined for the next year so to hold them, and the arrangement has continued without much question, until the present. Constituency. Article first of the original constitution gives as the name of the body " The Oregon Association," and article ninth says that " any Congregational or Presbyterian minister or church may be a member of the association by assenting to the articles of the con- stitution and by-laws." The majority of the body were, however Congregationalists. In 1S51 the Old School Presbyterians were invited to join, and Rev. H. H. Spalding was appointed a com- mitee to present the Invitation to them. Rev. L. Thompson, one of the original members, Rev. H. II. Spalding, joining evidently in 1850, and Rev. [. W. Goodell in 1851, were the only Presbyteri- ans whose names appear on the list. While Father Spalding was a member, he reported the Calipoola cliurch, though it does not appear that that or any other Presbyterian church ever assented to the constitution or sent any delegates. In 1S59, Rev. H. H. Spald- ing, the last of the Presbyterian ministers, having withdrawn, the name was changed to "• The Congregational Association of Oregon." In 1S70 a Congiegational church was organized at Seattle, W. T., the first in the territory which became connected with the body ; and from that time until 1879, when the Congregational As- sociation of Washington Territory was organized, nearly all the churches of Oregon and Washington were connected with it. The territory of klaho has also been under its supervision, though only one Congregational church was ever organized in its limits. Lay Delegation. The constitution of [848 made every provision to have the churches represented by delegates, each church being entitled to one delegate; hut there is no evidence that any church availed itself of the privilege until 1S55. In [848 it was "voted that the lay brethren of our several churches be invited to sit with us as cor- responiling members and take part with us in our discussions." In 1851 "the subject of a delegation from the churches came up. As there had been no 'delegates, it was resolved to lay the Cf)N'(;Hi;(; ATioN Ai. Assoc rATro\. matter befoif our respective churches, and solicit their interest and co-operation in our association." In 1S5."; four names are re- corded as the first lay deleg^ates. In 1867 the constitution was amended so that each church was entitled to one deles^ate and an ad- ditional one for every thirty members. In 1S73 the first women were sent as delegates, and since that time they have attended quite largely. In 1S74 a committee was appointed to revise the consti- tution with regard to admitting delegates, from a church who are not members of that church, but the committee never re- ported. Oflicers. The original officers were a moderator and clerk, to be elected annually by ballot. In 1S67 a registrar was added, to be chosen triennially, and in 1877 tiie clerk was furnished with an assistant. Standing Comnnittees. The first on record were appointed in 1855, which were on relig- ious exercises, reports of churches, moral reforms, education, special religious effort and the Xez Perces mission. In 1867 a by-law was added which provided for the present committee of arrangements of three, which by 1874 had attended to all business so satisfactorily that other standing committees were discontinued. In 1877 there were some who wished them revived, and it was done, but after two years further trial they were again abolished, and the arrangements in regard to the annual meeting left mainly in the hands of the committee of arrangements, whose plans froin i874-'77 proved more satisfactory, and made the sessions more interesting, than any other plan yet proposed. Delegates to and from other Bodies. The distance to other states is so great that but few delegates have ever been received from them, and but few of our members have visited the associations of other states. Nor has the custom been often practiced of sending delegates to the annual meetings of other denominations in Oregon and Washington, neither have many come to us from them. Those who have been sent by us to other bodies have so seldom reported the fact to this body that the list given is probably far from being full. The following is a list as taken frc 1 the records: 16 Cong K E(; AXIOM A L Association. From Other Bodies. 1855 iSq6 1864 J 86s 1865 1865 1866 1866 1866 1866 1868 1869 1S69 1878 1878 Rev. T. D. Hunt, from the Association and N. S. Presbytery of Cal. Rev. T. D. Hunt, from the Association and N. S. Presbytery of Cal. Rev. D. Leslie, from the M. E. Conference of Oregon. Rev. W. B. Brown, from the General Association of New York. Rev. George Mooar, from the General Association of Cal. Rev. S. V. Blakeslee, from the General Association of Cal. Rev. S. V. Blakeslee, from the General Association of Cal. Rev. J. vS. Wylie, from the Presl)ytery of Benicia, Cal. Rev. R. Wylie, from the Presbytery of Oregon. Rev. B. C. Lippincott, from the M. K. Conference of Oregon. Rev. J. Spencer, from the M. E. Conference of Oregon. Rev. ). A.. Benton, from the General Association of Cal. Rev. C. C. Stratton, from the M. E. Conference of Oregon. Rev. S. V. Blakeslee, from the General i\ssociation of Cal. Rev. E. P. Baker, from the (yeneral Association of Cal. To Other Bodies. % i 1851 Rev. Geo. H. Atkinson, to any ecclesiastical body in the vStates. 1866 Rev. P. S. Knight, to the General Association of California. 1S67 Rev. G. H. Atkinson to the M. E. Conference of Oregon. 1879 Rev. H. Lyman, to the General Association of any other State. To the National Council. f 1S52 Rev. G. H. Atkinson, Albany, N. V. 1871 Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D. D., Oberlin, Ohio. 1S74 Rev . J. D. Eaton, New Haven, Conn. 1877 Rev. P. S. Knight, Prof. G. H. Collier, Detroit, Mich. 1S80 Deacon H. M. Humphrey. Foreign Correspondence. For a long time the lack of delegates to and from other states was supplemented in a measure by correspondence. The first such letter was received in 1849 from Massachusetts in reply to one pre- Conor Ko At ION A I. Assoc tATtoM. '7 resbytery resbytery ;gon. of New 1 of Cal. )n of Cal. n of Cal. Cal. Oregon, gon. )f Cal. Oregon. 1 of Cal. Cal. y in the lifornia. Oregon, other ! f I states t such e pre- viously written, and by 1851 it was arranged so that each of the ministerial brethren was appointed to correspond with the general association or presbytery of one or two other states. Usually, either because letters were not sent or not replied to, only two or three let- tt-rs were received and read at each annual meeting. This con tinned until 1S72 when no letters were received, but items of in. terest were reported from three states, gathered from the papers, and the committees were instructed by vote instead of correspond- ence to present such items of intelligence as might be of interest in the several states, and that year the list of committees for the last time appeared in the minutes, fn 1874 the registrar was authopzed to continue the correspondence with other ecclesiastical oiganizations ; but little if anything of the kind has been done by him except to exchange copies of our minutes with the associations of other states. Licensing Candidates for the Ministry. This has not usually been considered as belonging to the business of the association, but to the ministerial body. Yet it is probable that for a series of years that organization held but few, if any meetings, as in 1862 Bro. D. B. Gray was licensed by this body ; in 1864 Bro. E. A. Tanner was also licensed, and both of these licenses were renewed the year after they were first granted. Printing of Minutes. In 1849 after the secretary's report was read, it was voted to pub- lish it if consistent with our means, but there is no evidence that it was done. The next year it was " resolved that the printing be left to the discretion of the clerk, and that any expense incurred tor it be paid by the association." In 1856 it "was resolved that an abstract of the minutes be published by the clerk in the Pacific [Christiati] Advocate^ Argus, Oregoman, Standard^ and in the Pacific of California^ But it was not until 1857 that the minutes were printed in pamphlet form, and they have been so published every year since, with the exception of 1861-2-3. In 1S59 ^'^^ associa- tional sermon on Congregational Polity was printed with them, but with that exception nothing was published except tiie minutes, constitution, by-laws, articles of faith, covenant and reports of com- mittees, until 1875 when most of the essays were added, and since I 18 L'()\(iKK(i.\ rtONAI. AssociATrov. i that time most of" smh papers Iia\ t- htcn published. In 1S79 and iHHo those not thus pul)lishud were printed in the Pacific, In 1875 the minutes and reports of the (). H. M. Society were added, and in 187S those of the A^linisterial Association. At first the expense was defrayed by subscription from the min- isters and churches. In 1S64, the churches were ret[uested to take up collections, and in 1S67, the clerk was authorized to assess the churches for this purpose. Hut there beini^ a lack of promptness in "paying the printer," in 1S77 the churches were requested to take uj) their collectiojis liefore the annual meetin<^, and send them to it; but it has not always been done. In 1S79, some of the churches expressed themselves as dissatisfied with the arrangement ot assessment pro rata^ and the publishing committee were author- ized to solicit advertisements to aid in defraying the expense. Our History. The first effort at writing this was made in i860, when Bro. Atkinson was requested to prepare a brief history of Congrega- tionalism in Oregon and forward il to the Conp-egational Qnorterl\\ but it was not done. In 1875, the Ministerial Associatit>n requested the same person to write up the history of the Congregational churches of our association for the centennial year, and the Doctor requested the various churches to send such a history to him, but only those of Oregon City, Forest Grove, Skokomish and Portland, responded. Rev. J, A. Cruzan prepared two articles in 1879, one on the history of the church at Portland, and the other on Congregationalism on this northwest coast: and Mrs. H. II. Steele about the same time wrote a sketch of the church at Olympia. This is about all that has been done pre\ious to the present effort. Washington Territory Association. In 1879, a call was made to the ministers and churches of Wash- ington, to organize an association tor the territory, at Seattle, June 26th. The members from that territory who were present at the annual meeting of this body, a week previous, thought it inex- pedient at the present time, and so reported, and by resolution, the churches ol VV'ashington, were requested to defer such action at present, and a committee appointed to convey to the meeting at n hi b CoN(; n KG A rios a i, A ss« »r i a t io v »9 In 1879 and ?r. In 1875 adfled, and m the min- sted to take assess the promptness equested to 1 send them Dnie of the 'lan^ement ere anthor- ense. when Bro. Conj^retra. / Quarterly, I me person les of our nested the those of esponded. le history alism on ame time ut all that af Wash- tie, June esent at t it inex- ition, the action at eeting at vScattle, the fraternal greetings of this hody and advice to delay action. This was done; hut the Washington Territory Association was organizeil, and a reply sent, In which they stated, that, "After the fullest discussion, they were ready to decide that we shall now have an association." Five churches and five ministers of this hody joined that organization. Local Associations. In 1879 a request came from the church at Spokane Falls, W. T., asking the privilege of organizing a local association, to be composed of the counties of Walla Walla, Columbia, Whitman and Stevens, in Washington, and the counties of Idaho, Shoshone and Nez Perces, in Idaho, with the privilege of sending one or more delegates to the annual meeting of this body who should have the privilege of casting the entire vote to which those churches were entitled. This, atter being referred to a committee, was granted, anil September 5th, 1S79, such an association was organized at Colfax, comprising three churches and their pastors. A similar request was made for the churches on Puget Sound, at the same time, but owing to the organization of the Washington Territory Association, nothing has been done. List of Ministe.'*s who have been Members of the Association, Keceh'rii, Xante. When and •niliere dismissed. 1848 Harvey Clark 1858 Deceased. 1 848 .... Lewi.s Thomp.son 1848. .. . Elkanah Walker 1877 ... . Deceased. 1 S48 .... Gushing Eells 1 848 .... Cieorge H. Atkinsun 1850. . . . Henry H. Spalding About 1868. . . . Dismissed. Deceased, 1874. 1S50. . . . Horace Lyman 1850 D. R. Williams About 1853 Deceased. 1 85 1 J. W. Goodell About 1859 Deceased. 1853 S. H. Marsh 1879 Deceased. 1853 . . . . O. Dickinson 1854. . . .Thomas Condon 1854. . . .Milton B. Starr 1864. . . . Dismis.sed to ( !ali(ornia Association. 1856. ... P. K. Chamberlain 1863. . . . Dismissed. 1857 .... W, A. Tenney 1862. . . . Dismissed to Maine Association. 1862. . . . D. H. Gray 1870. . . . Removed to California Association. 1864 . . . . K. .\. Tanner 1865 Removed lo Illinois. 1866 P. Stewart Knight 20 UfiyiTi'if. 186b... 1867... 1867... 1868... 1869... 1870... 1870... 1870... 1871... 1871... 1873... 1874... 1874... 1875. •• 1875... 1876... 1876... 1876... 1876... 1877... 1877... 1878... 1878... 1878... 1878... 1879... 1880... 1880... 1880... 1880... 1880... 1879... 1879... t'ns<.Rr«:(;ATi(»JAL Association. X.iiiti'. .John F. Damon '879. . . . Daniel A. Miles 1870. . . .C. A. Huntington 1880. . . . (. H. D. Henderson .VV. J. ("lark 1870. .. .\V. k. Butcher 1877... .E. (ieiry 187 J... .W, A. Tenney 1875. .. .C. M. Blake 1872... .VV. K. Joyslin 1875... .j. D. Eaton 1876. .. . X. McLeotl 1874. . . . Myron Eells . Phares Harrison '879. . . .J. F. Ellis 1879... . Frederick C'rang .George W. Skinner 1876. . . it'livH and wht-rt dismiistil. . Removed to Wash, Tcr. Association. Kemoved to Massachusetts. Removed to Wash. Ter. Associatinn. , Removed to California. Dismissed to Chicago (111.) Cong'l Ass. . Removed to Vermont. Removed to California. . Removeil. , Removed to Massachusetts. Removed to New Jersey. , Removed to Wisconsin. . Removed to Wash. Ter. Association. . Removed to Wash. Ter. Association. . Removed to Kansas. . . Removed to Wash. , . . Removed to M. E. Ter. Association. Church. . Wm. M. Stewart 1879. . E. Godfrey '879. .John A. Cruzan . D. B. (Jray . W. B. Floyd 1879 Removed to Conn licut. . R. S. Stubbs . S. S. Markham 1879 Removed to Wash. Tcr. Association, .N. W. Lane .A. W. Bower .J. W. Watts " . 8. S. Van Dersal . E. P. Roberts . Edward Rogers . William Capps . II. T. Cowley * • E. W. Allen * I List of Churches. When PI M'fu-n „ ,,. . , Ktxehwd. '^"^' ■ Dismissed. ^'"" l^>i*>»i^* t'\. u v I Rev. P.B.Chamberl n . Rev, E. Walker Rev. O. Dickinson . Rev. P. B.Chamberl'n. Rev. O. Dickinson D t^ , .• 1 • \ Rev. D. B. Gray Rev. O. Dickmson . . d t- c t 1 ,. / Bro. P>. S. Joslyn Rev. S. H. .Marsh. ..Rev. D. B. Gray .Rev. S. H. Marsh. . . Rev. I). B. (iray , Rev. E. Walker Rev. P. S. Knight . Rev. E. Walker Rev. P. S Knight Rev. D. B. (iray Bro. C. N. Terry Rev. P. S. Knight. . . Bro. C, N. Terr)- Rev. G. H. Atkinson. Bro. C. N. Terry Rev. H. I yman Rev. W, J. Clark Rev, S. H. Marsh, . . Rev. W. R. Joyslin Rev. O. Dickinson . . Rev, W. R, Butcher Prof. G. H. Collier. .Prof. A. J. .\nderson Rev C. A. Huntington. Rev. M. Eells Rev. G. H. Atkinson.Rcv. M. Eells Rev. G. H. Atkinson.Rcv. M. Eells Prof. G. H. Collier.. Rev. M. Eells Pres. .\. J. Anderson. Rev. M. Eells Bro. O. F. Sites .... Rev. M. Eells Rev. R. S. Stubbs. . . Rev. M. Eells '871 75— W. R. Butcher. 1876 79— H, H. Himes. Preachers. .lxsi>i!tiii(^>/it/ Vc; Coiuinunion Sermon, Date. '848 Ci. II. ."Vikinson l^;. Walker. 1849 II. Clark ^" '^50 G. H. Atkinson -Is. 9:4 M. n. Spalding-Eph. 1:7, '^Sl No record Xq record. '852 No record ^o record. '853 E.Walker—Col. 3:17 No record. '^54 O. Dickin.son fc. F.ell.s. H. Lyman. '^^J-- ■ ''■ 'J- Spalding— Dan. 7:23-26.. . .(i. IL Atkinson. " AVas selected and it was probably held. No rocord. t Appointed the year before, but.thero w no record stating wholi.reached. Congregational Association. ^3 Clerk. Date. S. II. Marsh 1850 S. H. Marsh 1^57 T. Condon 185S r. Condon '859 IV. A. Tenney i860 D. B. Gray. 1 86 1 \B.Chamberrn 1862 J. Dickinson 1863 C). Dickinson 1864 1865 D. B. Gray 1866 ¥.. S. Joslyn 1867 D. B. Ciray 1868 ). B. Gray 1869 \\ S. Knight 1870 \ S Knight 1871 '. N. Terry 1872 '. N. Terr)' ^^T, :. N. Terry .874 V. J. Clark 1875 W R. Joyslin 1876 V. R. Butcher 1S77 V. J. Anderson 1878 ^I. Eells 1879 I. Eelis 1880 I. Eells 1. Eelis ^ . 1. Eells I. Eells : \ \. Eelis oeei 1876 79- M, For Asxihintii'iial Sermon. . V- H. Cliamlx'rlain . U. Dickinson — I ret. 5:12 \V. A. Tenney — Acts 5:8 (!. II. Atkinson — Matt. l8:i-20, . .V. V>. Chamlicrlain — I Ccjr. 14:40. . * II. l.ynian. I". Condon . No record .11. Lyman .S. H. Marsh .C. E2IIS . K. Walker . T. Condon —2 Pel. 3:3,4 . P. S. Knight— Matt. 13:52 . 1). 15. Gray — Rom. 8:37 . K. (ierry . . . W. k. liutcher — John 6:44.... .P. .S. Knight— Heb. 12:27 , ... . W. A. Tcnr.ey .(•. Eells, John 4:35 Matt. 9:37,38 J. I). Katon I Cor. 4:2 . \V. K. Hiitchei — .Mark 9:40 . I). R. (iray — 2 Chron. 15:7 .J. I". Ellis — ^John 1:47 . R. .S. .Stubl.s— .Matt. i6:i-3 .C. Eells— Mark 16:15 ' 'otiniiunicn Senitmi. . Xo r'jcorci. ,11. Lyman — Col. 1:24. .P. P. Chamberlain— Lam. I:I2. M. H. Starr- Phil. 3:13,14- . * K. Walker. O. Dickinson. . * W. A. Tenney. O. Dickinson. . No record. . * T. Condon. . T. Condon. .11. Lyman. . O. Dickinson. . D. B. Gray- Col. 2:3. . O. Dickinson— Acts 3:19. T. Condon — John 16:22-30. S. II. Marsh, D.D. .II. Lyman — James 2:1-9. . * \l. Gerry. W. R. Butcher. ,W. R. Butcher. . E. Walker. .(i. H. Atkinson, D.D.— John 20:28. .J. K. Ellis. .J. A. Cruzan-Gal. 6:14. . T. Condon. .P. S. Knight— Gal. 6:14. . D. B. Grav-Heb. 12:28. Statistical Reports. None of thesf have been kept except when the minutes have een printed. When the association was organized the churches of Forest (irove, Oieg-on City and Calipooia (Pres.) were the only ones connected with the body which existed and probably did not number more than forty or fifty members. Statistical Table> Nos. \ and 3 are compiled from the summaries of the published reports, but many of them are quite imperfect. '■' Appointed t he year before, but there is no record .■stating who preached. 1:7. m 24 Congregational Association. Statistical Table No. 1. Year. i860. 1864 1865 1866 1867.. 1868.. 1869.. 1870. . 1871.. 1872.. 1873.. 1874.. 1875- ■ 1876.. 1877.. 1878.. 1879.. 1S80+. Mkmbers Received. Dismissed, ^,^^' iT MS Sunday SCHOOI,. -jj c _; lA rS d C 9J ■J-. V ^ V c ~ ^ < c- 1857 1-... 203 1858.. ...J.... 284 1859.. 88 119 207 94' 123 217 53 94 177 105 155 260 166' 166' 184' 189 189' 83, 2051 217 241 300 329 355 409 390 234 231 400 4'3 243 427 276 465; 274 463 i ^'5 373 311 534 354 586 .... 33 39--'- 636 .... 30 491 791 92 32 528 857 S346 572 936 12696 638 1045 2 1 3184 645 1035 264:72 .- 24 .. 19 .. '9 21 9 4' 9 23 J-S c 3 es a; X >— — >ii 24 11 13 23 13 7 20 1 1 14J 16' 26, 16I 32; 85 109 25 39i 40 52 39i 62 15 28 23 30 40 60 38 42 7« 72 114 146 49 95 79 175 103 187 112; 194 213 4 14 4 16 61J d 14 516 Clio 6 18 424 410 633 848 748 1050 3:'8 I 19 . . 20 524 . . 12 . . 21 223: 125 .. 28 . 14 4 43 3 59 12 67 ..60 3016 II 9 9 12 8 12 11 9 312 ii6 12 1439 2421 948 59 25 1253 17 152312 37361617 38-372114 55361599 1/ u C c 11 35 .. 175 33 ■•••■■•■.. .. 238 35 . . 22 2 24 ... . 202 33 320 22s 5 13 242 25 315 422.. 9 368 57 5 17 224.. .. 530 V •75 238 202 242 368 530 812 492; 738' 779 845 703 795 901 798 1091 1094I •383 1668 a a. u o ^ i c .- ti »* i-.y !, 7) a. 11 u 3 ^ S Ah 183 314 349 392 388 460 570 670 585 493 641 980 480 700I 910J 740J 725 820 483 897 '335^ 1684' 225;| 254'^! <' Forest Grove, with about m members, not reporting. T Seven churches on Puget Sound not reported, which were reported 1309 302-023, the previous .vear. 304 347 457 431 602 697 a X n 5 Congre(;ati()\ai, Association. 25 o Q -M o -J -cj: -r- — r — I — — — x ri tr d tr — i t- ' ^ "rt zt 3 CL. c r '^I^d. idai rshi -i* 2 l3 ^1^:^ r^ V c3 < < •M 460 .S70 . . . . 670 585 . . . , i 493 641 '980 480 700! 910 740 725 820 483 i«3 897! 304 3H 1335' 347 349 1684; 457 392 2237: 431 388 254.! 602 302 2023, 697 evio US year CM 6 Z m h a o rt 73 e '- ri r^ ri X — :r — 1- o s H ST. o H § I U J^ ir: '; r^ !id i^ '' -t ii ?r — :- -f e i x x r. — > ^ s ca o ■3 H Si r 5 r? = ■?( 2 *■: x 'Z 5 Ui e — '£ x :t i t~ IC .-t ir ';C X 1^ — 1 — ■ ■T'. T 1 I- •- ■- -- •M It T. — 1^ s ?. rr ~ "" ? '-~ '■^'~ t:<' '' o—T -i<-r i-'x'x'i-T':?" -HirfrTx" — 'rTtT — 5 x_ -r X X Other Objects •■■■ :•/.- : : ic c ■ 1 — 1 c: TT r; _ — r- : i • 1^ IS ?- != - " ~ ' ~ 2" ~ ! f/.' ::••::::;":•— . -^ pi"*! 1 s b; ! :a <■/.: , b eS i* IS : — . •: -c I- -r r? I I'T ^32 f/. : : : : -M ^^ ri — I X or ^ :§::!:::;:• i^Sx-S^: ? i) jj £; s c . — . . . • _, ^ 1, ^. X — : ^ : : : : : : ; : ; ^ x * 1 x r. x "?■■ 3 (^ 9 r^ « t" ^ :X • ; : : : : : r-M.-i-o — -c od^ ^^ ?=li S S S § 5 S g ?^ § ^ ':? 5 1^ ~ X £ 5 ;■; '5, '5, r^ R2 ?, 5 V-, .? S ,^ = ?: ?, '-: n: t? :? ••z' ,•= i- v .tj |; ; : II x^Tr.co -t -':^i- s, t- 1~ x_. -.-^■4,—. —_ x 1^ b-;. '.;, x -^ C'l M ^ ?t . . *** T* "^ "T — • -r ^ -T -*• 1^ i~ !— C. I-. :!, —cfi ■v.. ^7!' • — -*• -^ -^ ? ' "*■ v; -C - 1 -^ — "C c; -^ 1^ i^ T I* ;-t''Mt'— *— "TCTi — — •-M(,c^|^i-V|,A,- : Z - -M ~\ ■: -A _ -M M -1 cr '7 li '- i i-J 'i X x_ . "VI ^^ 1^ X .-^ *■! : -^ iT^ M ^ — f I ■ 1- — .— r-- r^-M tr I- r-r Vif- -r ~ ■ o ':r'\i~ xi"T t-i'-j < ::!;:: :feS.-.?tl4 'x s • I • : : i i i U • ;''^Eg|^ ? ■^ .. ••/r. :.:... . ■ : : . : •y.' o 55 o * CI • 1:35333 < 6 i iC '■£ r; p ?■: •.■! :c X — i~ -<• -" -r -r X ic — 1 x ' 1- S • ^1 ^1 *! ■: I ?c -^ I "1^ '^ 'i .^ 3: Q ■* ir.' (-. X 3-. o -^ M ^: -" i.T -c h» X — ir yi3tQ6-Z«xx4xX<'/:x3:y'<:VcxacX o CHAPTER n.