Spokane County, Washington - Chapter 22: Religious Work in the County, 1900 (part 1 of 2)

Protestant Churches

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable props. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens." - George Washington.

In the midst of the intense activity, inevitable in the period of rapid material development of a new country, the people of this city and cimnty have not been -unmindful of the moral and religious influences which are necessary to promote the highest welfare. From the time of the earliest white settlers there has lieen extraordinary religious activity by representatives of the various religious organizations. Much of the early eft'orts and sacrifices of the pioneer home missionaries are unrecorded and unrecordable. They were generally brave and blameless prophets of the Alost High, and theii' record is in heaven. They prepared and laid foiuidation for others to build up<in, and we ha\e "entered into their labor."

Religious work in a newly settled ciiuntry has its peculiar difficulties and disci airaging features. The struggles incident to the establishment of new homes and the accumulation of wealth are not always promotive of the highest morality or conducive to religious prosperity. The sturdy "pathfinders" who are ever pushing towards the frontier, while having sterling qualities that excite our admiration, are not always religiously disposed. They leave behind them homes, families, relatives and the restraining influences of old settled and religious communities, with one object dominating in their minds, the pursuit of wealth. The society into which they are thrown is liable to be positively immoral and skeptical, and they find it difiicult to live up to their best convictions amid such environments. Such circumstances need brave, consecrated and thoroughly equipped ministers, and consistent and devoted church members, and they have rhst been wanting in Spokane county. There are many, doubtless, who do not know the value of religious denominations in a new country, from a commercial standpoint. The various Protestant missionary societies have expended during the last twenty-five years for religious work within this county no less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars exclusive of the contributions of the people residing here.

African M. E. Church

This church was organized in 1890. in the house now occupied as the parsonage at 168 South Stevens street, by Rev. Augustus, who had been sent here by tlie CaHfornia conference. It began with ten ineml)ers. The following persons have served as pastors : Rev. G. W. White, Rev. J. M. Brakton. Rev. A. M. Taylor, Re\-. G. C. Clark, Re\-. J. Allen Viney, Rev. W. M. \'iney, Rev. .\. W. Whalley, and the present pastor, Re\. S. J. Collins, who came here from Seattle two \-ears ago. The membership has increased to thirty. The place of worship is 516 Second avenue, 'i hrough much self sacrifice and tlie indefatigable etTort of the pastor a lot has been secured on Sherman street, near I'ifth avenue, where they expect to erect a house of worship in the near future. This church has been and is doing a commendable work among tiie colored population of the city.

Adve.Ntist, Seventh Day

Elder H. W. Decker was the lirst missionary of the denomination to i)reach in Spokane county. In the winter of 1887 he held meetings in a tent about where the lumber yard of the Spokane & Idaho Lumber Company now is. The tirst pastor came the same year in the person of L. W. Scoles. The first regular meetings were held in the Presbyterian church building, where the S[)okane- Review buildmg now stands. In the year 1888 the church was organized, and they mo\ed to the north side in Heath's addition, and worshiped in a chapel erected by the Evangelical Association church and the people, on East Ermina avenue, near Pearl street. A lot was purchased of Mr. S. Heath on the corner of Nora a\enue and Astor street in 1889, on which a building about thirty by forty-five was erected the following year, being dedicated in 1891, Elders H. W. Decker and D. F. Fero officiating. Services were held at this church for several vears.

Desiring the advantages of a more central location, the church property was sold, and a building on Washington street, between Third and Fourth avenues, was rented and has since been used as a place of worship for over five years. The church has made substantial growth, having at present a membershi]) of one hundred and forty. Elders Scoles, Stewart, Oliver and Davis have served as pastors before the [present one, who is Elder .\. G. Christensen. This church has inaugurated and is conducting successfully a philanthropic or social movement. Three years ago four ycnmg men, moved by a desire to help their fellow men, opened on the corner of Main avenue and Brown street a "WOrkingman's Home." They were Warren Latham, L. L. Dye, E. W, Gould and Mr. Warnell. They provided lodging for ten cents a night and meals for the lowest possible sum. In November, 1898. it came under the auspices of the Upper Columbia Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists, taking the name "Helping Hand Mission." The present manager is L. R. Foos; assistant, W. M. Fee; secretary, I. C. Colcord. Its mission, as expressed by the manager, is to "help lift up the fallen, help the needy regardless of race, nationality and color, and the end is to preach the gospel to the people." Beds are still but ten cents a night and one cent dishes are served. There are one hundred and six beds, which are full nearly every night, and as high as thirty-three thousand dishes have been served in a month. 1 here is a reading-room connected with it and also a chapel with preaching every night except Saturday. The church has also rented the I'rancis H. Cook mansion on the hill to be used as a sanitarium on the plan of the Battle Creek, Michigan, sanitarium. It was but recently opened and has eight patients, but will dtnibtless grow in favor and have increased patrgnage. A church of this faith was organized a few months ago at Medical Lake with promise of growth.

So far as we can learn the first Baptist work in Spokane county was in the winter of 1879 and "80, when Rev. S. E. Stearnes, of pioneer fame both in Idaho and in Washington, better known as '"Father Stearnes," came from Colfax up to Spangle, sought out the scattered Baptists there and began regular preaching. On the 13th of March, 1880, he organized the First Baptist Church of Spangle, whose twentieth anniversary was celebrated by appropriate services Sunday, March II, 1900.

