A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CLATSKANIE PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
In 1903 a small group gathered to form a Sabbath school and a church
began. By 1904 a petition was made to Portland Presbytery and on May
16, 1904, the charter was signed.
While the Sabbath school and fledgling church met weekly in the hall
above E.W. Conyers' store, a new church building was soon started. Some
say the church was built with saloon money, apparently Nathan Nichols,
a civil war veteran and owner of the "Willow Tavern" was a major
contributor. Many others also donated time, money for contractors, and
a bell. The beautiful new church was dedicated with great ceremony and
commitment on December 3, 1905.
This devoted congregation began our church's unfinished journey.
Generations of parishioners continue giving glory to God, mission to
the community of Clatskanie and beyond, fellowship and spiritual
growth to its members and friends.
More than 33 ministers have guided us over these 110 plus years. Our
first regularly installed pastor was Reverend Gordon Houston in 1910.
He was a prohibitionist and worked hard to influence the lives of men
in this community which supported seven bars. He was only here two
years but left with at least one man in the community changed, as
apparently Nathan Nichols sold his saloon and went to farming.
In 1904 the Ladies Aide was organized and became famous for their
chicken dinners, great sales and raffles. These ambitious ladies also
stared a "Rose Show" in 1906 which grew into a country wide event with
parade and salmon feed as well as court royalty.
The church continued to grow and voted to become self supporting in
1923. The church was moved back from the street that same year. Later,
a basement was built and the fireside room was finished. The
Presbyterian and Methodist churches decided to unite in the mid 1930's.
Money was tight for everyone and it seemed like a great idea; however,
Mel Barr remembers it didn't last long. There were just too many
dfferent opinions.
By the late 1950's, the church had become careworn and dingy. It was
the vivacious Mary Morgan, wife of then pastor Dick Morgan, who
spearheaded a major refurbishing. With the enthusiastic congregation,
youth and community friends, in 1958 the Clatskanie Presbyterian church
won a $200.00 prize in the church improvement contest with their
"Operation Rainbow".
Over the years we have always been known for our choir music. We
continue that tradition today.
On May 16, 2004 we celebrated 100 years as a congregation with a grand
Sunday service presided over by Rev. Bob Groves, with four former
ministers participating. In December of 2005 we rededicated our church
building in Christian service.
Reverend Bill Eaton began his call to our church in June of 2006. We're
enthusiastic about our congregation - pastor team. Again we are working
on building projects, expanding our choir, and continuing our presence
in Clatskanie.
We continue a strong mission presence in our community through our work
with Turning Point and support of "Community House on Broadway", and
other youth, family and senior projects. Members of our congregation
have also gone on individual mission projects. We are active in
Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Services and Bible School. We have an active
Christian Education committee, planning and holding youth and adult
classes. Fellowship activities are fun and well attended.
Our church is made of loving, fun, committed people. Everyone works to
make our church vital and productive. We continue our mission:
"Reaching up, reaching in, and reaching out".
|