—EDUCA TTON. |VER since the first annual tneetinjjj this subject has often come up for consider ition, both in a general way, and with specific reference to some department. One chiuse in the ori^iinul constitution, which has not been chant^ed, says that this body " shall encoura.i>^e evangelical educa- cation." In regard to the general subject the first record was made in 1S48, when it was resolved that "we will do all we can consistently to promote common school education." Two years later a discussion incidentally arose in regard to whether teachers were liberally supported, and upon comparison with the payment of men in other kinds of business, it was thought that they were. In 18^9 "it was resolved that in the view of this association the establishment of schools under constant religious influence is of vital importance to the progress of the Gospel in the land, and we recommend the employment of Christian teachers, laymen, if pos- sible, ministers, if need be, in our schools, and we earnestly call the attention of all our churches and of all Christians to this subject, and that it is the duty of every teacher to inake reading of the Bible one of the religious exercises of his school." The same was re-affirmed the following year. In 1866 it was resolved that the idea and practice of the fathers, that education is the handmaid of religion, and that the school and college should go hand in hand with the church, should be a living, practical idea with us in Oregon, while laying foundations here, and the same was again passed the next year. Religious teachers and the Bible in the school were again recoin mended in 1868 and 1870. The next year resolutions were passed, stating that "we hold it to be the privilege and the duty of the people to require, by law, the education of all the children, at their option, as one essential means of public safety and welfare. That the very liberal pro- vision made by the National Government for public schools in Oregon ought to be sacredly guarded, and applied solely to this M Congregational Association, 27 :t has often I way, and ent. One IS not been ical educa- vvas made II we can years later :hers were Mit of men :iation the ience is of 3, and we en, if pos- \y call the is subject, ino- of the same was 10 fathers, chool and ? a living, ons here, s teachers 1 868 and ve hold it "e, dy laiv, essential eral pro- ;chools in V to this object. That the question of moral or j-eligious instruction, and the use of the Bible in our public schools, belongs properly to the people themselves, in their several districts to decide, and that in our judgment the moral condition and influence of our public schools compare favorably with that of private or corporate schools, and that the directors, and especially teachers, deserve support an 1 commendation for their high character and faithful services gen- erally." Tn 1S72 Prof. Anderson made a report which took grounds against " features transferred from monarchical governments — some of them contrarv to the genius of our institutions — such as com- pulsory education, etc., without the most candid discussion and ma- ture deliberation." It also condemned the position taken by the Advance^ at that time, which allowed the Bible to be banished from the school-room, and "suggested the abrogation of the public schools for pupils over ten years of age, or those who study any- thing above the merest rudiments of an education, advocating private and denominational schools in their stead, thus doing its part toward the destruction of the valuable labor of fifty years."* The next year Rev. J. D. Eaton read a report which stated that in this country three things need to be remedied before we can have the highest Christian culture: ist. — Tndiiference to scholar- ship; 2nd. — Half-baked scholarship, both of which are owing to the great desire for money; and, 3rd. — Unconsecrated scholarship, which is drawing our young men away from the ministry and in- juring the churches. Tn 1879 the subject again came up, and remarks were made and resolutions adopted urging strongly that our education be more thoroughly consecrated to Christ, and in 1880 Rev. H. Lyman read an essay on ihe subject, and resolutions were adopted, which favored industrial ynd moral training in connection with intellectual edu- cation. Tualatin Academy and Pacific University. The association has not, however, been satisfied with general talk on the subject, but has labored for special work, and chief in this respect is the institution at Forest Grove, which is reallv the child of Home Missions and this bodv. Before Dr. Atkinson came to *A change of the editors of the Advance, since that time, has completely changed it* position on this subject. 28 Congregational Association. this coast, Dr. Baldwin, Secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West, suggested to him to plant an academy, which should grow into a college, and at the first annual meeting at Oregon City, Septemher 3i and 23, 1848, it was " resolved, that it i.' expedient to found an academy under our patronage," and " it was thought that the Tualatin Plains is the most favorahle location." " After continued discussion it was resolved that we will appoint trustees, who shall locate an academy, become incorporated, and attend to its interests. The moderator and clerk were appointed a committee of nomination. The com- mittee reported. Rev. H. Clark, Miram Clark, Esq., P. H. Hatch, Esq., Rev. L. Thompson, VVm. H. Gray, Esq., Alvan T. Smith, Esq., Rev. G. H. Atkinson, James Moore, Esq., O. Russel, Esq. The report was accepted and adopted. It was resolved that a ma- jority of the officers, with as many of the trustees as may be present, at any regular meeting, be a quorum. Rev. Harvey Clark was chosen president of the board of trustees, Rev. G. H. 7\tkinson, secretary, A. T. Smith, Esq., treasurer, Hiram Ciark, Esq., auditor. Resolved, that the secretary make known the doings of this as- sociation in reference to an academy, and solicit funds from the states. Resolved, that the trustees meet at the store of H. Clark, Esq., to-morrow at 9 o'clock a.m." Thus the institution was born, after which it was mainly left to care for itself. But in 1851 it was voted " uhat, in view of the need of institutions of learning of a high order both for males and females, and in view of the limited information which Eastern churches have of Oregon, the association recommend one of the brethren to return to the East this year, and present these causes before friends East and solicit aid." Rev. G. H. Atkinson was so appointed, and went East in 1852. In 1856 the denominational question having arisen, it was " re- solved that this association has no wish or purpose to establish or support educational institutions for sectarian purposes. That in our judgment every such institution, to fulfill the high ends of truth and intelligence, should be free from ecclesiastical control, but that they should be controlled by religious and evangelical boards of trust. That it is not only the privilege but the duty of the members and churches of this association to aid and sustain institutions so con- trolled and established." 4 mmimw. CoN(;i< r-:(iA rioNAi. Association. 29 Promotion iggested to ege, and at 21 and 23, emy under 1 Plains is sion it was I academy, moderator The com- H. Hatch, T. Smith, issel, Esq. that a ma- >e present, Clark was Atkinson, [., auditor, of this as- from the H. Clark, Illy left to the need nales and Eastern ne of the ;se causes >n was so was " re- :ablish or lat in our ruth and that they of trust, hers and s so con- Thc next year the liody thorouohly approved Prof. Lyman's ac- ceptance of a professorship ill Pacific University, and voted "that this association look with deep interest at the institution at the Plains as designed to accomplish for Oregon the great work of col- legiate education, and would recommend it to the prayers of the churches of Oregt»n, and to the care and support of the friends of truth at the East, and especially the Collegiate Society." In 1S5S, the attention of the ministers was directed to the day of fasting and prayer, now observed throughout the land, viz.: the last Thursday of February, and were recjuested to observe it with special reference to Pacific University. In 1S59, 1860 and 1S63, ^be association earnestly commended the institution to the support and sympathy of all our ministers, churches and congregations, and in 1866, in addition to this recommendation, a standing committee of three was appointed to visit the institution at each commence; nent and report their observations. Tlie next year this committee reported at length in regard to its condition, and while deploring its situation as being difficult of access, recom- mended it earnestly to those desiring an education, on account of its competent and sympathizing instructors, large library, philo- sophical apparatus, and })leasant surroundings. But in 1S6S, it made no report, and at the request of Dr. Marsh, was discontinued. The report on education for 1873, says that to prevent unconse- crated scholarship, "to the Forest Grove church, we turn as to the church which is entrusted with a special charge. To it, including professors in its membership, nnist we look to do its part to prevent the college from sending forth each year a company of learned skeptics — unconsecrated scholars." The same year the following resolutions passed by the trustees of Tualatin Academy and Pacific University, were read by the clerk (A. J. Anderson), who, speaking as a member of the faculty, emphasized the resolutions by requesting Congregationalists represented in the association to give their prayers, their converted youth, and their friendly visits to the institution: "VVjieueas, Tualatin Academy and Pacific University is not and cannot be by its corporate law or constitution under any state or ecclesiastical control ; '■'■Resolved, That it will welcome the friendly sympathy and aid of the state, and of any and all denominations of Christians. 3° COVGREGATIONAI. ASSOCIATION. That by virtue of its origin, it seek» and expects the fraternal co-operation, especially of all the Conyfregational churches of our state and reijion. After discussion, the following resolution, offered by T. Condon, was adopted : ^^ Resolvedy That this association accept and cordially respond to the resolutions read from the board of trustees of T. A. and P. U; and that we cheerfully promise the sympathy for which they ask, and that we instruct our committee on publication of minutes * . . . to have a copy of those resolutions published with the minutes." Nothing more was done until 1878. when by request or some, who were dissatisfied in regard to the denominational relations of the college, the question was put on the programme: "Ought we to have a college — an institution of higher education, so adminis- tered as to secure the sympathy, support and patronage of our Con- gregational churches and families." The chairman and one mem- ber of the committee appointed to open this subject were not present, and the other member did not come prepared to open it. After a little discussion, in which some expressed the opinion that we have a college sufficiently Congregational, others, that it would soon become so, and others, still, that something ought to be done, a committee was appointed to confer with the trustees of T. A. & P. Ij.,to ascertain if they were willing to come into sympatiietic and working relations with our Congregational churches; but the next year the committee made no report on the subject. "Whitman Seminary. In 1S59, the association expressed its judgment in reference to Rev. C. l£ells going to VV^ailatpu, in the following resolution: " That, m the judgment of this association, the contemplated purpose of Bro. C. I-^ells to remove to Wailatpu, to establish a Christian school at that place, to be called the Whitman Seminary, in memory of the noble deeds and great worth, and in fulfillment of the benevolent plans of the lamented Dr. Whitman and wife, and his further purpose to act as a home missionary in the Walla Walla valley, meets our cordial approbation, and shall receive our earnest support." Academies. In 1S72, a resolution was passed: " That a committee of three 1! CoV<;RECiATIONAI- AsSOC'IATIOV. 3> the fraternal rches of our T. Condon, respond to . A. and P. which they 1 of minutes ninutes." st or some, relations of ' Ought we so adminis- f our Con- l one mem- were not to open it. pinion that sit it would to be done, )f T. A. & theticand but the fere nee to tion : em pi a ted stablish a eminary, Iment of vife, and Ilia Walla earnest )f three be appointed by this association to consult with reference to acade- mies, and to do what in their jud<(nient may be expedient towards building such institutions." And in 1878, another committee was appointed for the same purpose. It was hoped by some that such accademirs miojht prove to be feeders to Pacific University, but neither committee found affairs so favorable as to make any report. The report on education for 1S72 spoke of such academies, but expressed the opinion that " no such preparatory school should be undertaken without sufficient endowment, else it might linger along for years, only to impede the progress of its neighboring district school, and end at last in total failure." Theological School. In 1863, a committee of three was appointed on theological studies, whose duties were to receive applications of Christian brethren who may wish to pursue a course of theological study, and to arrange a programme of studies for such students, advise, encourage and examine them at proper time, and report annually to this body, or even to call special meetings, if thought best, for the examination and licensure of candidates; but the committee seems never to have made any report, and in 1877, the Minister* ^1 Association, revived, took this very appropriately as a part of its business. In 1S73, in view of the difficulty of securing and retaining min- isters among us from the Bast, and that young men among us need encouragement to begin a course of theological study, a com- mittee of three was appointed to consider the expediency of providing for a theological school in this state, and, if in their judgment, best, to take the preliminary steps to secure a location and subscriptions therefor, and to recei\ e applications of Christian young men to enter upon such a course of study and aid them in it; but neither did this committee make any report. Nothing moic was done until 1878, when it was resolved as the " jutlgment ot the association that the (Christian families and churches here represented desire a branch, or professorship of Christian and Theological Science in one of our colleges, for the education of our sons in such studies;" and the following year the report on educa- tion urged some such plan, whereupon a committee was appointed to inquire '^ whether a theological school or department can be 33 CONORKGATIONAI- ASSOCIATION. connected with any of our existin*^ colle act as citizens on any civil question." In 1859, the subject of marrying divorced persons was settled as follows : "Whereas, In the opinion of tliis association the law of God is above all human law; And, Whereas, Christ expressly designates the one and the only sufficient ground on which persons properly married may be divorced ; therefore, ''''Resolved, That we regard all divorces, whether obtained bv judicial process or granted by special act of legislation, tor any other cause than that which Christ designates, as morally null and void; and that ministers cannot consistently marry again persons thu>? divorced." Notwithstanding the fact that some of the newspapers called this action very blue, it was re-atrirmed the following year, with the addition of the words: " while hoih of the parties are still living." c^. !•' ery. In 1855, the subject was first introduced and a resolution passed condemning it as contrary to the spirit of the gospel and our republican institutions, viewing with regret efforts to extend it, as the passage in Congress of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, and promising to resist with full ability in all peaceful and Christian way such efforts, and to labor in peaceful and legal ways to abolish slavery in the way best, both for the slave and master. The next year, in a general way, anti-slavery societies were end by qui in of Sot- its ful be be Congregational Association. 35 immunities, their action ubject their (leasure the sis the laws dness f)f the named reso- eople might )t' all evan- / do not yet we rega ately in le right > act as settled as V of God is ne and the ied may be btained bv r any other 11 and void; ersons thus i called this ir, with the till living." tion passed 2I and our extend it, ta bill, and d Christian s to abolish ieties were endorsed, with a recommemlation to the churches to sustain them by then prayers, labors and contributions, which called up the question whether there were any such in Oregon ; this was answered in the negative, though several l^rethren testiKed as to the need of such, in view of the danger of this territory being subjected to 8laver\', which was believed to be yearly increasing. A vear later, the action ot' the American Home Missionary Socie. ^^ refusing aid I(j slave-holding churches, was endorsed, as its fiiiuls were received frr)in those who believed slavery to be sin- ful; yet this action was not interpreted to mean that no aid would be furnished to any church in the South where a pure gospel might be preached. Ill iSi^S, the action of the American Tract vSociety of New York, refusing to publish anything either for or against slavery, was con- demned with deep grief. That society was urged to change its position and publish works against it, it being believed that it could be done without violation of its constitution — (this being a main reason why the society hail taken this position) — and our churches were recommended to withold their contributions and patronage from it, which they had previously given, and bestow them upon the American Tract Society of Boston, while the other society should hold its present position. A year later, a resolution was passed which stated that the min- isters of this body could not consistently invite into their pulpits, as ministers of Christ, persons known to be actual slaveholders, or the advocates of the system. The Sabbath. This subject is first noticed in the minutes in 1850, in Father Spalding's church report. At one of his stations he found eight persons ready to be organized into a church, but he feared to encourage it, because that Sabbath visiting was common among them, until thev should promise to observe the day and hold family worship. It was not, however, unttl 1855, that a committee was appointed on the subject. This committee reported in favor of observing the day in the strictest sense of the divine law and pur Saviour's instructions, as conducive to the highest welfare of every individual familv and people. Laws compelling people to observe the day in 36 COINTGREGATIONAK ASSOCIATION. any one way were not favored, yet those were earnestly approved which should tend to keep it sacred from ordinary business, and protect sacred worship, and disciplinary as well as moral enforce- ment of Sabbath oblir closin(' Sabbath schools during a century, from being designed mainly to provide instruction for the poor and degraded, to being adopted by all denominations of Christians as the chief means of religious instruction for the young, with all its accompaniments of literature. 40 Congregational Association. music and able officers. Hence its importance was spoken of, especially its aid in planting new churches. In 1877 '^ 'o^tT I't'port was read and published, which recom- mended the committing to memory of verses, the use of the black- board, a large amount of music, a good library and S. S. papers, sympathy with the children, system m the work, teachers' meet- ings, and S. S. conventions. Further remarks favored a good Bible class of parents and grandparents, as a means of keeping the older children in school, earnest work for the conversion of the children, steady work in at least thi' ^.^ minutes of lesson teaching, and the committing to memory < 1 the vS. S. hymns. Two years later the report thought that there was enough ma- chinery I ' ^tellectual food in the Sabbath schools, and yet that they lackec, mething — conversions — in as great numbers as there should be ; which is to be remedied by the employment of none but consistent Christians as teachers, giving heart work the prece- dence of head work, and taking Christ as the best example of a teacher. In 1S80, resolutions suitable to the centennial year of Sabbath schools, were adopted, urging their care on the church, parents, ofHce s and teachers. Church Finances. The first record made was in 187 1, when free will offerings, brought to the house of God as an act of worship, were recom- mended as a convenient and scriptural mode of raising money. In 1876 the subject was again opened, and the weekly envelope method was highly recommended by the association to the churches, and the next year the report of the committee recommendetl the contribution box, as an educator in the grace of giving, that giving may be regarded as a part of worship, to raise money promptly, to save some good man from martyrdom in the collector's office, and as a measure of Christian prosperity. Some, however, had difficulties on the subject, and some had found the subscription paper better. Systematic Giving. In 1S75 a report was read and published which favored this, from the commands and promises of God, his threatenings against covet- ousness and selfishness. The amount to be given and way of col- lecting it were left an open question, to be determined by circum- i Congregational Association. 