GLEANINGS FROM OREGON

            Below are a few gleanings from the early churches in the State of Oregon. I note this information of the Yamhill Baptist Church in Yamhill County, six miles southwest of McMinniville, in the year of 1846: “The church sometimes postponed its Communion because of a difficulty in procuring wine” (Baptist Annals of Oregon 1844-1900 by C. H. Mattonn, Vol. I, p. 5).

            Here is another gem from the Santiam Baptist Church, located in Linn County, at Soda Springs. The church was organized in 1848. Here are some of its early activities: “But thirty-four members were dismissed to organize the Pleasant Butte Baptist Church, (now Brownsville), leaving thirty-four members” (ibid., p. 8).

            Here is still another account of the West Tualatin Baptist Church: “Located at Forest Grove, in Washington County, on the Southern Pacific Railroad, West Side.

            “Organized with eleven members, (dismissed from the West Union church), by Rev. William Porter and Deacon David T. Lenox, May 22, 1852.

            “For some years the church met at different houses and private residences to suit a widely scattered membership. Occasionally, all would visit the ‘Mother Church,” and some ‘glorious re-unions’ were had on such occasions” (ibid., p. 11).