41 spoken of, :h lecom- [the black- |S. papers, lers' meet- [?oo(l Bible the older children, r, and the lough ma- d yet that s as there it of none the prece- mple of a il year of le church, offerings, re recom- loney. envelope churches, Jndetl the lat giving- Jromptly, r's office, Jver, had )scription his, from st covet- ^ of col- circum- stances, though one-tenth of the income at least, was urged, but it was recommended that ministers preach on the subject, set a right example, and that children be earlv trained to it; whereupon the association "recommend to the churches a system of weekly offer- ings for all Christian and benevolent purposes, in accordance with the apostolic rule as expressed in 1 Cor. 16:1,2. In 1878 the committee on this subject, who had worked earnestly for it during the whole year, reported that seven churches had adopted the weekly plan of offerings, seven more had some dif- ferent plan, and four had no plan ; that thirteen had increased their contributions during the year, four had decreased, and four had given nothing, and that the whole amount contributed had in- creased from $1,037.83, in 1867, to v$2,722.i7, in 1878. In 1877 the churches had voted to raise one dollar per member during the year for Home Missions, but only four had kept their pledge. Five churches had adopted the plan of weekly offerings during the year. The need of a better appreciation of the vital importance of this matter, and the adoption ot some systematic plan, and the thorough working of that plan, were urged upon the churches and ministers. The association heartily approved the weekly and monthlv nlan of offerings, aiKl commended the efforts of the standing committee to the churches. By 1879 four more churches had adopted the plan of weekly of- ferings, and much of what had been said in previous years was emphasized ; it being the idea that " line upon line, line upon line, precept upon precept, prece))t upon precept," was necessary to success in this object. Fasting and Prayer. But once, according to the records, has a day for this purpose been appointed by this body. This was in 1858. The association had read with profound gratitude of the great revivals in the East, and appointed the first Thursday of November as a day of fasting and prayer for a like rich blessing on this coast, and invited other denominations to join in the observance of it. The same year, the attention of the churches was called to the last Thursdav in February, as a day of fasting and prayer for col- leges, observed throughout the land, and it was recommended that if be especially observed with reference to Pacific University. 't- 4a CONGKEGATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Protracted Meetings. Ill 1S55 the judgment of the association beinjjf that two-days', four-days', and protracted meetings "had been usually blessed of Ciod to the salvation of souls and the edification of the church," it was thought that the churches had been deikient in these special efforts, and it was reconimended that eve^" church hold annually one or more such meetings, and for the Home ivussionary agent for Oreg(Mi to attend and co-operate at such times. In 1879 the question of holding a similar meeting near Forest Grove was referred to a committee, who reported, asking for further time. |two-days', blessed of rhurch," it jse special annually Jary agent ;ar Forest [asking for CHAPTER v.— QUESTIONS OF ADVICE. Baptism. HE only time that this subject ha** been hroujjht up except in cuinection with the creed, was in 1S74, when it was put on record "that there is no pastor in our connection, who is unwilling to baptize by immersion, where that mode is a matter of conscience with the candidate ; that there is no church in our connection that asks for the baptism of the children of those who have no faith in infant baptism ; that whatever differences of views on the mode of baptism ma}' exist between those who j^-ive credible evidence of lovalty to the Master, they have all the rights of children and heirs in any and every branch of the church to which the Providence of God may assign them, our rule across these minor differences being in ' certain things unity, in doubtful things, liberty, in all things charity.'" Church Manual. In 1S74 Roy's Manual was recommended for the use ot the churches. Creed. The subject of a creed to be recommended to the churches was fi '^t put upon the docket in September, 1850, for subsequent con- sideration, and, at an adjourned meeting held December, 1850, the articles of faith of the Iowa Association and of the Theoloirical Institute, of Connecticut, were read. vSome discussion arose in re- gard to some objectionable terms, against which there is an ignorant and strong prejudice, and while it was not thought best to lose a good word for this reason, yet it was deemed important to express ideas in language which would not be misinterpreted. The articles of the Iowa Association, with a few alterations and additions, were adopted for the time being, but are no where on record. The next year these articles were laid aside and those of the Presbytery of Plattsburg, New York, being amended, were 44 CONGKEGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. adopted, and it was moved that they be published in the Home Missionary , but are not on record. As the subject did not come up ajjain for many years, it is presumable, however, that those pub- lished with the minutes of 1857 are the same as those then adopted, and which were subsequently published in 1S58, 1S59, 1S60, 1S64 and 1S66, an6o, 1864 ving- and power, truth ; he Holy y divine :s for his mplishes man is a im, I. 17, r. xiii. 14; 5 ; Eph. i. nd New the suf- saiah viii. lat man olTensc, and are Divine 18 ; Gen. 7 ; Matl. man in ferings world ; as the tion is other. [Mattliew i. 23; John i. 9, 14; Col. ii. 9; 1 Tim. iii. lO ; I'hil. ii. 5, 1 1 ; Isa. ix. 9; Kum. ix. 5; lleb. 1, ptts.uin : Matt. \xii. 45; Kev. xxii. 16.J |Jolin iii. 14, l6;2 Cor. V. 21; Gal. iii. 13; licit, ii. 9; I John ii. 2; Rom. iii. 25, 26, and v. iS, 16. j [Rom. \\. 25; llfb. vii. 25, and ix. 24; l I'ini. ii. 5, 6; Rom. viii. 34.) [Isa. Iv. i, 4; Rev. xxii. 16; John vii. 37, 3S ; Acts, xid, 38. 39. J [Acts iv. 15, and x. 41, 43; John xvi. 6; 1 Cor. iii. 11 ; I. John v. 11, 12; Rom. x. 4.) Art. 5. ^'(Mi belicNe that all who obtain salvation through (Christ were "chosen in him before the foundation of the world ;" that by the special inHiiencc of the Holy Spirit in their re;^enera- tion, they are made vvillinjjj to receive him in tbe faith of the gospel, and that, having received him, they arc justitied by grace through faith and have the same jjromise of being prescr\ ed by the same grace in new and holy obedience unto eternal life. [I's. xxii, 30; [olin vi. 37. 39, and ix. 5, o; Epli. i. 4, 5; 2 The.ssalonians ii. 13. 2 Tim. i. 9.J [Tsaliiii c.v. 3; John i, 12, 13; Acts xvi, 14; i Cor. iii. 5, 7, and XV. 10 ; Eph. ii. 8, 10. J (Acts xiii. 39; Rom. iii. 4, 28; Titus iii. 5, 7. J [Isa. Iv. 3; Jeremiah xxxii. 40; John iv. 14, and x. 27, 29; Rom. viii. 38, 39; I'hil. i. 5; Hel». xiii. 5; I Peter I, 5.! Art. 6. Vou believe that Christ has a church on earth ; that in its visible form it comprehends all th(.)se who eredibly profess the faith of the gospel ; that its sacraments are Baptism and the Lord's Supper ; that Baptism is to be administered not only to believers, but also ^^o the children (jf their household, and the Lord's Supper to such as are in good and regular standing In some evangelical church. [Matthew xvi. 18; .Vets ii. 41, 47.] [Acts ii. 47, anti v. 19; Rom. xi. 20, 23; 1 Cor. ii. i: Kph. v. 25, 27. J [Matthew xxviii. 19; Act.s x. 47, 48; Matt. xxvi. 26, 23; I Cor. xi. 23, 29. J [Gen. xvii. 7, 10, n, with Galatians iii. 7, 9, 14; Kph. iii. 6; Rom. xi. 15, 24; Isa. Ixvi. 23; Jci. xxx. 20; Acts ii. ) ; I Cor. vii. 14; Acts jfVi. 15, 38; I Cor. i. 16.] [i (Jor. xi. 27, 28, 29, with John xiii. 37 and vi. 6;^, 64. | Art. ^. "V'ou believe that the sanctitication of the Sabbath is of perpetual obligation ; that the worship of God in the closet, in the family, and in the sancttiary, is divinely appointed; that the preach- ing of the gospel isa divine institution, and that a strict and careful discipline slioukl be maintaincii in the church for its edification. [Acts XX. 7 ; 1 Cor. xvi. i, 2 ; lleb. iv. 9, 10; Rev. i. 10. ] [Matt. vi. 6; Joshua xviv. 15; 1 Chron. xvi. 43; .Vets, \. 2; Isa. ixi. 7 : tleb. x. 25.] [Mark xvi. 15; i Cor. V. 7, ti ; Titus iii. 10; I Tim. v. i, 2. | Art. S. Finall)' — You believe that there will be a resurrection of the body, and a general judgment, when Christ will be revealed a judge, the righteous be received to eternal blessedness in heaven, and the wicked sentenced to endless miserv in hell. i 46 Congregational Association. [John V. 28, 29; Acts xvii. 18; i Cor. xv. 21, 22.] [Matt. xxv. 31, 46; Acts xvii. 31; Kom. xiv. 10; Rev. xx. il, I2.J [Matt. xxv. 46; Luke xvi. 19, 26; Rom. ii. 5^ 10 ; 2 Tliessalonians i. 6, 10; Rev. xxi. il, 12.] In 1867 these articles were amended by adding the words " uy overruling " after the word "that" in the seventh line in article i ; by dropping all in the second line of article 5, to the word " by," also the word "they" in the third line ; and in article 6 by striking out all after the word "supper." In this form they were published in 1867, 1869 and 1872. In 1S74 a report was adopted which re- cotnmended the Broadway summary of faith and covenant, in Roy's Manual, in connection with the recommendation of that manual. Absentees. The question of droppmg the names of persons whose where- abouts are unknown, came up in 1878 and in some remarks was opposed, but after some consideration was set for the following year when the subjoined resolution was lost, as not being the opin- ion of the body: "That it is the sense of this association that it is the right of a church to drop from its rolls members not communi- cating for three years or having religious intercourse." In 1880, after the reading of an essay on the subject, the follow- ing resolutions were adopted : Resolved^ That we advise our churches as follows : 1st. That where resident absentee members are so situated that they can become connected with some Christian church congenial to them, they be advised to unite with it as soon as practicable. 2nd. That where they do not thus unite but can be heard from, they be continued on the church rolls, as other members, with the mark of being absentees, and so reported to this body. 3rd. That where they are absent in such a way that no resident members of the church can give satisfactory information as to their whereabouts for three years, they be placed on a separate list, and not reported to this association, but that, if at any time afterwards, they return so that their situation shall be known, and there be no objection by a majority of the church, their names mav be returned to the regular list by a majority vote of the church. Ex tempore Preaching. In i860 ministers were advised to preach at least one-half of their sermons ex tempore. Conor KGATioNAL Association. 47 Vets xvii. }m. ii. S Js " oy tide I ; " by," trikinjj^ Dlished ich re- ant, in of that where- ks was llowing le opin- hat it is mmuni- follow- ted that )ngenial Die. d from, 'ith the resident to their list, and •wards, 3 be no ^turned af their Free Seat System. In 187 1 the free seat systetn was recomiiiemlcd to the ilnirc Ins. Hymn Books. This subject was introducetl in 1S56, but the association was un- settled, and it was deferred until the next yeai, when the commit- tee recommended the Plymouth collection, Ivut t!ie bodv was not satisfied, and recommitted it. In 1858 the committee asked for fuither time, and the following year the vSabbath llvnin Jiook was recommended to the churches, wlien they shall procure new books. Invitation to the Communion Table. The followinj^ form was recommended in i860: •' VVe C(jrdially invite all who love our Lord and Saviour in sincerity, and inaintain a credible profession in some evani);elical churcii, to join with us in celebratinj^ the ordinance of the Lord's Supj^er. Local Church. In 1866 it was recommended that the " churches appoint com- mittees to visit and invite families to attend reliij^ious meetinj^s;" and " when deprived of pastors, not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, but to meet at regular times and conduct ser- vices by singing, prayer, scriptural readings, readings of sermons, and other appropriate exercises." Stated Ministry. In 184S it was -"resolved that a stated ministry is essential to the highest and ultimate success of the Gospel in this territory;" the next year, that we " approve of concentrated and steady labor at a few pomts, rather than the itinerating method ;'":'. id the same opin- ion was held as more conducive to the spiritual good of a people and eventually 10 the greatest number. Sympathy between Churches. In 1868 it was resolved that " there ought to he more frequent exchanges of sympathy between our dilTerent churches, and to this end we recommend all the churches of our order in the State tf) communicate with each other quarterly by letter ; — these letters to 4.1 CoNOREdATlONAI. ASSOCIATION. be rcail in the prayer meeting's, and to contain such matters of in- formation in regard to relij;ioiis growth as would he of general interest to all who love the cause." Treatment of Offenders. In 1859 the following action was taken on this subject: that "it is our duty to applv the law of Christ— Matt. 18: 15-17— to every ofiender in Christian doctrine or duty, and that we have no right to exclude any minister, layman or church from Christian fellow- ship withoui such trial." CHAPTER Vr.—HOME MISSIONS AND CHURCH BUILDING. Home Missions. N a new, growing country, it has been but natural that the association should take great interest, in order that the spiritu.il growth might keep pace with the natural prosperity. In June, 184S, Rev. Mr. Atkinson, came as the first missionary under the appointment of the American Home Missionary Society, and was soon followed by Rev. Mr. Lytiian, and the association has taken very frequent actijn on various questions of home supply. In 18 iS more of the ministerial brethren were requested to act as missionaries to form and supply churches, and the brethren Walker and Spaulding, were specially requested to act in this capacity. A committee on destitution and supply was appointed as a standing committee in 1S56 which made frequent reports for the next eleven years. In 1856 it reported that the field was by no means adequately supplied with ministers of those denominations represented by the A. H. M. Society, and th \t several parts of the field weie entirely unoccupied, and while re/)icing that one new laborer v/as under appointment, requested that two more be immediately sent. That year Rev. T. D. Hunt, agent of the A. H. M. Society for Oregon, was present. In 1S58, the report spoke of the scriptural idea of the establish- ment of a church pastoral office, and regular Sabbath ministrations in every community; that an educated evangelical ministry is the best, and that not only many settlements, but whole counties in Oregon and Washington, though they have the preaching of the gospel by various denominations, art destitute, to a considerable extent, of its permanent institutions. The next year the A. H. M. Society was requested to commit the exploring agency for Oregon and Washington to the above 5° Congregational Association. named committee, and, in 1S64, three more missionaries were requested for Oreoron and Idaho. Home Missionary Committee. In 1S56, the sublect of a territorial home missionary society was broached, but it was thouj:fht that the time had not vet arrived, but that all the objects contemplated in such an orji^anization could be as well, if r >)t better, secured by a hearty co-operatit>n with the A. H. M. Soc ;ty. The same subject was again mentioned in 1862, when it w;is !ett to the committee on destitution and supply. But in 1865, a com- mittee on home missions w;is appointed, which took the olace of the committee on destitution and supply, and continued mtil the organization of the Oregon H. M. Society in 1872. This com- mittee had authority to elect a chairman and treasurer. In 1864, a resolution to request the A. H. M. Societv to appoint an agent for this region was laid on the table, but in 1867. it was recommended that this be done, and Rev. T. Condon was nomi- nated for three months, until further arrangements could be made. He, however, was unable to accept, and Rev. O. Dickinson was applied to, but he hfid made arrangements that prevented him engaging in the work. Ilenci- the coinmittee in 1868, looking back to tiie time when the Lord sent foith the seventy, two by two, recommended that in the alisence of sufficient minisicis, each church supply its own surrounding region in a similar manner. Before another year, however, the committee m;ide application to the A. H. M. vS to appoint Mr. Dickinson as their agent, but they replied that thev had not the means to supj^ort him, nor the men and means to supply new places which he would naturally find Hence the committee in 1869 again recommended more self reliance in the work, but asked for one missionary for Puget wScnind. Rev. J. II. D. Henderson was in\'"ed by the association to act as its agent for the state, so far as funds could be collected at home to sujiport him, but in 1870 only twenty-six dollars were reported as having been thus raised, except what the church at Albany, whefe he had labored, had (^aid him. Again the A. H. M. vS. were urged to appoint an agent here. The next year the report said that the A. H. M. S. felt unable to support such an agent, or even to send forth all the men who had applied to coinc as missionaries;— where- Congregational Association. 5» upon it was recommended that our home mission- ry contributions be made and applied to aid our own dependent churches; that they strive to attain self-support at the earliest possible moment; and that we adopt the custom of holding conference meetino-s in the more destitute places, in order to help those ihere to oro-anize churches or strengthen existint,^ ones. Those desiring such meet- ings were invited to communicate with the committee, and it was also resolved, "that we deem it desirible that a home missionary be employed for the general field." In 187 1 the National Council was held, which gave a new im- petus to the home missionary work, aided by a series of H. M. conferences in some of the Eastern states, and funds flowed more freely into the treasury of the A. H. M. S. Dr. D. B. Coe, Secre- tary of that society, also visited Oregon, received some new ideas, and applied to Rev. O. Dickinson to become their agent, but he felt unable to undertake the work. Dr. Atkinson was then asked to engage in it, and spent two weeks in exploring, but found that he could not do efficient work in this respect while in charge of a church. The National Council also recommended that the general con- ference or association of each state provide for the organization of a home missionary society for that state. This was referred to a special committee who reported fuvor;il)lv, and The H. M. Society of Oregon and adjoining Territories was organized June 23, 1872, with the following constitution : Article I. This Sv^ciety shall be called the Home Missionary Society of Oregon and adjoining territories. [Changed in 1877 from the "Oregon Hv^me Missionary Societv" to the "Home Ali^sionarv Society of Oregon and Washington Territory, j Article II. Any person may become a member olihis society i)y giving his name to the secretary, and paying any sum of money annually ti)'the treasurer ; and a life member by a contnlnition of fifteen dollars. Article III. The officers shall consist of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, who shall all constitute the executive committee of 52 Congregational Association. the society, to be elected annually at the yearly meeting^ of the as- sociation. [Changed in 1875 so as to include the general missionary in the committee.] Artici.e IV. It shall be the duty of the executive committee, subject to the general direction of the society, and in co-operation with the secre- tary of the A. H. M. Society, to appoint missionaries within the field of its operations, designate their fields of labor, fix their sal- aries, and secure appropriations for their support. Article: V. The treai^urer shall have charge of all the contributions of the churches that shall be sent to him, remit the same to ! he parent societ'% and make yearly reports to this society, as also the disburse- ments of the parent society in this field. Dr. Atkinson was then unanimously recommended to the A. H. M. S. as general agent or superintendent, with a salary of not less than eighteen hundred dollars. It was also recommended that new churches be organized only in places where there is a prospect of clear growth, and not already crowded with church organizations. The minutes of the society, and reports of the general missionary, were not published until 1S75, and the latter are largely filled with facts concerning each church aided, and which properly come into the history of those churches, in 1S75 a request was made that Dr. Atkinson be made superintendent, and the same was repeateil by the association in 1878, when it was granted by the A. H. M. S. The following tables taken from the reports show mainly the work of tlie society, in a condensed form: Officers. President, 187J,* (). Dickinson; i875-'8o, Deacon G. Shindler. Vice-President, 1872-1875, Rev. T. Condon; 1876-1880, Deacon L. M. Parrish. .Secretary, 1873, Rev. P. S. Knight; 1875, Deacon L. M. Parrish; 1876-1880, I. A. M;icrum. Treasurer, 1872-1875, A. llurgren; 1876-1 880, James Steel. Superintendent of the Society and General Missionary of the A. H. M. S. 1872-1880, Rev. G. II. Atkinson, D.D. nnl'^l!l»ln'J!n!rT!'''\"?i''''r^'''''°'^ previous to 1 ST.,, and the Drosont secretary has been uuuolt! to und soiuo ot the tiguro^ proviuua to that timo. wm CONGREGATIONA'. ASSOCIATION. C* Receipts. ^^73 ~ $ ^874 1875 z •■••••• '^-^^ ,i.U 201.05 1070 ,n- ->- ^^^"^ 398.65 '^^^''l $i,557m The Life Members now number thirty. Their names are given in the minutes for 1879. General Missionary's "Work. IMtk. 1S74.... 1^74' 5- ■ 1875 b.. 1876 7t. 1877 8.. 1878 9.. 1879-80. •! y ! X a . o -^ 105 102 112 •52 100 '30, io8| 83! 9 '4 19 27 10 J9 33 18 V 75 242 2IO 190 8k 77 '85 142 47 29 > C ' d if u 2 i o -c c5 "" yj 39 42 63 80 228 416 39 4i(j 285 394 265 6,350 6,150 (),8oo 8,048: ... . 7,192 I<)2 1,100 321 8,222 jSq 8,436 6^6 7 6 8 6 5 5 7 6 6 7 6 8 4 Total 892 149 1,202 300 2,632 52,298 1,960.. 'Tho reports aro from .fiinuary to December for IST'i and 187^, and from .Juno to the remaining .years. t h'or nine months, his voice having failed so as to lay him aside the other throe. AID RKCKIVKI) FROM IHE A. H. M. SOCIKTY. 1877 8, $2,725 for seven churches .-xnd two Stations. For Gen. Missionaiy. . 18789, 1,575 for seven chuiches " " " 1879-80, 1,500 for churches. " " " Home Missionary Grants. June of $1,000 1,000 500 In 1 878 the treasurer of the Home Missionary Society, wrote to the secretary of the parent society, asking for a statement of the amount contributed by our churches to them, an«i by them to our churches, hoping that the facts would stimulate us to increased 54 Congregational Association. liberality. Although it occupied the time of one of their clerks for several days, they cheerfully acceded, trusting: that the exhibit would satisfy us that they had not been wantinj? in interest to us. The statement was as follows: Received from Oregon, $4,881.61; granted to the state, $64,625.00; rt-ceived from Wash- ington territory, $233.35; granted, $5,450.00, and there was also granted to the general missionary of the whole region, $5,500.00. Total received, $5,114.96; granted, $75o7.5*'-'°' Such a statement occasioned some surprise, yet it was thought that the granting of this sum had stimulated the churches to give a large amount and the executive committee were instructed to procure from each church a statement of all moneys raised by them, which resulted \\\ showing that 1262,370.00 had been given, and that each dollar contributed by the society had been the means of our raising $3.40. In 1877 the churches were urged to bring up th ir contributions to one dollar a member for the ensuing year, but only five churches did so. Church Building. In 1857, a committee of three '' were appointed to represent to the Congregational church Iniildmg fund committee, the wants of this territory, and solicit from them a portion of that fund, and also to take charge of and disburse tne same." The next year they reported that they had done so, and $635.00 had been appropriated to Oregon. This committee was continued until 1864, though its reports are not always recorded, when it reported that with thai amount and the interest of what was not at once needed, amount- ing in all to $882.4^1, the churches at Albany, Salein and Forest Grove, had been aided in erecting their edifices, and that none remained. A clause in the conditions made with the churches aided was that they should take up annual collections for this object, to aid their weakei- brethren, hence, by 1866, $31 1.80, were reported on hand; the next year no change in the amount was reported, but the fol- lowing year it had increased by collections and interest to $266.33, currency. In 1869 it was $300.06; in 1872 it was "in safe hands and bearing interest," and in 1874 it was said that they had had during the year $345.50, of which $200.00 had been donated i Congregational Association. 55 to pay the last bills of the church at North Portland, the rest being at interest; also, that the whole amount expended by the committee was $1,582.44, which had secured the erection, without any debt remammjr, of five churches, costin.jr in the aggregate, $17,003.81. It was deplored, however, that only one of these churches had taken any collection during the year, according to agreement. Since that time no report has been made by the committee. CHAPTER VH.— INDIANS AND CHINESE. ESIDES work among the whites in this region, there has been labor bestowed on both ot" these races by members of the association, so that they have come in for a share of consideration. Indians. The fact that the first Congregational work on the coast was for these natives, that some of the members of this association have been more or less engaged in it since the organization of the body, and that one of the churches is now on an [ndian reservation, has caused much interest to be taken in them. Three of the members of 1848 came from that work, and the A. B. C. F. M. did xmA wholly relinquish all hope of some of them returning, under its patronage, to their fields, for several years— hence they often asked the advice of this body as to vvliat was wise for them to do. In 1850 Rev. H. H. Spalding asked advice in regard to his ac- cepting a sub-Indian agency in the Walla Walla region. The matter was first referred to a committee, which reported favorably, and after several hours consideration by the association, the report was accepted, provided he could find some good friend to accompany him to that region, at least on his first trip, and the providence of God should not interpose; Rev. Mr. Walker was advised to be his companion, and Mr. S., according to his report for [851, was engaged in that work for most of the next year. After that there was little to be done except to wait patiently until after the Indian war of i855-'56, the making of the treaties about that time, and the consequent opening of the country east of the Cascades. When this done Mr. Spauldmg, always eagerly looking in that direction, brought the matter before the association, even as early as September, 1855. At that time much interesting information was laid before the body in regard to the faithfulness of the Nez Perces Indians and some of the Cavuses, in their reli"-- CONGRKGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. :)7 ious services, while deprived of teaciners, tineir loyalty to the whites, and their appreciation of education; whereupon it was believed that the time had come for the A. B. C F. M. to renew work amonof the Nez Perces, and that society was recommended to send Mr. Spalding to that field, with t.vo more missionaries and their wives, as soon as practicable, both to preach and translate the Scriptures; and this action was re-affirmed in 1856, 1857 and 1858. In 1857 the A. B. C. F. M. was requested to send some one to ex- plore the Spokane country, and in 1858 orovernment was asked to fill the appointments to be made with the Nez Perces, Spokanes and Cayuses with Christian teachers, according to treaty, and a committee was appointed to confer with the superintendent of In- dian affairs to secure these appointments, if possible, thus antedating President Grant's policy by about twelve years. Mr. Spalding soon after went to the Nez Perces, and hence further action was not necessary. In 1869 Mr. Spalding again appeared before the association, ask- ing it to examine Executive Document No. 38, in which, by author- ity of government, there had been published a report of Bishop Brouillet, a Roman Catholic, which condemned the missions of the A. B. C. F. M., and especially Dr. Whitman. This was done, and after careful consideration, resolutions were adopted which warmly endorsed the missionaries of the A. B. C. F. M., spoke of their work as of gj-eat value m preserving this country to the United States, and asking Congress to publish a document in preparation by Mr. Spalding, as a refutation of the false statements of the priests. These resolutions, with the report of the committee, were published that year, and with other endorsements, by nearly all the Protestant denominations of Oregon, and Mr. Spalding's earnest labors secured the publishing, under congressional sanction, of the desired paper. The same year an essay, unpublished, was read, which in the main was approved; but the v>';sdom of one recommendation, to take the children away from the tribes, and place them like found- lings in white families, was doubted^ and the fact that the Indians were soon to be turned over to the military department, rendered their affairs so dubious, that the association felt that it was best to commit the whole subject to a standing committee for a year, and wait the developments of time. 6 mm S8 Congregational Association, That committee reported the next year, stating many facts in re- gard to the results of Christian work among the Nez Perces, Cay- uses, Spokanes, Umatilhis, Yakimas, Warm wSpring and Grand Ronde Indians, as well as some eastern trihes, and closed by recom- mending that they he treated as individuals and not in a commun- istic manner as trihes; whereupon it was resolved, as the judgment of the body, that a convention of the friends of the Indian ought to be held, to embrace delegates from various bodies. This was in- tended to help Mr. Spalding m his efforts. The next year the committee reported that this call had been made, but that few attended, and there was no action; but that the bodies anpointing delegates had passed resolutions similar to our own, and that Mr. Spalding luul been successful. The change from the military to the peace policy was looked on with favor, and government was urged to give their lands to them in fee simple, whether on reservations or on public land, and to treat them as men. In 1873 another report was adopted which condemned the giving of annuities, without corresponding Christian instruction; approved Christian work among them, basing this on past facts; and also ap- proved thf: peace policy, when it has earnest Christian men in its employ, filled with the missionary spirit, notwithstanding the Modoc war, which it was believed had resulted from a want of Christianity ; deprecated the sentiment which favored the utter ex- termination of the Modoc tribe ; called for justice both among of- fending Indians and guilty whites; stated a belief that Indian wars have generally resulted from real or imaginary wrongs on the part of the whites toward the Indians, and that the chief hope for the Indian lay in the education of their children, a marked feature of the peace policy. The three following years the peace policy was again endorsed, with titles to their land for the Indians on the reservations ; while the report and resolutions of 1876 were mainly directed against the transfer of the Indian bureau to the War department. It was recommended that the Home Missionary Society assume as far and as fast as possible the task of giving religious instruction to the Indians, and the O. H. M. Society's committee to act with reference to this work, which had now come under the American Missionary Congregational Association. 59 Association, as well as all the work of that society in this region, as they do with reference to the work of Home Missions. During the next two years, the results of missionary lahor and the Peace Policy were fully presented, hoardinj^ schools recom- mended, and the granting of titles to their land to Indians of indus- trious habits, strongly urged, on account of their love of country; justice, a preventive of war, and means of civilization, before any consolidation of reservations should take place; and in 1879 it was stated that our action had brought the attention of public officers to these needs, and that all our actions for the past two years had been published in the reports of the Board of Indian Commission- ers, whde the same policy was still held up as the policy of this association. In 1874 the movement to erect a monument to Marcus Whitman, M. D., was endorsed and a collection taken in the association for the object. In 1880 the Indian boarding school at Forest Grove was com- mended by resolution. Chinese. Some work, though not a large amount, has been done for these people in our midst, and in 1872 it was voted "that we learn with pleasure that the American Missionary Association have begun a Christian work among the Chinese on this coast, and that we shall welcome and encourage it within the bounds of our as- sociation;" and the next year the body expressed sympathy for the work begun among them in Portland, and recommended it to the co-operation of the churches. In 1876, as some persons in the East had recommended that the A. M. A. give up their work among the Chinese on this coast, it was voted as the sense of this body that it ought not to be done, but that it ought to be prosecuted to the full extent of the ability of that society, and that the churches here should also take hold of the work ; also that the Burlingame Treaty be not modified, as sjrr\e peoole desire, because it was believed that it would interfere seri- ously with our commercial and industrial interests and missionary work ; but that an eflfor ; should be made " to break down by law the present contract system of the Chinese companies, and destroy their power to keep those brought here in a state of virtual slavery." 6o ( '()\l,UK(, Alios M. AssocrATioN. Class lejjislation, it was said, ouj^ht to be set aside, and all persons of every race and color treated equally before the law, as men and citizens ,when the conditions of citizenship are fulfilled, as the spirit of the gospel, which treats them spiritually as individual men. The next year there was a wide discussion, and an essay on the sub- ject, but no definite conclusion was recorded. CHAPTER VI n. -BEXKl'OLEyr SOC/KllES. NUMBER of these have been recommended to the churches as worthy of their support, amonj,' them the followincr, to all of which have been made contri. butions by the churches composing the association : American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. As three of the first members of the association came direct from work under this society, it was but natural that they should retain an affection for it. So strong was this that it was not thought at first necessary to formally recommend it until 1857, at which time an annual collection was asked for it, and again in 1866, Nothing more seems to have been thought necessary until 1873, when a report was made on the subject, a collection taken up on the Sab- bath morning of the session for it, and the " Duties of our churches to the foreign missionary field," was chosen as the subject of the associational sermon for the following year. When this was preached, home training of the children, system- atic giving and the monthly concert, were urged. In 1875 an hour was devoted to the subject, when it was men- tioned that it is the duty of all to go to the foreign missionary field, either in person, means, or prayer, and interesting facts were mentioned in regard to India, Africa, and especially the Indians within our bounds. The next year an essay, published, was read, in which systematic giving was urged for the foreign work, it having likewise a reflex influence on home work, and large reference was made to the work in Japan. A year later the committee on missions reported that a number of copies of the Missionary Herald had been granted for free distribution in our limits, some churches put in correspondence with missionaries, and the people urged to become better acquainted with the work. In 1880 an essay was read which mentioned the grand success of the foreign work, although it had lost some of its romance, and many interesting incidents were spoken of. I 6a Congregational Association. Woman's Board of Missions. Ti. is society was brou^Hit into notice by the body in 1873, when the sisters in the churclics were asked to orj^anize such missionary societies in their churches, auxiliaiy to the W. H. M., and one lady member in each church was desif>nated to commend the subject to her sisters. In 1S75 an hour was given to the object; only two churches re- ported orj^anizations, thouj^h others had contributed to the work, and the rest were desired to or<^ani/e. The next year a paper, published, was read, which spoke of the reasons which had called the society into existence, woman's work for women in heathen lands, so dej:jraded and secluded as to be difficult to reach by men, oftentimes; but a special woman's meetinj^ was not always thought possible in every church, and the subject was referied to the as- sociation. The societies in the two churches reported success in raising money and awakening interest, and it was resolved that the whole subject of women's missions ought to be deemed a part of church work, -nul that the church should devote one or more meet- ings each month to it. In 1S77 it was stated that the women's society in one church had foinul it very difficult to sustain its organ- ization, so much so, that they had changed their plan, and were now devoting one prayer meeting each month to the subject, and that it had proved successful. American Bible Society. This has ever held the confidence of the body, having first been commended in 1848, iuid afterwards in 1856, 1S57, 1871 and 1872, when the churches were asked to give it their prayers and an annual collection, and attend its anniversaries. In 1863 an agent of the society wa« asketl for this region; in 1864 the society was pledged our warm co-operation on account of its noble work for the army; in 1867 its agent, Rev. I. I). Driver, was recommended to the churches ; in 1868 the Bible olTered by the American Bible Union was condemned as unsuitable, and in 1875 and 1878 the agent of the American Bible ^Society, Rev. P. C. Iletzler, was welcomed by the association and listened lo with interest in regard to his work. American Congregational Union. This being the society which had granted aid to us in church CONGKKOATIONAL ASSOCIATION, 63 buildinj,', mentioned in chapter six, it was by vote conunentled to the churches in 1S58, 1866, 1S70 and 1S72, and an annual collection re- quested for it. American Education Society. In 1872 it was resolved "-that we approve the object as we see the need of this society, which has for its work the aidinjj of young men in preparinijf for the niiinstry." American Home Missionary Society. This society, like the A. II. C. F. M., was so interwoven with the whole work here, that no formal action seemed necessary; and hence it was not until 1857 that it was recommended l)y vote to the Lhurches, and an annual collection asked for it. In 1866 a vote of thanks was given to the society for their liberal aid thus far granted ; the action of the Con«^regational Council to sustain the work was heartily endorsed ; and a pledge was made to endeavor to raise our full proportion of the $300,000 proposed to be raised for their work. For further action see chapter six. American Tract Societies. The Tract Society of New York, einbracing at that time the one in Boston, was endorsed in 1S4S, 1856, and 1S57. Owing to its action about 185S, refusing to publish anything against slavery, as contrary to its constitution, the Boston Society, which was the oldest, but had become auxiliary to the one in New York, withdrew, and published anti-slavery tracts. For the same reason, the as- sociation advised the churches to withhold their contributions and patronage from it and give thein to the one in Boston. This action was taken in 1858 and rc-afHrmed in 1S59 and i860. But after the close of the war, in 1871, when the two societies had been re- united, with that at New York as the leading one, it was again endorsed. Anti-Slavery and Freedman's Aid Society. In 1S56 the former, and in 1864 the latter, of these societies were commended to the churches. See chapter three, " Slavery." Christian Commission and Sanitary Association. These societies, existing during the civil war, were heartily en- dorsed in 1864. See chapter nine, " State of the Country." m 64 CoNfGRfi;GATIONAL ASSOCIATION. Congregational Publishing Society. In 1857 the bodv advised membership in this society. Temperance Societies. These have been thorouf^hly approved, many times. See chapter three, " Temperance." Young Men's Christian Assrjiations. These bodies came up for consideration in 1876, when a short history of them wns given, their aims and work set forth, their re- lations with the church discussed, and by rcsokition they were heartily endorsed. Americar; Missionary Association. In 1866 this society by formal vote was first recommended to the churches, and again two years later. In 1874 a report was read which spoke in regard to the success ot the society in Africa, and among the negroes, Chinese and Indians, of our country. The next year an hour was devoted to it, which was spent mainly in de- votional exercises, and various intc'csting incidctits related, of work in our midst. An hour was also given to the association in 1866 and 1867, when reptjrts were read, which were published, and which referred largely to ihe objects of the association, to labor for the despised races of America, hence thev come properly into chapter seven. Its publication, the ^///f^r/r^/// Afissuniary, v^/as recommended to the churches. Missions. A standing committee on this general subject was appointed in 1877, which worked earnestly during the year, and secured for free ilistribution fifty-two copies of the American Missionary, Home Mis- sionary and Missionary Herald, aided ele\en church">< in opening a correspondence with some missionary in the field, uid urged monthly missionary meetings in each church, believing that much of our lack of interest in the subject was owing to lack of in- formation. CHAPTER IX.— MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS Business Relations with the Churches. |N 1877 an essay was read on this subject, which was published, in which the position was taken that the Lord's business belonored to the Lord.^ and was hence of great importance, in respect to our attending to it ; that it was business^ and needed to be attended to in a business way; and that it had its natural divisions as much as other business, so that to each should be given his work, according to his or her talents. Children and the Church, In 1875 an essay, published in the minutes, was read, calling special attention to the relation of Christians to their children, and to the promise, " I will be a God to thee, and to thy seed after thee:" — that parents are not taken into the school of Christ and their childn .1 left out in the cold; also somewhat to infant baptism, but more to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The church was also urged, especially through the vSi'bbath school, to take the place of parents in regard to the children of unbelievers; "to go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in." Christian Unity. This subject was brought up in 1865, when it was resolved "that we hail with joy the increasing evidence of an earnest desire for Christian unity, and sympathy among all denominations of our country and the world, and that it is our desire to encourage by precept and example that Christian intercourse that shall tend to unite all God's people in closer bonds of love." Church Membership. An essay was read in 1875, and also published, which gave as primary conditions for this, a belief in the essentials ot doctrine, a sincere desire to accept the conditions of salvation, and a willing- 66 Congregational Association. ness to enter into covenant with God and his people. Secondary conditions were also spoken of, methods of work, forms of worship, and expressions of doctrine. The first were considered essential to church membership; the second might or might not be laid down by any church, with no impropriety either way. A church may have the second, when Christ's words will be true, " Other sheep have I not of this fold:" it was urged, however, to drop them as fast as practicable, and retain only what the church must have, the first, so that Christ's other words might also prove true, "there shall be one fold and one shepherd." Any one desiring to become a church member should ask : ist— Have I a fixed purpose to be a life- long Christian? 2nd — In what organization can I find the best home, helps and opportunities for usefulness ^ There were different opinions on the subject, and no resolution was passed, as was also the case with all other essays mentioned in this chapter, where no such action is spoken of, the essay being in- tended more to awaken thought, than bind the association by any resolution. Church and Nation. This subject also came up in an essay, in 1876; especially the dis- honesty of government officials, even professed Christians. The causes of this, as mentioned, were a practical neglect of active Chris- tian works, among a certain class of Christian society, and the pop- ularity of religion, while the remedy was a return to Bible morals and lite — to the Saviour. Church Polity. This Wiis the subject of the associational sermon in 1859, which was published that year. It stated that church members, according to the Scriptures, held a relation of mutual equality, mutual liberty, and mutual responsibility ; were of final authority, and were author- ized to act in church affairs in the most convenient manner. The conclusions were that the early church polity is the best for all ages, that Congregationalism is scriptural, and that church action is ex- ceeding solemn. Comity. The only action taken in regard to this was in 1878, when thiS resolution was passed: "Admonished by a long course of disastrous Congregational Association. 67 history in what is known as 'denominational comity,' we, the pas- tors and delegates of the Congregational churches of Oregon and Washnigton Territory, feel, that in justice and fidelity to our polity, it is the time to abandon denominational comity, for denominational co-operation, as a juster and safer course to pursue." Congregationalism and Missionary Work. A long report, which was adopted, was made on this subject in 1873, which took the position that our polity was especially adapted to foreign missions, from the fsict that the amount of money con- tributed by our churches for this purpose will compare favorably with that of any other denomination in the world; and to home mission work, because it is not a sect, adds nothing of form to the requirements of any orthodox denomination, and is capable of the most rapid work at the least possible expense. Why it has not been more successful in the past, was stated to be that it has worked into other churches, especially Presbyterian, because of its lack of sectarianism, and that all denominations are tending to our polity, because our ideas have been infused into them. Its adaptedness to church expansion at home was brought out in an essay in 1879, and the younger members were recommended to be put to this kind of work. This paper was published in the Pacific. Congregational Library. This topic was never broached until 1879, when it was brought up in an essay as one branch of the subject — "The objects to be kept in view in these associations and how best to secure them," and was thought favorably of by the body, and arrange- ments made for the beginning of a small library. In :88o the librarian reported two hundred and thirty-nine pamphlets and one hundred and fourteen duplicates, forty-six newspapers, besides manuscripts» circulars and historical articles. Criticism. The criticism of sermons and plans was ta ked over in 1850 when it was thought that the body could not properly do so, but that such exercises should be referred to a private meeting or association of ministers only. 6S Congregational Association. English Ritualism. This was treated of in a publisiied essay in 1878, which took strong ground against it, especially the priesthood, apostolical suc- cession, baptismal regeneration, and many ceremonies connected with the Lord's Supper, as being carried to such an extreme as to vary but little from Roman Catholicism. H.OMV to make Sabbath Services more Fruitful, was discussed in 1877, and was answered, by preaching Christ more, more secret prayer, making it evident to the people that we love their souls, and by holding inquiry meetings after evening services. Religious Newspaper for Oregon — The " Pacific." The subject of a religious newspaper for our region was first put on the docket in 1S57, but after a year's consideration the committee could only ask for more time, and having two years more, reported that as yet no successful plan had been devised for effecting this work, but the committee was continued. No further action, how- ever, seems to have bft'ii taken until 1865, when Rev. S. V. Blakeslee, being with us, presented the Pacific and asked that it be favorably considered. This was done. Dr. Atkinson was appointed as Oregon editor, an Oregon Department having been added, and the paper was reconamended to the churches. The next year it was agair endorsed, and Dr. Atkinson requested to continue his editorial labors. In 1867 there was no mention made of it, but the Home Missionary, Sabhath at Home., Tract yournal, Missionary Herald and American Missionary., were commended. In 1868 it was again endorsed as more just to our region than the Independent or Advance, an action which was contirmed the following year. Hy 1869 there was some dissatisjaction about it and the committee reported, stat- ing that no paper represented t)ur wants, and advised the churches to use their juilgment as to what paper they might take, and wait until we should l)e able to have a religious paper of our own. Two years later the association again recommended the Pacific.^ the last time for several years. In 1872, it was the opinio) of the body that there was need of a Congregational paper in Oregon, and each pastor wt's requested to organize a committee ir, his church to ascertain in regard to sub- scribers and advertisements foi it, and there the matter rested, the Congregational Association. 69 principal worker about it having removed East, until 1878. That year Rev. S. V. Blakeslee, being present, asked if some arrange- ments could not be made by which the association might unite in the support of the Pacific^ and a committee was appointed to consider the subject. That committee the following year reported that satisfactory arrangements had been made with the publishers of that paper, its price reduced from $4.00 to $3.50, and Chaplain Stubbs appointed associate editor for Oregon — whereupon the paper was heartilv commended to the churches, and those having articles for it, were requested to furnish them through the Oregon editor, to whom the hearty support of the body was pledged. He was re-elected in 1880, with Rev. P. S. Knight as trustee. Religious Instruction of the Household. This was discussed in an essay in 1877. It was defined to be the doctrines arising from the work of all the persons of the Trinity, and the consequent duties arising from this knowledge; the evils of sin, the value of the Bible, together with the teachings of nature, as coming from the same God, and thanksgiving and prayer: this to be done by self-consecration and godly lives of both parents, but especially of the mother. It was also urged to gain and keep the affection and sympathy of the children in then- trials, temptations, studies and amusements. Others afterwards spoke of infant bap- tism, the shorter catechism, obedience to parents and God, "do not continually threaten and .scold," not forgetting the older ones in our love for the younger, a good room for boys as well as girls, family prayer, taking the children to church when young, and parents spending their evenings at home. Reviews of Books. But twice has such work come before the body. In 1875 a review was read on " Le Conte's Religion and Science," and in 1866, on " Christlieb's Modern Doubt and Christian Belief," both of which were highly commended, and the reviews were published. Secret Societies. Resolutions in regard to them were passed in 1 861, opposing them, it is believed, but the minutes of that year are not recorded. The next year the resolutions were rescinded. 70 Congregational Association. State of the Country. During the civil war, resolutions in favor of the Union, were often passed, the first being in 1862, although they are not recorded. The next year, the body having watched with intense ,nterest the struggle going on, and recognizing with gratitude the success with which God has blessed our national forces, re-affirmed their devotion to the Union.' In 1864, the resolutions adopted were full, pledging increased efforts for aid to the army, through the vSanitary Association, and more especially through the Christian Commission, as working both for their temporal and spiritual good; recognizing the fact that the government was similar in principle to Congregationalism, the principle of self-government, and that both in church and state, it had been assailed in the South; imploring Almighty aid upon the government and its officers; gratefully acknowledging God's hand in freeing the slave; recommending to the churches a gene- rous support of the Freedman's Aid Society, to prepare him for his new state of freedom; and, renewing pledges to the Bible and Tract ►Societies, because of their noble work in the army. The reports for 1S65 and 1 866, spoke anew of the need of education and religion to enable the freedmen to assume the duties which were soon to fall upon them, and claimed that no difference ought to be made between the two races on account of color — bas- ing the right of suffrage, both among whites and blacks, on know- ledge sufficient to read and write intelligently. Science and Christianity. In 1865, a paper was read on this subject, ancf discussion followed, but no definite action was taken. " Exegesis " -Subject, Day. In 1880, an exegesis on this word, as used in the first chapter of Genesis, was read, which stated that the root of the word was from heat, from which it came to mean light and heat, as contrasted with darkness, then the whole period of light and darkness — an epoch. In the discussion which followed, some agreed with the essay, and some, while accepting the general principles of the essay, found the difficulties so great in regard to that meaning of the word in this chapter, as to believe in a more .iteral translation of it there. ^M CHAPTER X. Northwestern Association of Congregational Ministers. LTHOUGH this body was organized at an early day, yet up to December, 1875, all records have been lost, and all that is known of it before that time, has been gathered from the memory of the oldest members. From this source of information it is now on record that it was organized at Oregon City, Sept., 1848, by Revs. Har- vey Clark, G. H. Atkinson, E. Walker, C. Eells and Lewis Thompson; that the meetings were to be semi-annual, and that the pastor of the church where the meeting was held was to be moderator, and C. Eells, clerk. February, 1849, and t ebruary, 1S50, meetings were held at Forest Grove. In 1856, a meeting was held at the house of C. Eells, near Hillsboro, when P. B. Chamberlain was clerk, and probably one at the house of Rev. J. S. Griffin, near Hillsboro, in 1857 or 185S. December 28th, 1875, a meeting was called at Portland, when Rev. E. Godfrey, was received from the church of the United Brethren; the contession of faith of the general association, printed in the minutes of 1872, were adopted as the standard of doctrine of the body. A collect on dancing, giving its history as a religious custom and as a means of entertain- ment, presented by Dr. Atkinson, and an essay on cosmic educa- tion, read by Rev. P. S. Knight, urging the culture of the whole man, spiritual as well as physical and intellectual, and calling upon the Christian church to take the lead, were the papers read. Since then a meeting has been held annually, in connection with the session of the general association, and the main business done, may be seen by reference to the following : Members. This list was made out according to the best knowledge in 1879: 72 Congregational Association. When Received. Name. Date of Dirmiasal, 1848 Harvey Clark 1858 Deceased. 1848 G. I [. Atkinson 1848.... C. Eells 1848.... E. Walker 1877 Deceased. 1848. . . .L. Thompson About About 1852 D. R. Williams 1853 Deceased. 1856. ... p. B, Chamberlain Dismissed. O. Dickinson T. Condon J. F. Damon 1880. . .P. S. Knight .J. H. D. Henderson . H. Lyman . C. A. Huntington 1880 Dismissed to W. T. Ass'n. , Dismissed to Wash. Ter. Ass'n. 1867. 857. 867. 875. 872. 883. 675- 876. 876. 876. 876. 877. 877. 878. 879. 880. 880. 880. J. D. Eaton 1876.. .W. R. Butcher 1877., .D. B. Gray . E. Godfrey 1879 . . . F. Crang J. F. Ellis 18S0.. .W. M. Stewart 1880. .M. Eells . P. Harrison 1880 . . .J. A. Cruzan . R. S. Stubbs .A. W. Bower . Wm. Capps . S. S. Van Dersal J. W. Watts Officers. , Removed to New Jersey. , Removed to Indiana. Dismis.sed. Dismissed to W. T. Ass'n. ditto. , Dismissed to W. T. Ass'n. Now chosen for three years. Moderator— 1875-1880, H.Lyman; Clerk— 1848,0. Eells; 1856, P. B. Chamberlain; 1875, J- ^- Eaton, />ro tem; 1 876-1880, M. Eells. Persons Licensed. All persons licensed, as well as those ordained and installed, have not been thus approved by this body, but there seems to be no more appropriate place for a list of such persons than in this chapter: 1862 — Sept. D. R. Gray, one year; by the General Association. 1863— ^o ^o do do Congregational AssociATir v. 73 1864- 1865- 1865 1867- 1869- 1870 1871- 1871- 1S77- 1878- 1878- 1878- 1878- 1879- 1880- Sept.,E. A. Tanner, one year; by the General Association, do do do do P. S. Knight, one year, by the Ministerial Association. J. F. Damon, do -June,C. A. 11 ntington, - do William Adams, do - do do do - do do three years - do C. A. Huntington, do - do Samuel Greene, one year - do do - do S. S. Markham, do - do N. W. Lane, do - do C. F. Beattie, two years - do N. W. Lane, one year - do Edward Rogers, do do do do do do do do do do do do do do Ordinations. 1853 — April 7th, Thomas Condon, at Portland. Sermon by G. H. Atkinson; charge by H. Lyman; right hand of fellow- ship by H. H. Spalding. 1863 — Sept. 20th, D. B. Gray, Albany, Ogn. Sermon by Rev. S. H. Marsh, 2 Tim. 1,2; ordaining prayer by Rev. S. H. Marsh; charge by Rev. O. Dickinson. 1866 — Mar. , P. S. Knight, Oregon City, Ogn. Sermon by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D.; prayer by Rev. O. Dick- inson; charge by Rev. H. Lyman. 1867 — Sept. , J. F. Damon, at Albany. 1869 — Nov. i6th. Rev. VV. J. Clark, Salem, Ogn. Sermon by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D. ; ordaining prayer by Rev. O. Dickinson; charge by Rev. P. S. Knight; right hand of fellowship by Rev. P. S. Knight. 1872— June 19th, J. E. Walker, Forest Grove, Ogn. Sermon by Rev. O. Walker; prayer by Rev. E. Gerry; charge by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D.; right hand of fellow- ship by Rev. H. Lyman. 1872— June 22d, C. A. Huntington, Portland, Ogn.; prayer by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D.; charge by Rev. T. Con- don. 6 74 Congregational Association. 1879 — Srpt. , VVilliain Cypps, at Wenass, W. T. Sermon, or- (laininj^ prayt-r, riLjht hand of fellowship and charge, by Rev. 0. n. Gniy. 1870— Mar. 2 1st, Rev. N. W. Lane, M. D., Port Gamble, W. T. Sermon hy Rev. J, F. Ellis; ordaining prayer and charge by Rev. G. II. Atkinson, D.D.; right hand of fellovvshij), Rev. M. Eells. Installations. '•^53— <^ct. 2,:5(l, Rev. (t. II. Atkn.son, over the church at Oregon City. Sermon by Rev, O. Dickinson; installation prater by Rev. C. Eells; right hand of fellowship by Rev. ), S. (irifhn; charge to the pastor by Rev. H. Clarke; charge to the people by Rev. H. Lyman. '^57— ^^^-f- •J-'^th, Rev. P. B. Chamlierlain, over the church at Port- land, Oregon. Sermon by Rev. S. H. Marsh; installa- tion prayer. Rev. E. Walker; charge to pastor. Rev. H. Lyman; charge to church. Rev. G. H. Atkinson. 1871— June, 18th, Rev. VV. A. Tenney, over the church at Astoria, Oregon. Sermon by Rev. T. Condon. This association is composed of ordained ministers in good and regular standing, and its object is to promote fellowship and mutual nnprovemcnt, maintain a standard of ministerial integrity and faithfulness, and examine and license candidates for the ministry. In connection with the last named business, is a standing committee of three on a course of study, elected triennally. Its full constitu- tion and by-laws, adopted in 1879, were published with the minutes of that vear. CHAPTER XI.—BTOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE MEMBERS. ESIDES the information contained in this chapter a larjre amonnt has heen gathered, which cannot he em- bodied here for want of space, hut it has heen phiced on file in the library of the associatn^n. A few only of the members have failed to give the information reqnested. One brother suggested that the same information should also he pub- lished in regard to the ministers' wives, as they have borne an equal share in the labors, and often more than a half. The writer acknowledges this, but want of space has obliged him to limit the sketches to actual members. Harvey Clark Was born at Chester, Vermont, October 7, 1S02; came to Oregon 1840; pastor, Forest Grove, 1845-1854; died. Mar- h 25, 1S5S. Me- morial resolutions in the minutes of 1858. Lewis Thompson. Elkanah Walker, Born, North Yarmouth, Maine, August 7, 1805; graduated Bangor Theological Seminary, 1837; oi"<^lained. Brewer, Maine, February, 1838; came to Oregon, 1S3S. Missionary American Board of Com- missioners for Foreign Missions among Spokane Indians, 1838- 1848; Oregon City, 1S4S-1849; Forest Grove, 1849-1877; pastor Presbyterian church at I'^orest Grove, 1854- 1856, after which pastor or joint pastor of Congregational church for fifteen years; died at Forest Grove, November 21, 1877. Funeral sermon published in 1877. Memorial resolutions in minutes of 1S78. Gushing Eells, Born, Blandford, Massachusetts, February 16, 1810; graduated, Wil- liams College, 1834, and East Windsor Theological Seminary, 1837; ordained, Blandford, Massachusetts, October 25, 1837; came to Oregon, 1838. Missionary American Board of Commissioners for 76 CoNCfREGATIONAT. ASSOCIATION. Foreifjn Missions among Spoivane rndians, 1838-184S. Taught school Salem, 1018-1849; at Forest Grove, 1 849-1 851 an>l 1857- 1860; at Ilillsboro, 1851-1857; established Whitman Seminary, Walla Walla, Washington Territory, and taught some in it, 1860- 1872; preached, Skokomish, Washington Territory, 1872-1S75; Colville, 1S75, Colfax, 1876. George Henry Atkinson, D.D., Born, Newburyport, Massachusetts, May 10, 1819, graduated Dart- mouth College, New Hampshire, 1843 and Andover Theologica' Seminary, Massachusetts, i8|6; ordained, Newbury, Vermont, February, 1847; came to Oregon, 1848; pastor, Oregon City, 1848- 1864; at Portland, 1863- 1873; General Missionary and Superin- tendent of Home Missions, 1873, and as such, pastor of a number of churches. Henry Spalding, Born, Steuben county. New York, November 26, 1803; graduated Western Reserve College, Ohio, 1833, and Lane Seminary, Ohio; ordained, 1835, "" ^^*^ Chemung, New York, by Presbytery of Bath; came to Oregon, 1836. Missionary American Board of Com- missioners for Foreign Missions among the Nez Perces, 1836-1847; pastor, Calapooia, 1848- 1859; missionary among the Nez Perces, 1S59-1874. Died, Lapwai, Idaho, August 3, 1874. Horace Lyman, Born, East Hampton, Massachusetts, November 16, 1815; grad- uated, Williams College, Massachusetts, 1S42; studied theology two years at Auburn, Nova Scotia, and one year at Andover, Mas- sachusetts; ordained, Castlcton, Vermont, November i, 1848; arrived in Oregon, November, 1849; pastor, Portland and Mil- waukee, 1849-1S54; Dallas, 1 854- 1 857; Professor Pacific Univer- sity, 1857-1879; pastor or joint pastor much of the time at Forest Grove. D. R. Williams. Born, Massachusetts, ; came to Oregon 1850; taught school, Forest Grove, 1850-1S51; preached Salem, 1853-1S53; returned East in 1853, but died on reaching New York city. J. W. Goodell, Was born in Massachusetts, came to Oregon at an early day, moved to Washington Territory, 1852; died about 1859. Congregational Association, 77 (lay, Sidney Harper Marsh, liorn, Ilampdun-Sidney Colle^'u, Vir<,nnia, Au<,nist 29, 1S25; ijrad- iiated, University ot Vermont, 1S46, studied theoloy-y at Union wSeminary, New York, i85i-'52; came to ()re<^on, 1S53; president Pacific University, Forest Grove, 1854- 1879. Pastor or joint pastor at same place much of the time. Died, P'o.est Grove, February 2, 1879. Memorial rescJut'ons and sketch in minutes of 1879, Obed Dickinson, Born, Amherst, Massachusetts, June 15, 1818; fjraduatcd Marietta CoUej^e, Ohio, 1849, and Andover Theoloj^ical Seminary, Mas- sachusetts, 1853; ordained. West Andover, Nhissachusetts, 1852; came to Oregon via Cape Morn, arriving March, 1853. Pastor Salem, March, 1853, April, 1867. In business Salem, 1S67. Thomas Condon, Born, Dublin, Ireland; ordained, Portland, Orejj^on, 1853; pastor, St. Helens, 1853-1854; at Forest Grove, 1S54- 1855; at Albany, 1855- 1861 ;at The Dalles, 18^1-1873; professor, [*acific University, Forest Grove, 1873-1876, and at State University, Euj^ene City, 1876. Milton B. Starr, l^orn, Ohio; came to Oregon, 1853; pastor Albany, Corvallis and vSand Ridge, 1853-1863; removed to California, 1863, residence in California, 1863. Peasley P. Chamberlain, Born, Nevv Hampshire ; graduated Bangor Theological Seminary, Maine, ; came to Oregon, 1855; pastor, Portland, iS53-i863;at Walla Walla, Washington Territory, 1863; teach- insf school also much of the time. "William Alfred Tenny, Born, St. Albans, M:tine, November 18, 1S27; graduated Bangor Theological Seminary, Maine, 1S56; ordained July 31, 1856, at Bangor; came to Oregon, 1856; pastor Eugene City, 1856-1857; Astoria, 1857-1859; Dalles, 1859-1861; Forest Grove, 1861-1862; in California until 1871, Astoria, 1871-1875; in California and Mas- sachusetts, 1875. D. B. Gray, Born, May 8, 1S36, Fairhaven, Preble County, Ohio; came to Oregon 1851; studied theology under Rev. W. Blaine and Rev. S. G. Irvine, Oregon; licensed and ordained in Oregon (see chapter 78 Congregational Association. ten); pastor, Albany, 1S62-1S65; Astoria, 1865-1869; in Oakland, California, 1869-1873, when he returned to Oregon, owing to fail- ure of health; in business Eugene City, 1S73-1877; pastor, Oregon City, 1877-1878; The Dalles, 187S. Edward A. Tanner, D.D., Born, VVavcrly, Illinois, Novein'^er 39, 1837; graduated Illinois College. 1857; came to Oregon, 1861; principal, Tualatin Academy and professor. Pacific University, 1861-1865; studied theology pri- vately, licensed; 1864, at Salem; returned to Illinois, 1865, as pro- fessor in Illinois College; crd^nned, Chapin, Illinois, October 5, p. S. Knight, Born, Boston, Massachusetts, October 21, 1836; came to Oregon 1853; studied theology privately; licensed and ordained in Oregon, (see chapter ten); pastor Oregon City, 1865- 1867; Salem, 1867. John F, Damon, Was born in Massachusetts, licensed and ordained in Oregon, (see chapter ten); pastor Albany, 1865-1868; Seattle, Washington Ter- ritory, 1869-1873; supplied stations at Port Gamble and Port Madison, 1874-1878, when his health failed. Residence, Seattle. Daniel A. Miles, Born, Massachusetts; came to ()rc<>on, 1867; pastor. Forest Grove, 1S67-1869. Health failed and he returned to Massachusetts. C. A. Huntington, Born, Vergennes, \'crnu)nt, April 13, (Si2;camet() Washington Territory, 1865; studieil the.)l()gy privately ; licensed antl ordained in Oregon, (see chapter ten); pi cached, Olympia, 187 $-74; Indian Agent, Neah Bay, 1S74-1877; resided in WMinonl, i877-''79; Olympia, 1879. J. H. D. H('nderson, Bt)rn, Livingston county, Kentucky, July 37,, 18 10; studied theology under Re\. R, 1). Monow, D.I)., Columbus, Ohio; ordained by Salt River Presbytery of tiie Cuml)erland Presbyte.ian church, New L'jndt Hugene City and vicinity, 1857. W. R. Butchrr, Born, September 25, 1841, Waldon, Es^.ex county, England, came 79! Congregational Association. 79 to the U. S. in 1 8 17; studied civil engineerin«: at McGill University, Montreal, 1859; graduated Chicago TheoU gical Seminary, 1869; ordained, Galesburg, Illinois, June 15, 1S69; came to Oregon, 1869; pastor, Albany, 1869-1873; The Dalles, iS73->876; returned east I:) Indiana, 1876. E. Gerry, Born, Braintree, Vermont, July 5, ^837; graduated Middlebury, Vermont 1862, and Andover Theological Seminary, Massachu- setts, 1866; ordained, West Randolph, Vermont, September 24, 1868; same year came to Oregon; i)ast()r, Oregon City, 1868-1872, Returned to Vermont. William J. Clark, Was born in Perry county, Illinois, Lj? rember 28, 1832; graduated Amherst College, Massachusetts, 1864 Chicago Theological Sem- inary, 1869; came to Oregon, 1869; ordained, November, 1S69, at Salem, Oregon (see chajjter ten). Pastor, Astoria, 1869-1870, when he removed to California. Present jiastorate Oakalla, Illinois. G. M. Blake, Was born at Brewer, Maine, {December 24. 1819; came to Oregon, 1871. William Royal Joyslin, Born, Lancaster, New Hampshire, September 11, 1833; graduated Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, 1856, and Andover Theo- logical Seminary, Massachusetts, 186 r ; preachetl a year at Bath, New Hampshire; ordained, Berlin, X'ermonl; February 4, 1864; came to Oregon, 1871; pastor. East Portland, 187 1-1873; returned East; present r^'sidt ice, Rochester, Massachusetts. James D. Eaton, Born, Lancaster, Grant county, Wisconsin, March 18, 1848; grad- uated Beloit College, Wisconsin, 1869, and Andover Theological Seminarv, 1872; ordaineil Lancaster, Wisconsin, December 15, 1872; same year came to Oregon; pastor, Portland, 1873-1876; re- turned the same year east. New Jersey, 1876. Norman McLeod, came to Washington Territory, 1873; pastor Seattle, 1873-1874; re- turned to Wisconsin, 1874. Myron Eells, Born, Tsheinakain, Spokane county, Washington Territory, Oc- MJ So Congregational Association. tobcr 7, 1843; f Commis- sioners for Foreign Missions as missionaries, Walla Walla 1836-- 1847. He returned East, 1842, came back, 1843, leadinjj: first emi- gration of wagons, both massacred by Cay use Indians, November 29, 1847. J. E. Walker, Born, Tsheinakain, vSpokane county, Washington Territory, Feb- ruary 10, 1844; graduated, Pacific University,' Oregon, 1868; Bangor Theological Seminary, Maine, 1871; ordained. Forest Grove, Oregon, 1873 (see chapter ten); Missionary, American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, Fuhchau, China, 1 872-1876; Shaowu, China, 1876. James W. Harris, Born, Cornwall, England, April 1831; studied in Beloit College, Wisconsin; studied theology privately; ordained, Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, February, 1863; pastor, Grand Rapids, t86i-'7; Evans- ville, Wisconsin, i868-'77. The Dalles, Oregon, i877-'78; returned east, 1878; Albany, Oregon, 1879. J. A. Banfield, Born, Lancaster, New Hampshire, January 33, 1838; studied theol- ogy privately ; ordained, Louisville, Kansas, March 8, 1S68; preached and taught school, Kansas, 1 868- 1874; California, 1874- 1878; came to Washington Territory, 1878; pastor, New Tacoma, 1879. ■ a CHAPTER XI L— HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF THE CHURCHES. (During 1880 most of these sketches were published in the Pacific, previous to being gathered in pamphlet form.) OREGON CITY, OREGON. Rev. Harvey Clark AS preaching to a little company of settlers at this place in 1844, when it was proposed to organize a church. Three brethren were desirous of iniiting — P. H. Hatch, Robert Moore and O. Russell. This was done May 35, 1S44, and it was called the First Presbyterian church of the Willamette Falls. Mr. Clark went from his residence at Forest Grove, about thirty miles distant, to minister to the church. Mr. P. H. Hatch was ordained as an elder by Rev. L. Thompson, a Presbyterian minister, who preached at the place a few times in 1847. Rev. G. H. Atkinson Arrived in that place June 2T, 1848, having been sent out by the American Home Missionary Society, with little knowledge of what had been done, ami foinid the church incrca'^ed to seven members, with preaching hardly once a month, but sustaining a Sabbath- school in connection with the l-kiptist church. Mi-. Hatcli coming four miles on foot, or in an ox wagon, in onler to superintend it. After consultation with Mr. Clark, it was arranged that Mr. Atkinson should remain at Oregon Citv. His first service was held in the south room of a house owned by Mr. Hatch; and after- wards the room known as the court-rotom wa> fitted up by Messrs. Hiram Clark, M. Perrin and others, and jcr.tcJ for church services, Mr. Moore, the leading Pre«ibyterian tnember, h:»ving withdrawn Ml ofder to help in the Pre^^oyterian church at I lui City, in 1S49 the name of the church was changed to the First Congregational church of Oregon City. Congregational Association. 85 About the same time tlie society was formed and incorporated, and the lot on vvliich the church now stands was bouji^ht for $250. After two years, the influx of U. S. troops compelled the church to move from the court-room, when they worshipped in the base- ment of a house which in 1S76 was owned by Thomas Charman, Esq.; but in August, 1S50, the wanderinL,^ ark settled down in its present church-building, which was then dedicated — the first formal dedication of a church in Oregon, and probably of a Protestant church on the Pacific coast. Mr. Atkinson preached the sermon, and was assisted in the other services by Rev. J. H. Wilbur of the M. E. church. Rev. H. Johnson of the IJaptist church,, and St. M. Fackler of the Episcopal church. Only $1,600 of the entire cost — $3,900 — was, however, then subscribed. The rest was on the pastor's hands, everything having been very expensive — lumber, $So a thousand; carpenter's wages, $10 a day; windows, $20 each; and other things n proportion. Air. Atkinson had done much of the work of clearing the lots, stacking the lumber, and carrying brick and mortar, as much of the male population had gone to the newly discovered gold mines of California. Dr. Atkinson remamed as pastor about fifteen years, though much of the time he was necessarily engaged in other work. He had preaching stations at Clear creek, the Philip Foster settlement, Clackamas City, James Barlow's, Boggs' jDrairic, Baker and Marks' prairie, Linn City and Milwaukee, lie also aided in the preliminary work at Portland, which resulted in the organization of the church at that place; and in 1854 and 1S55, when it was without a pastor, he was called there from one-third to one-half the time. Educa- tion, too, occupied much of the pastor's thoughts, who aided very greatly in establishing Tualatin Academy and Pacific University and the Clackamas County Female Seminary, constantly serving on their boards of Trustees; going east in 1852, where he remained ten months in the inteiests of both institutions, and teaching for one year., about 1861-2, in the latter, which had become a graded free .schcol, l>y means of whicli he treed himself from debt, the first time for fifteen years. The church and congregation also very naturally became iiUerested in the same cause, and contributed lib- erally 'lO both in,stitutions. Dr. Atkinson alsc^ toiik much interest in public schools, and was tlie first school commissioner of Clack- amas county. 86 CONGKEGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. In 1S54-5 the church enjoyed a revival, and about twenty new members were added to it. In 1848 Mrs. Atkinson be<^an a young hidies' sewing circle, which continued in various ways, as long as she reiTiained with them. In 1S57-8 the front ten feet, with tower and bell, were added, ul a cost of $1,000. In 1S63 Dr. Atkinson, having been called to Portland, left the place; and, in his fifteenth anniversary sermon, stated that up to that time, eighty-two mem- bers had been enrolled, seven ot whom were on the roll in 1848, thirty-eight having united by letter, and thirty-seven on profession of faith, of whom forty-eight still remained. The church and congregation had contributed v$4,o73 for their pastor's support, $9,624.79 for other home work, and $1,561 for benevolent societies; or, an average of $1,043.92 each year for all purposes. The pastor, in addition, had received from the Flomc Missionary Society $7,600. Dr. Atkinson continued to visit the church as long as it had no pastor, until 1865, on communion Sabbaths, and the Sabbath- school and prayer-meeting were kept up during that period. Rev. P. S. Knight Became pastor in 1865, and continued so until 1867, when he ac- cepted a call to Salem. During his pastorate there was a net gain of twelve to the church. Again there was an interregnum until November, 1868, when Rev. E, Gerry, Coming directly from the east, became its pastor, and remained until November, 1872, when he returned to Vermont. During this time several were added to the church. Again Dr. Atkinson, who had become General Missionarv of the \. H. M. S. for Oregon, was called to watch over the churcli, and he preached to it once or twice a month until 1S77, though residing at Portland. During this time nearly sixty oersons united with the church, there having been a revival in the place in the spring of 1876, when thirty-three were added on profession of faith. An interesting feature of the church has been the union communion services held in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church of the place from 1S63 to 1865, and from 1873 to 1876, the M. E. church unit- ing with this one in the morning, and the Congregational church going to the other in the evening. Rev, D. B. Gray, January i, 1S77, became pastor, and he remained there until Oc- CONGIIEGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. 87 tober, 1878, under whom the church continued to grow in grace and numbers, about twenty-six persons having been added to the church. He having resigned, to accept a call at The Dalles, the church secured the services of Rev. A. W. Bower In 1879, who came from the Evangelical church, and who remains as its present pastor. The whole number who have been received as members of the church, as near as can be ascertained, has been one hundred and ninety-tive, of whom one hundred and eighteen have been by profession of faith and the rest by letter. Sixty-four have been dismissed to other churches, eight excommunicated, and nine have died, leaving one hundred and fourteen on the roll, January ist, 1S80, of whom fifty are out of reach of the church and of no help to it. FOREST GROVE, OREGON. The First Church of Tualatin Plains, of which Rev. J. S. Griffin was acting pastor, was organized June, 1842, not far from Hillsboro, and about eight miles from Forest Grove. Nine persons united in this organization, of whom five or six lived near Forest Grove. On account of their distance from the church, they desired to have it removed to some place near their residences. A meeting for this purpose was called in 1845, ^^'^^^ '^ was voted so to do; but owing to some irregularity in regard to tlie meeting, there were some who claimed that the church was not so removed. Several years later, at a council called to decide some questions of difficulty, it was given as its opinion, that, while the original church remained near Hillsboro, that action, together with the regular meeting after- wards held, and tlie administration of the ordinances, was sufficient to establish the church of Forest Grove. Some have contended that the church never was organized; nevertheless, it is certain that it has long existed. Soon after this vote, in 1845, Rev, Harvey Clark Became its acting pastor, and so continued until 1S54. A log house was erected during tiie Hrst part of his ministry, which was the church home until about 1857. It was also used for a time as a school iiouse, where Pacific University, in embryo, began its ex- istence. It had at first a puncheon floor and seats, batten door, logs 88 Congregational Association. I ' "ift cut away to receive a few panes of glass for windows, and cracks in the floor at times so large that the writer, then a small boy, was able to put his foot through them. Camp meetings were held in 1S47, 1S4S and 1S57, which resulted in the addition of some to the church, though not always attended with as much success as was desireil. The early records of the church were burned, in i6ji, with the house of the clerk. Deacon T. G. Naylor, and on the opening of the new record book, after this fire, about thirty persons claimed to be members and were acknowledged as such. In 1S52 unfortunate dilFiculties arose which resulted in the withdrawal of a few of the members and the organ- ization of a Presbyterian church, which for several years held separate services very near. Various attem{)ts were made to rec- oncile the two churches and the next year the separate services ceased; but it was not until January, 1S56, that most of the mem- bers of the Presbyterian church joined the Congregational church. In 1854 Mr. Clark, owing mainly to failing health, resigned, and Rev, T. Condon Occupied his place for a year. During that time four united with the church on profession, and five by letter. The church wanted him to remain longer, but he felt that he could do more good near Albany, and so lesigned. The resident ministers, Revs. H. Clark, S. II. Marsh and E. Walker, supplied the pulpit during the next year, and in March, 1S56, after several of the members of the Pres- byterian church had united with the Congregational church, their former pastor, Rev. E. Walker, Became the .-^cting pastor. During his ministry the church re- moved its hi /me to the chapel of the college for a time, while at the same time making arrangements to erect a building. This was begun in 1S58, and dedicated October 36, 1859, and cost about seven thousand dollars. Re\. G. H. Atkinson preached the ser- mon, and Rev. E. Walker offered the dedicatory prayer. After all moneys possible had been raised by subscription, a debt of near eleven hundred dollars v.as left; but beibre the dedication a number of the members assumed the debt on the basis of their assessment as each man's proportion. Most of the time until 1861, Mr. Walker acted as pastor; but Revs, H. Lyman, S, II, Marsh and C. Eells aided in the preaching definite parts of the time. During these Congregational Association. 89 five years fifty person, united with the church, thirty-two of them on profession of faith. Rev. W. A. Tenney Became pastor in May, iS6i,an(l continued so for ahout a year and a half, when he resijrned. His resignation was rehictantlv ac- cepted, and he removed to California. Two persons joined the church o?i profession of faith during his ministry. Revs. H. Lyman, S. H. Marsh, D. D., and E. Walker, Filled the pulpit until .S67,each acting .-.s pastor at different times. During this time the patriotic impulses of the church were greatly stirred, and much was done to aid the soldiers of tlie Union. Ten persons united with the church, three of them by letter. The same i)ersons acted ii\ a similar capacity from February, 1S69, until January, 1S75; l)ut during a short part of the time Prof. T.Condon aided in supplying the pulpit. In 1S72 Mr. |. E. Walker, a member of the church, was ordained in it to the foreign missionary work, and left soon after for his field in China. During this time thirty-two persons joined the church, eighteen on profession of faith. Rev. D. A. Miles came from the east to act as pastor, February, 1S67, and remained two years, during which time seven persons were added on profession of faith. Rev. J. F. Ellis, Of Toledo, Ohio, came by invitation, antl acted as ])astor for a year and a half. In the early part of his ministrv a revival took place, when seven more joined, and others afterwards. For the next six months the church was plasteied anew and repainted inside, when there was no regular supply; but from January to July, 1S77, Dr. Marsh acted as j>astor. In the fall of 1877 -arrangenK'nts were made with Rev. S. S. Van Dersal To act as pastor ol" the Congregational as well as the Methodist Episcopal church, he ha\ ing been sent to the circuit by the M. E, Conference, and to preach in the Congi-egational etlifice. This plan proved so satisfactory that it was continuetl for two \-ears, when Mr. \'an Dersal withdrew from the Conference, and is now pastor of the Congregatir,nal church. The Sabbath-school has been constantly kejDl up ^ince (849' mainly nnder the supeiin'iendence of Rev. C. I^ells, I-^. A. Tanner, CM. Walker, M. Eells, |. E. Walker, J. \V. Marsh, John R. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^^4:^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■tt Uii 12.2 2.0 '/ Photographic Sdences Corporation k^' \ 4 o ^. '^"°^*^ ^ ^>^'<^^ ^.<^ ;\ •ia WtiT MAIN STMIT WS3BSTn,N.Y. MSM (716)t72-4S03 1 90 Congregational Association. Walker, L. C, Walker, J. D. Robb, and has done great good to the church- Contributionb for home and foreign missions have been made regularly all the time for twenty-five or thirty years, and monthly missionary concerts have been kept up, averaging thirty- five or forty dollars annually for both objects. Annual contribu- tions have been taken for the Bible Society. Much v/as done for the Sanitary and Christian Commissions during the war, and since that time for the American Missionary Association; but definite figures have not been kept sufficient to give any correct statement of the amount so raised. Tualatin Acatlemy and Pacific University have shared very largely in the benefactions and labors of the mem- bers of the church, and in return a good share of those who have joined the church on profession of faith have been students of the institution. Three of those who have acted as pastors have gone directly from this church to the great church above Revs. K. Clark, in 1S5S; E. Walker, in 1877; and S. H. Marsh, D.D., in 1879. It has l)een but natural that a church so closely connected with the college should often lose many of its members, as the scholars left and went to take their places in the world, and thus it has ;>. v 'i emphatically a missionary church, scattering its rays far and v\-ide; and this accounts in a great measure for the large number who have been dismissed by letter, and the absentees. The whole num- ber, as far as known, who have oeen received into the church by letter has been fifty-seven; on profession of faith, eighty-eight; un- known, mainly owing to the burning of records, seventeen; total, one hundred and sixty-two. There have been dismissed by letter, fifty-seven; by death, twenty-one; by excommunication, three; un- known, thirteen; leaving on the roll January i, 18S0, sixty- eiji;ht, inchuling twenty-two absentees. The church has been mainly self-supporting, Revs. Walker, Miles and Ellis having re- ceived aid from the Home Missionary Society, $4,450 in all. MILWAUKIE. In 1850, soon after the arrival of Rev. H. Lyman at Portland, when it was douhttul which of the two places would be the com- mercial metropolis of Oregon, a church of three members was organized at thi^ place, of which Mr. Lyman became pastor, and Congregational Association. 91 where he preached once a month. A small hut interesthig Sahhath school was held, and there was for a time a purpose to erect a church huildin-. Time, however, soon tlecide efforts and those of his successor. Rev. Mr. Whitworth, the church and congregation was divided. A good share of the members were Presbyterian, and it was expected that this division would in tune take place, but at this time it was premature, for the Presbyterian church died, and the (Jongrega- tionalists were greatly weakened. Mr. Lyman continued on in tlie work until May, 1S54, when he removeil to Dallas, and the life of the church, numbering then o*^dy twenty-two members, seems to have l)een sa\cd only by securing the services of Rev. G. H. At- kinson half of the time. That was an injury to the Oregon City church, however, but kept tlu' one at Portland together. After a year and half of efFvJrt Rev. P. B. tihamberlain Was secured from tiie east, who arrived in November, 1S35, and was the first and oidy installed pastor, A two-thousand dollar tlebt was soon paid, the Presbyterians returnetl, congregations largely increaseil and the church became indepentlent of home missionary aid. His jxist orate covered five and a half years, but toward the close of it the Preshyicrians ay:ain withdrew and or'»-an- ized their present church, nul the church was reduced at one time to twenty members. In Nhnch, 1862, Mr. Chamberlain's pastorate closed and for liftcen months the church tried to secme some one from the east. Failing in this, they invited Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., To be their shejiherd. He accepted and July, 1863, he removed from Oregon City lo Portland ami l>t'gan work. In the Doctor's words "the chinch uikI congregation were small but imited." The spirit of prayer -.md patient toil w.i> manifest. It was deemed no hardship to come through mud and rain to Sabbath worship and Congregation a;. Association. 93 to the weekly prayer meetinjr. The annual week of prayer often continued a month. The exangelist, Rev. A. U. Karlc, visited the city in 1867, and many were added to this church as well as to the others in the place. The old house of worship became too small and in 1870 the j)resent house of worship was be<,'un, which was finished the next year at a cost of $20,000, the ladies furnish- in}r between two and three thousand of the amount, and it was dedicated August 6,1871. Duiin^r his pastorate, the system oY weekly givin-^evmon to the church, October loth, 1S69, and he remained until .September, 187;^, the latter year a revival being reported. For eiplied by llev. Mr. Kmery of the Methodist Episcopal church South, a part of the time, durin<^ the summer of 1S74. Durinij: all of these vears tiie membership fluctuated from five to twenty-lbui , ami its j)rospccts were often discouraji^ing, but the brethren toiled on, and held on, the ladies renderini( very efhcient service, especially financially. In 1S75 a union arrano^emcnt was made betweeti this and the Presbyterian church of the place, and Rev. H. W. Slratton Of the Presbyterian church became pastor, the churches unitin*^ in worship, Sabhath-schrxjj and other Christian work, and in the suj}- port of the pastor, while each church kept its own orjj^anization and name as before. Durin"^ the continuance of this plan both churches occupied the Cong^re*jfational buildin*^. A revival oc- curred the same year, and the next the constitution of church and society, by-laws, rules and confession of faith in Roy's Manual were adopted, and various committees lookino^ to a systematic method of church work were appointed — that is, on sick, strat'-j^ers, benevolence, and church finances. Mr. Stratton continued in the work for between two and three years, when he resii^jned in order to enter a wider field of missionary work under the Presbyterian church, and the churches were without a pastor for about six months. In the sprins^ of 1S7S Rev. MV. B. Floyd, A Congregational licentiate from the Chicago Theological vSem- inary, was called to minister to the churches. Six months after he began his labors, the Presbyterian church withdrew from the alliance, when Mr. Floyd was engaged for six months longer to supply the Congregational church alone. During his pastorate the weekly system of offerings was adopted, and when the Presbyter- Co\(iiiK(;ATro\Ai, Associ \Ti()\. 97 ISem- ler he n the rer to te the )yter- ians withdrew, the church, which thniii^' \\m>^\ of the vcars of its existence had existence the church acknowledj^es the receipt ot" L'"reat assistance from Dr. Atkinson, its veiy life sonietinies hrwinj,'' depended oii his min- istrations. The sister church at Salem, with their pasioi, Ied them in time ol" iiied. Tiie records of the church to within about six or sc\eii \ear- ha\e been lost, and the old members eitiier ha\inL; died or removed f?om ihe state, it has been diHicult to j^ather the items in regard to its earlier history, a work the church has been trvin<; to perform loi- tvyo or three years. Durinj; the first twenty-one ye.irs of its existence the church had attained to a membership of tvventy-loni-, from 185:^ to 1874, but from June, 1874, to June, 1879, lUe years, it doubleil, havino^ then fortv-eijjht members. '* In due tune ye sliall reap if ye faint not." CORVALLIS, OREGON. In 1854 Key. M. B. Starr fust reported a church or<^ani/ation at this place, and he continnerl as its pastor as long- as it remained on the list. No report, howeyer, was preseryed pnyious to 1857, when it was worshipping with the Methodist Episcopal church, with fifty in the congregation, fifteen in the cluirch, a hundred dollars raised for the pastor's support, in addition to yyhich he re- ceiyed aid from the A. 11. M. Society. The only other reports are for 185S, the same as the year preyions, 1859, and 1860, when there were, respectively, tweUe and sixteen members. This church with the one at Sand Ridge receiycd Home Missionary aid from 185S until 1862, $1,800 in all. It was continued on the list until 186,:^, about the time Mr. Starr removed to California. DALLAS, OREGON. In May, 1854, Rev. 11. Lyman, having left Portland, moved tf. this place where he began to hold services. In 1857 he reported a 8 98 CoN(;nEGATIONAL ASSOCIATION. church of seven members and three out-stations, but in the fall of that year he accepted a professorship in Pacitic University and re- moved to Forest Grove. We .ifterwards learned that several persons in the vicinity were planning to join the church at the time of his leavinff, but were prevented by his so doinjf ; and as several of the members soon removed or took their letters of dismission, the few remaining judged it best to unite with other churches re- presented there, and so the church ceased. In connexion with the church work at Dallas and its vicinity, a decided and effective effort was made for education. Through the suggestion of Mr. Lyman, a meeting of the citizens of the county was called to talk about starting an academy. Many of the prm- cipal citizens attended that meeting, making it lively and enthusi- astic. The result was a subscription of some $2,000 for a building and good donations of land for a site. A board of trustees was elected by the donors, and the institution was named the Lacreole Academic Institute. It has been permanent and generally pros- perous, has a fund of several thousand dollars, and has done a good work for education in that country. GRAND PRAIRIE, OREGON. The first mention made of this church, six miles south of Albany, is in 1855, when the association was held there. It was then under the care of Rev. T. Condon. The next year it was reported in connection with the church at Albany as having twelve mem- bers — the last mention made of it. SAND RIDGE, OREGON. This church was first reported in 1S57, ^'*^^ ^ev. T. Condon as pastor, when it numbered twelve members, with a congregation of fifty and a small Sabbath school. The next year there were eleven members, who were under the pastoral care of Rev. H. H. Spald- ing. There were also eighty in the congregation, and twenty-five in the Sabbath school. Rev. M. B. Starr was pastor in i860, and it, like the church at Corvallis, was continued on the list until 1863 when Mr. Starr removed. We have no statistical report after 1859 C()N(;KK(;ATro\Ai. Assoc iation. 90 EOLA, OREGON. As soim- mcinhcrs ,)f tlu- SaK-m chuixli tvsiiU-.l ai \.\\\> place. Rev, (). Dickinson orirani/.ed a churoh Iutc in iS5,S, vvhicii the nc\t year reported twelve menihers, with a hundred in the coiii^renation. Ill iS^o and 1S64 it reported thirteen nieinhers which i'^ the last report made, althoiij^'h it was represented at the association in 1S65, on as on of even pald- five nd it> 1863 1859 THE DALLES, OREGON. (Mninly prepared fnim .1 jMjicr fiirnislu'il by li>-\. I). I'., (^.iv, |iic-.oiii pii.lorj. In April, 1851), Rev. W. A. Tenney he^an sci\ ices at this jjlace, and the work progressed so favoivihly that l)y Aii* called to act as pastor. Application was made to the .\iiierican Home Mi^-ionary Society to aid in his sujjport, whivii was irranted ; and the sume has been given to other Congrei^ational ministers who have held services there. On April 12, 1866, a preliininary meeting was held to consider the practicability of organizing a church ; and it being considered advisable, a committee was aj)pointetl to prepare rules, a confession of faith and a covenant. This committee reported on the 28th of April, when Charles vStevens was chosen deacon, and Hon. W. 11. Gray, clerk ; and on the Sabbath, the next day, the organization was fully perfected, with eighteen members, seven males and eleven females, a large proportion of whom had been gathered from the world. The next year the first steps were taken towards the erection of a building. A lot was bought, the society was incorporated, and the work went on ; but it was not until about September, 1S69, that the church was ready for use. In October or November, 1S69, Mr. Gray resigned in favor of Rev. W. J. Clark, Who labored for six months, and then resigned because of ill health. In November, 1S70, a call was extended to Rev. W. A. Tenney To become their pastor, which was accepted on condition of in- 127051 I02 Congregational Association. stahatioii. Tliis wjis aj^ieed to, and on June iS, 1871, he was for- mally installed. In September, 1871. a report was made which showed that, with the aid of the Conj^ref^ational Union, the debt on the church of $1,700 had been paid. In 1S68, the church had reported an outlay on this building; of about $4,000, of which about $3,000 had been paid, and the next year that the church had been plastered and a bell obtained. Atter about four years of labor, Mr. Tenney re- sifijned, and the connection was fully dissolved by a council, March 24, 1875. In the May following, a call was extended to Rev. F. Grang Of Cahoka, Missouri. This was accepted, and he arrived in Sep- tember. It not being on record that the church had ever been dedicated, a dedicatory service was held January 30, 1876. The society then held the property, but any one, on the payment of any sum of money and signing the constitution, could become a mem- ber ; therefoie it was plain that outsiders and wicked men could easily gain control of the building and shut out the church. Hence, mainly throuj^h tlie efTorts of the pastor, the constitution of the society was amended so as to exclude in the future all who would not assent to the articles of faith. The church was incorporated, and the society ordered its trustees to deed all its property to the church, which was done. Dr. Crang labored on until the summer of 1878, when, liaving resigned, Rov. J. T. Wolfe, Pastor of tht^ Methodist Episcopal church of the placv, was invited to act as pastor of the Congregational church, in connection with his labors in his own church, and to preach in the Congregational editice. This arrangement lasted one year — until August, 1879 — when Mr. Wolfe was sent elsewhere hy his conference. The church is now withcnit a pastor, except as Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., Visits it ; and he has often an labors in 1875, coming from the east, liut he remained only nine months, when he returned. While he was there a library of 335 volumes was obtained, a communion service worth $60 secured, and the debt, which had increased to about $1,800, was paid. Rev. J. F. Ellis Entered this pastorate July, 1876. In the spring 1877 the church was carpeted and repaired, at an expense of $600. In the fall of the same year the church swarmed, sending off eight members to aid in or'anizin^ the church at White river. The next winter a revival occurred, and a number were added to the church. On Januarv ist, 1878, the church, which had heretofore been aided by the American Home Missionary Society, declared its independence? and since that time has been going alone. In the first months of 1880, a very mteresting revival occurred — stdl and quiet, but deep — of which (lod seemed to be the more «lirect author than is often the case — that is, less human means were used than is common in such cases; nearly foity persons were added to the membership, so that it is now the largest church in the territory. One of the mem- hers, Rev. N. W. Lane, M.D., was ordained to the work of the ministry at Port Gamble in March, 1880. EAST PORTLAND, OREGON. This church is the result of missionary work of the First Con- gregational church of Portland during the pastorate of Rev. G. II. Atkinson, D.D., and was organized May 14, 1871, in the school house in District No. 3i, with eight members, six of whom came from the First church. Rev. W. R. Joyslin Was its first pastor, and it was incorporated under the laws of Oregon, Jinie 5, 1871, Messrs. J. H. Mack, J. H. McMillen, and D. K. Abrams being the incorporators and trustees. Mr. Ben lloU ladav havinu: donated to the church two lots worth twelve hundred dollars, in July a building was begun and a brick basement erected, with a plan for an audience room above. This was done at an ex- pense of a little over fourteen hundred dollars. At that time it was Congregational Association. '05 ,on- thoutjht that East Portland would grow quite rapidly, but a reaction came the next year, Mr. Joyslin became secietary of the Youn*)^ Men's Christian Association of Portland, spending but little time with the church. In 1873 he removed from the state and Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., general missionary for the state became its pastor. Previous to 1876 but little more, however, was done, except that the prayer- meetings were held a part of the time, and pastoral visits maile, as most of the members had removed from town. That year the Sabbath school was reorganized under Deacon J. P. Shetheld, which has been held most of the time since. In 1S78 arrangements were made to complete the building, but it was found that three thousanti dollars would be needed for this purpose, which it was thought impo .,-,ible to obtain. C I>. Talbot, Esq., architect, sug- gested the plan of raising and covering the basement walls for an audience room, and attended to contracts and details free of cost. Subscriptions were obtained, in which the First church aided freely, and it was finished with a gothic roof, bell tower and spire, at an additional cost of seventeen hundred and seventy-four dollars and sixteen cents. It is of brick, forty by fifty four feet. During 1876- 1879 preaching services were held once or twice a month in the town or vicinity. The fact that all of the members were out of town a good share of the time except two ladies, shows why the work was not more rapid. Rev. E. P. Baker Was secured in 1S79 and his first sermon was the dedication sermon on Forefather's day, Dec. ZT^d of that year, from Ileb. 12: 18-24, while Dr. Atkinson oflered the iledicatory prayer. At the close of that day the church was in debt but one hundred dollars, had a membership of fifteen and a vSabbath school of fifty. :s of jdD. Idred Icted, |i ex- was BELLINGHAM BAY, W. T. [Mainly prepared from papers furnished by its pastor]. Rev. P. Harrison, In the year 1872, came fron' California to Uellingham Bay. On September 8th, he began preaching there, and on the 29th of the same month organized a church with seven members, all of whom had been members elsewhere, but being without letters, they united io6 Congregational Association. on profession of faith. The three families with which they were connected had been members of Presbyterian, Methodist and Con- grej^ational churches ; hence, they agreed to unite in Christian fel- lowship on the Bible as their creed, leaving the doctrines as they were there. Those were not transcribed to paper, except that a simple reference was made to some of them, as plain, and not sub- ject to controversy, in the fly-leaf of their Bibles. This plan, being rather different from that of most churches, is here given: Article i. Unity of God. (Isa. xliv: 8; Deut. v: 6, 7; i Cor. viii: 6.) Art. 2. Trinity in unity, (i John v: 7.) Art. 3. Divinity and humanity of Christ. (John i: 1, 14; Luke i : 26, 30-33, 35, 37.) Art. 4. Christ the Savior of all believers, (i John v: 1-7; Mark xvi: 16; John v: 24, and xiv: 12.) Art. 5. Christ draws all men and saves all who yield to his drawing. (John vi:4.f, and xii:32;Luke vi:47; Rev. xxii: 17; Acts vii: 3 ; Rev. lii: 20.) Art. 6. Regeneration the initiatory rite into the Church of Christ and the kingdom of God. (John iii: 3.) Art. 7. The Holy Ghost is the teacher of the things ot God and sanctifier of the heart. (John xiv: 26; 2 Thess. ii: 13; i Cor. vi: II.) Art. S. The resurrection of the dead, (i Cor. xv: 21.) Art. 9. General judgment. (Dan. vii: 9; Matt, vii: 19, 23; Heb. vi: 2; Jude, vi; Rom. xiv: 10.) Rules for the government of their faith and prr.ctice were also adopted by a similar mode, with references — namely, respecting offenses between believers, public scandal, ordinances, receiving members, giving, and the requirements of Christ. The little church struggled on for a year and a half without an addition, when the husband of one of the members united on pro- fession of faith. For a time the question was often discussed among the members whether it was solid rock on which the sf-ed was cast, or whether some seeds might fall into good soil. Sabbath-break- ing, drunkenness, squaw dances, fighting, cutting, gambling and shooting seemed to be the popular amusements ot the day among those who were not Christians; while the members of the church were so poor that they could do but very little for the support of their pastor, who, like Paul, could say, " These hands have minis- tered to my necessities." The extremity of the church proved God's opportunity, for when Lojuoagji Li MFWi i,,. , CONCKEGATIONAI. ASSOCIATION. ,07 they most needed help the Lord sent them Re^ . Dr. Atkh,so„7w"ho n ouraged them to ask help fi.„m the Home Missionary Sode , n the early par, o, ,875, a„. Lay services during most of the remaining wSabbaths were held, the prayer-meet- ing and Tabbath school sustained, and the church newly seated, at no Congregational Association. an expense of about $200 — one-half of it raised by the young ladies of the place, and the other half a donation from the Honor- able Frederick Billin' s, of Vermont. Rev. D. Thomas Came in June, 1878, and remained a year. Rev. J. A. Banfield, of Tacoma, then supplied the pulpit for a few Sabbaths, when Rev. G. A. Huntington Returned to his home from Vermont, and since August, 1879, has been serving as pastor. Thus, during the period of its existence — nearly seven years — the church has had resident pastors but little more than two and a half years; but the membership, though small, have worked ear- nestly, the women of the church doing fully their share. The whole niunber of members has been thirty-five, all but three of whom have been received by letter. Of these, three have been dropped, len dismissed by letter, and twenty-two remain. The whole amount of money raised for all purposes has been about $4,825, of which $81.95 have been for the cause of benevo- lence — namely, $7.25 for the Bible Society, $13.60 for the Congre- gational Union, and $6i. 10 for the Home Missionary Society. Thev have no debt, it being a settled principle with them to incur no expense until they have the means to meet it. They have received from the Home Missionary Society, $825. BOISE CITY, IDAHO. In October, 187 1, Rev. M. Eells began work at this place, using and repairin'"' 'he Baptist church, which was unoccupied, and in May, 1S73, O'giinized a church of ten members, to whom three were subsequently added. The report of 1874 gives an average con- gregation of sixty, one hundred and ten in the Sabbath school, and $1,282.50 raised for all purposes. But in June, 1874, Mr. Eells thought it wise to leave, owing to the removal of some of the mem- bers, decrease in the population of the place, and an increase of the churches — so the members at that time took letters to any church they might desire to join. NE^W TACOMA, W. T. About as sron as the Northern Pacific R. R. Co. determined to build a town at this place as the terminus of their railroad, 11 Congregational Association. 1 1 1 of using ind in were con- chool, Eells mem- of the hurch Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., Began to hold monthly services there, alternating with ministers of other denominations, an appointment he kept up nearly five years, in person or by proxy. A large canvas tent was obtained through the efforts of Dr Atkinson, where services were held during the summer of 1S74. In May, 1S74, a union Sabbath school was or- ganized in this tent, and on June 17th of the same year the Con- gregational church was organized with five members, all but one of whom joined by letter. This was done in a tent, by a council, of which Rev. W. A. Tenney was moderator, and Rev. W. R. Butcher, scribe; and the fellowship of the churches was teiideied through the moderator. After the cold weather began, Mr. wS. R. Smith gave the use of his hall for a few months, after which, for about three years, Mr, \V. H. F'ife gave the use of two diffe-eiit buildings for Sabbath services, until the completion of the Method- ist church, which, since that time, has been used by the several de- nominations. Not long after the organization of the church the business pros- pects of the place began to diminish. People moved away, no ad- ditions were made to the church for three years, and at one time it was reduced to one resident member. Still Or. Atkinson continued his regular services, the union Sabbath school was kept up, and hope held on. It was not until the fall of 1877 that l)usiness began to revive, when several Congregatic)nal families ;noved into the place, and in a year sixteen persons were added to the church. In the fall of 1878 the church colonized, dismissing four <^f its members to form the church at Old Tacoma. Dr. Atkinson continued as pastor until the spring of 1879, when Rev. J. A. Banfleld Moved, by invitation, to the placa, atul became the permanent pastor, having for out-stations Wilkeson, \'ashon Island and other jrch lots were secured on certain conditions and places [877 the next year the lots were cleared. Since Mr. Hanfield assumed the pastorate three more have been atlded to the membership. SKOKOMISH, W. T. ned to This church is on an Indian reservation, and the only one so located in the bounds of the Oregon and Washington Territory Association. 113 CONGKKGATIONAK ASSOCIATION. The Indians consist of two tribes — the Twanas, about two hundred and fifty in number, most of whom live on the reservation, and the Clalhims, numberin*^ about five hunched and fifty — most of whom are scattered in villages from fifty to one hundred and sixty miles from the reservation. When President Grant adopted what is known as the Peace policy among the Indians, this agency was assigned to the Ameri- can Missionary Association, who, in 187 1, sent Mr. Edwin Eells to this place as their agent, where he has since remained. Previous to this but little had ever been done for the religious in- structions of the Indians. At diflferent times Rev. W. C Chattin, of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. D. 13. Ward, of the Protestant Methodist church, had taught the school, and each had endeavored to give some Christian instruction in the Sabbath- school, but had found it hard work; for Sabbath-breaking, house- building, tratticking and gambling, by the whites and the Indians, were allowed in sight and hearing of the place where services were held. "If it is wrong to break the Sabbath, why does the agent do so ?" "If it is wrong to play cards antl gamble, why do the white employes do so ?" and similar questions were asked by the Indian children o'' their Christian teachers. But ni 1871 this was changed, a Sabbath school and prayer-meeting were permanently established, and most of the Inilians during thy summer were present atone time or another. In 1S73 Rev. J. Castro, M.D., was engaged as government physician, and Rev. C. Eells, father of the agent, went to live with his son, and both preached during the winter at tlie agenc) and m the camps of the Indians. During the year 1874 a council house was built at a money cost to the govern- ment of five hundred dollars — besides the work which was done by the government carpentei" — which has since been used as a church. And during that spring it was thought best to organize a church, for although at first it would be composed mostly of the whites cotmected with the agency, yet it was hoped that it would have a salutary influence on the Indians. This was done June 23d, 1874, with eleven members, nine ®f whom joined by letter and two on profession of faith, one of the latter being an Indian. The sermon was by Rev. G. II. Atkinson, D.D., prayer of consecration by Rev. E. Walker, right hand of fellowship by Rev. A. H. Bradford, of Montclair, New Jersey, who was temporarily supplying the Congregational Association. i»3 the ;rn- by ch. ch, ites e a on ■non by )rd, the First church, of Portland, having exchanged with Rev. J. D. Eaton, and the charge to the church by Rev. M. Eells. Rev. G. Eells Was chosen pastor. Considering himself too old to learn a new Indian language, most of the work fell on Rev. M. Eells, who had come on a visit, but who receiveil an appointment by the American Missionary Association as missionary in 1S75. The pastor, absent much of the time in the eastern part of the territory, resigned in 1876, when Rev. M. Eells was chosen pastor. Slowlv different individuals have come into the church — nine whites by letter, and ten whites and seventeen Indians on profession. Of all these, two have died, one has been excommunicated, and seven dismissed by letter, leaving thirty-six on the list, July first. The Sabbath-school, under the superintendence of the agent, has been kept up steadily, and an interesting feature of the work has been the committing to memory of the verses in the lesson. Some Sabbaths twentv scholars have learned the six verses in the lesson and recited them without a mistake, and some have done so for a whole year. In 1873 the Clallam Indians about Dungeness, ninety miles from the agency, were much addicted to drunkenness, so much so that the white residents were almost ready to petition to have them removed to the reservation, a punishment they dreaded nearly as much as any other which could be inflicted on them. The threat of doing this had such an influence that about fifteen of them combined, bought two hundred and ten acres of land, mostly reformed in regard to drunkenness, and since that time have rapidly advanced in civilization. In 1875, though without r resident teacher, they began holding some kind of religious services on the Sabbath, encouraged by their teachers, which have been kept up steadily since that time. By their visits to the agency, and those of their agent and missionary to them, they learned so much about the need and value of such services that in 1878 they built a small church, mostly with their own means, sixteen by twenty-four feet, which w'as dedicated May 12th, 1S78. It was the first, and is the only church, in the county, although it has been settled twenty-six years by whites, and contains a population of four or five hundred. At that time none of the Indians were professing Christians, but four have since been received into the church. About the same 9 114 Congregational Association. time, by special appropriation of the government, a school-teacher was furnished them at their request, and the school has been steadily kept up to the present time. They also sustain a weekly prayer- meeting, the only one in the county. During the six years of its existence the church has raised $i,- 754.05 for home work, and $2,361.95 for benevolence. SEMIAHMOO, W. T. This church, the most northern Congregational church on the Pacific coast, but a few miles south of the British line, was organized in 1875, by • Rev. W. M. Stewart, With twelve members, as a Cumberland Presbyterian church. Father Stewart, who has always been its pastor, is the oldest Con- gregational minister in Oregon or Washington, being eighty-six years of age on April 24, 1880. Owing to its long distance from any other church of the same denomination, an earnest request was sent to Dr. Atkinson to visit them and welcome t jm to our body. He did so in March, 1876, when the church v. ced (12 to 3) to adopt the Congregational mode of government and the , articles of faith in Roy's Manual, whereupon the right hand of fellowship was given them by Dr. Atkinson, who had the power to act in behalf of the churches of Portland, Oregon City and Seattle. By the next year the church reported that it was working suc- cessfully, everybody attended church, the saloon formerly there had been closed, the few members who had danced had ceased the . practice, and a Young Men's Christian Association of thirty mem- bers, and a temperance society of sixty members, had been organized and well sustained. A year later a young people's prayer-meeting was carried on in good condition ; also, the facts were reported that there was no money there, but plenty of bache- lors. In 1876 a site was given for a church, and a building of " hewed cedar" was afterwards erected upon it, which was finished in 1878, without debt. There was " no money " in that region, so the church in Seattle gave the windows, doors, nails and flooring, and the people gave the work. It was not, however, until July 5th, 1879, Congregational Association. "5 when Dr. Atkinson was able aj^ain to visit them, tiiat it wa> dedi- cated. When it became a Congregational church it niimhcred sixteen members. Since that time seven have been added by letter, and thirteen on profession of faith, some have been dismissed, and it numbered twenty-seven members in June, iSyy. WHITE RIVER, W. T. of uc- ere the m- een la's acts irch I the [Prepared mainly from a sketch burnished by Rev. S. (ireene. | This church was formed on the 23d day of October, 1877, by eight members of the Seattle church residing in and near White river valley, and three others who desired to join on profession of faith, their ideas being in accordance with the doctrines anpot. Dr. Atkinson, in August, 1873, began services in the school-house at this place. At the close of the service, a collection was taken up to pay for the tent, to be used for church purposes; and on the next Sabbath worship was held in the tent, and continued until cold weather. A building was then erected, which was kncnvr. a^ the reading room, and was also constantly used for church purposes. When the railroad company fixed upon New Tacoma a^ the place of their terminus on the bay. Dr. Atkinson still continued services at the old town, preaching there generally once a month, on the same Sabbath that he visited the new town. In the fall of 1S7S four persons, who were members of the church at New Tacoma, but living at the old town, feeling that it was better to ha\ e an or- ganization of their own nearer home, took letrei> and were organized into a church, October 20, 1S78; and since tb.e sprini; ot 1879, in common with the church at New Tacoma, Ii has enjoyed the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Banfield. NORTH PORTLAND, OREGON. In 1864, Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., then pastor of the First Congregational church at Portland, by invitation began holding n8 Congregational Association. services at the house of Deacon G. R. Smith, and this was kept up, once in three or four weeks, in the neighborhood, for several years, with some interruptions, until the finishinj^; of the church building, when the services were removed to it. A Sabbath school was begun by Deacon Smith in 1865 or 1866, and has been sustained most of the time since, under his superintendence, that of C. B. Talbot, Esq., Deacon L. M. Parrish and Deacon G. Shindler. In 1876 a prayer-meeting was begun, which has been sustained with an average attendance of from ten to eighteen at different times. After ineffectual attempts to obtain church lots near West Park street, in 1865, and again on Tenth street, it was resolved to cross the ravine, and establish the mission enterprise at the corner of E and Fourteenth streets. It was beyond the residence of the people, and was thought to be too inconvenient. The streets were paths, and it was hard on one. Sabbath afternoon, after other services, to cross the ravine on a log. But Deacon Smith clung to the idea, and the pastor thought it wise for the future. Mrs. J. H. Couch donated two lots for the church, and frequently gave money for its erection. The building was begun in 1867, and was built slowly — piece by piece — by the people of the neighborhood and the mem- bers of the First church, who have also given liberally of books and papers, and the bell which belonged to their old building. In 1874 it was finished and paid for, at a cost of about twenty-five hundred dollars, two hundred of which were given by the Con- gregational Union. A series of meetings held in the spring of 1879, resulted in a number of conversions, and February 9, 1879, a church of seventeen members was organized, thirteen of whom {(Mned on profession of faith. About the first of January, 1880, Rev. E. P. Baker Assumed the pastorate of this church, in connection with that at East Portland. The Sabbath school has been a flourishing one, with one hundred and fifty scholars enrolled, and an average at- tendance of one hundred anil fifteen. The preliminary work has been long and trying to faith, but fruit is beginning to be seen, and the city and its inhabitants extend now far beyond the church, which was far beyond the city when the building was begun. 11 a ch an ioi Di rej Congregational AssocfATioN. 119 YAKIMA CITY, VJ. T. In 187 1, Deacon James Kesling, who was oiic of the early tnein- bers of the Atahnum church, began a Sabbath school at this place, and the next year it was regularly organized, he being elected superintendent. This lias been continued by himself and a few co- laborers ever since. It has been the main religious light of the region, and has been held in the court liouse for the past four or five years. There has been about as little Congregational preach- ing here as at Atahnum, but there has been some by other denom- inations. In the spring of 1879, some of the older scholars became Christians, and, on consultation, it was thought best to organize a church. Dr. Atkinson visited them, held several services, and on April 27, 1S79, it was organized with sixteen members, twelve of them joining on profession of taith. In connection with the Atahnum church, it now enjoys the services of Rev. Mr. Capps as pastor, numbers twenty-five members, only six of whom have joined by letter, and is planning to erect a church at home. a ten of SPOKANE FALLS, ^W. T. About 1874, Rev. 11. T. Cowley moved to this place as a mis- sionary to the Spokane Indians, and also held services with the whites, who were fiocking to the same place, on account of the prospects of the Northern Pacific railroad. For nearly four years he continued in this work, when he resigned the pastoral care of the Indians; and. May 26, 1879, a church was organized with nine members, two of whom were Spokane Indians, who have earned a good reputation as Christians. It was, literally, *' the church in thy house." at Ine, I at- las md [ch, ^WHITE SALMON, W. T. Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., the acting pastor, organized this church, May 4, 1879, with nine members— three joining by letter, and the rest on profession of faith. Services of some kind had long been held in the neighborhood, more or less for twenty years. Durmg much of the time only three or four families lived in the region, but when Sabbath came they gathered in the house of I20 Congregational Association. Deacon E. S. Joslyn, Deacon E. S. Tanner or Deacon Warner, and read over a sermon ; and once in a long time were favored with one from some visiting clergyman. As the country began to fill up, other families moved into this region ; but it was not until the spring of 1879 that the neighborhood grew so that it v/as thought advisable to organize a church, and then the canvass was begun as an experiment. But when the people were visited, to the surprise and joy of the Christians there, the company of three who were ready to unite by letter, grew to be nine; some of those uniting on profession, welcoming the organization with tears. Without a church home, their services were held during the first summer, under an oak tree. Says the Pacific^ of one of these services : " On the hill, under an oak, fourteen *at communion. Surely apostolical simplicity is not entirely unknown in our day." » CHA-WE-LAH, W. T. Since the organization of the local association, another small chuich has been added to the number at Cha-we-lah, about twenty- five miles south of Fort Colville. In 1874, Rev. C. Eells con- ducted services at that place, and some of the hearers had not then heard a gospel sermon by a Protestant clergyman for twenty years. Occasional services were also held there during succeeding years until 1879, when four persons, some of whom had been residents of the place for twenty-five years, but had had no church home, and who had been " faithful among the faithless found," were united together in a church organization, September 14, 1879, Rev. C. Eells performing all the services. Since that time their pastor has been able to visit them but once. WENASS, -W. T. This church was organized September 14, 1879, by Revs. D. B. Gray and Wm. Capps, during a visit of the former to the region. Eight persons united in the organization, four more joined in the afternoon and three others have since been added. Rev. Wm. Capps was chosen pastor, Joseph Taylor, deacon; and Charles Longmire, clerk. Congregational Association. 121 EIGHT-MILE CREEK, OREGON. sot- land litecl C. has }. B. |[ion. the ipps 111 re, ^ This church was organized September 14, 1879, by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., with six members; most of whom came from the church at The Dalles, Rev. E. P. Roberts has been its actmg pastor, and it is in a farming and grazing region. MOUNT ZION, OREGON. This church is about three miles from Portland. About ten years ago when Dr. Atkinson was pastor of the church at Portland, besides his two regular service;?, he often walked to this place and held a third service. Much of the time, too. Deacon H. M. Hum- phrey who lives here, has held a vSabbath scliool and Bible class for the benefit of those who could not go to Portland on the Sabbath. During the latter part of 1879 considerable religious interest was found to exist among the older members of this scliool, and Jan- uary 4, 1880, the chmch was organized with eighteen members, by Dr. Atkinson, many of its members coming on j^rofession of faith from the Sabbath school. Rew Edward Rogers has been secured as pastor, who labors also at Beaverton. BEAVERTON, OREGON. This church in VVashi Atkinson January 4, 1880. him at least as far back as he has at times been able several persons were pre\ who intended to do so, so have since been added, pastor, in connection with ngton county was organized by Dr. The preliminary work was begun bv 1876, but quarterly visits were about all to give it. On account of a great storm ented from joining it at its organization, that it began with three members. Six Rev. E, Rogers has been secured as his work ^t Mount Zi(jn. PORT GAMBLE, W. T. For about nine years there has been more or less preaching at this place, the largest saw-mill town in the territory. About 1871 Rev. J. F. Damon Began work here, though residing at vSeattle, nearly thirty-five 122 Congregational Association. miles distant, and continued it monthly or semi-monthly for sev- eral years, when not prevented by sickness or other causes; and this w^ork was so largely appreciated, that on Christmas, 1874, Messrs. Pope & Talbot, the owners of the mills, presented the Sab- bath school with an excellent librar'^, every family in the place with a copy of " Bringing in Sheaves," by Rev. A. B. Earle, and Rev. J. F. Damon with forty additional copies for distribution else- where; while the people presented Mr. Damon with a title-deed of his homestead in Seattle, obtained at a cost of three hundred and fifty dollars. There were periods of considerable time, however, when ill-health and other causes prevented Mr. Damon from this work, and then Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., Filled his place, and in 1S74 a reading-room was established for the benefit of the people, and especially the young men about the mill. Through his labors a church building was begun in 1878, preach- ing having been previously held in the public halls. In November, 1878, Rev. N. W. Lane, M.D,, A licentiate, by invitation of the people, moved to the place, and since that time has preached regularly, while at the same time he has acted as the physician of the town. July 13, 1879, the church having been completed, was dedicated, with sermon by Dr. At- kinson, and other parts by Revs. R. S, Stubbs and N. VV. Lane. Thus, slowly but steadily, step after step was t .ken, until March 20, 18S0, by invitation, a council met at the place, for the examina- tion of Dr. Lane, which continued from nine o'clock in the morn- ing until half past three in the afternoon. The examination was long and thorough, and quite satisfactory to all the members. On the following day, Sabbath morning, the public exercises con- nected with the ordination took place, with sermon by Rev. J. F. Ellis, ordaining prayer and charge by Dr. Atkinson, and the right hand of fellowship by Rev. M. Eells. In the evening a church of seven members was organized, Di. Atkinson preaching the sermon and giving the right hand of fellowship ; and this was followed by the administration of the Lord's Supper by Dr. Atkinson and Mr. Eells. Thus, after many years of toil and faith and waiting, a church was founded and a regularly ordained minister settled to labor at this important centre of a country nearly one hundred miles square, in the northwest corner of the territory. 9 r a o o P S B Congregational Association. 123 T PRINEVILLE, OREGON. This church, in eastern Oregon, was organized by Dr. Atkinson April II, 1880, with eleven members, after a week's earnest Chris- tian work among the people. I^ut few religious services had ever been held there, and yet it seemed desirable that the Christians should come together in a union organization, and when this was done, Dr. Atkinson was chosen pastor. Mr. C. IL Walker, of the Warm Springs Indian reservation, also preaches to them about once a month. The organization has aroused new Christian effort, and a union church buiUling is under contract by the people. SEABECK, W. T. )f >n )V ir. a Ito ;d This is a milling town of Puget Sound, and contains a population of two or three hundred. In the fall of 1876 Rev. M. Eells began visiting the place, where he was very kindly received by the super- intendent of the mill, R. Holyoke, Esq., and by the people gener- erally. Up to that time the place had hardly averaged two sermons a year, although it had been settled for ten or fifteen years. Mr. Eells visits generally have amounted to about eight a year. Rev. Mr. Nickerson of the Protestant Methodist church. Rev. Mr. Cairns of the Baptist church, and Rev. Dr. Lane, a Congregation- alist, for a time had appointments at the place, but all had ceased by the spring of 1S78. The changing character of the population in the milling towns on Puget Sound has rendered all church organization difficult, and it was so in this case; so that it was not until the spring of 1880 that it seemed wise to attempt it, but at that time nine persons were found ready to enter such an organiza- tion, and this was consummated May 16th of that year. Mr. Eells made three attempts to obtain assistance at that time, but all failed, and so he was obliged to perform all the parts in the services. Two of the number joined on profession of faith, and Lhe rest by letter; of whom one came from a Congregational church and two from a Protestant Methodist church in this territory, one from a Congre- gational church in California, one from a Presbyterian church in British Columbia, one from a Lutheran church in Norway, and one from the Episcopal church of England. 124 Congregational Association. WASHOUGAL, W. T. This church was organized by Dr. Atkinson May 4, 1880, with three members, who belonged to three denominations, and is in a much neglected field. Only occasional services have been held in the district for years, and the people were glad to receive Sabbath worship. Dr. Atkinson was chosen pastor, and preliminary steps have been taken to erect a church building. MOUNT PLEASANT, ^fJ. T. This church was organized in a family room by Dr. Atkinson, after two visits among the people, and two Sabbath services, with eight members. They had neither church service^ Sabbath school or prospect of any, and some of them had not heard a sermon for two vears. Four Christian families were found, who had family worship, but were of three denominations. Their organization was a glad surpi ise to some. They have chosen Dr. Atkinson as pastor, also other officers, and have made arrangements to begin a church building.