A movement for the erection of a house of worship was subsequently inaugurated and in the fall of 1885 the church dedicated the first meeting house built in the tuwn. The cost of the building was abuut three thousand dollars. The house was well built and was well cared fur. It is a neat, suljstantial building still. The church has had some reverses, and seldom having a pastor for more than half time has been of slow and unsteady growth. It now has a membership of about fifty, and sustains a good Sunday-school. One of its early pastors, Rev. George Campbell, has been for many years an honored and successful missionary in China.

Cheney Baptist Church. - The second Baptist Church constituted in the county was at Cheney. This church was organized through the efforts of Rev. D. W. C. Britt, in May, 1 88 1, with seven charter members. The church erected a house of worship, maintained a good Sunday-school, and had an encouraging growth for several years. But business reverses caused by the removal of the county seat, and the partial destruction of the town by fire led to discouragement from which the church has never recovered, and for several years its efforts have been spasmodic and of little permanent value. Just now there is hope that a brighter day is dawning for our cause there. Our pastors have been Rev. D. W. C. Britt, W. H. Carmichael. J. 11. Teal, E. W. Lloyd. T. L. Lewis. E. G. O. Groat, E. F. Jerard and W. E. Sawyer.

First Baptist Church. .Spulcaiic. - The third church which ajjpeared was gathered at the small but picturesque village of Spokane. The first efforts toward a church seem to have been made by Rev. D. J. Pierce and Rev. S. E. Stearnes, who selected and purchased a lot for the future Baptist church, and is said to have paid for it out of his scanty salary of three hundred ilollars. The church was uranized by D. W. C. Britt. with seven members, December 8, 1881.

A house of worship , the first Baptist meeting house in the county, was erected soon after at a cost of nearly two thousand dollars. The growth of the church kept pace with that of the city until its membership soon outnumbered that of any <jther Baptist church in eastern Washington. In 1889, soon after the great fire, w hich practically destroyed the business part of the city, the church property was sold for about twentyfive thousand dollars. But instead of erecting another meeting house, the money was invested in other properties with a view to increasing it, and was lost, with hundreds of dollars more paid out in the hope of getting something out of those investments. These losses greatly discouraged the church and retarded its progress for several years, when under other conditions its growth would have been the most rapid in its history.

However, the church has emerged from these shadows, and has entered upon a season of substantial prosperity. It is now erecting a building which, when completed, will be by far the finest meeting house in the state, and fully equal to any in the Northwest. The chapel or Sunday-school department is now practically finished. This will soon be dedi- .cated and used for regular church purposes until the main auditorium is built. This much desired and greatly needed building has been begun and is being carried on largely through the heroic efforts and inspiring leadership of the present pastor, Dr. O. W. Van Osdel, who is both architect and manager. Along with the pastor too much credit cannot be given to the noble brethren who compose the building committee, and to Brother Clark, the leading mechanic. Except for the hearty support and co-operation of these brethren, who stood right by the work, spending time, thought and money to the extent of their ability, such a building could not have been erected at this time. The building, when completed, will have cost, even at the very low rates at which the committee is getting material and work, not less than sixty thousand dollars, and will be well worth seventy-five thousand dollars. The chapel with its furnishings has cost about twenty thousand dollars. The present church membership is about three hundred and twenty-five. It maintains a prosperous Sunday-school under the wise management of Mr. Walter E. Leigh. Its enrollment is about two hundred and twenty-five. The church also owns a chapel on Pine street, and sustains a mission Sunday-school known as Pine Street mission. This school is under the management of Mr. Joseph R. Roberson, and has a total membership of one hundred and twenty-five. The present property of this church is valued at about thirty thousand dollars.

After iSIr. Britt, Rev. J. F. Baker was the next pastor, beginning Augvist i, 1883. He was a young man of good ability and great consecration. In his zeal for Christ and the church he virtually laid down his life, his death resulting from overwork August 9, 1887. The third pastor was Mrs. Mary C. Jones, who was quite successful as an evangelist. She resigned in the fall of 1891, having served the church over one year as supply and four years as pastor.

Rev. J. H. Beaven was next called to the pastoral care of the church, beginning his labors January i, 1892. He found the church in sad need of just such executive ability as he brought to the work. With remarkable skill he piloted the church through four years of its most trying experiences. He was a man of ability, consecration and unswerving integrity. With grateful love the church will ever cherish the remembrance of his wise and faithful services.

Rev. O. W. Van Osdel, D. D., was called to the field in the fall of 1896. The history of his work is likely to be the record of many heroic deeds.

The Grace Baptist Cliiinii, Spohanc (Formerly Nortliside. - In the fall of 1889 several members of the First Baptist Church, being dissatisfied with a woman for a pastor, and believing the time had come when in the providence of God, a Baptist church should be established on the north side of the river, they resolved to bring about such a result. After due consideration, eighteen of these decided to ask for letters, and leave the mother church in order to form the new body, and accordingly, on the second day of January, 1890, by the advice of a council called for the purpose, "The Northside Baptist church" was organized and recognized. The new church went to work with a will. A house and two lots were purchased as a church site, a commodious chapel was built and the house enlarged and fitted up as a parsonage, all at a total cost of thirteen thousand dollars. The parsonage was afterwards disposed of. Brother H. L. Boardman, of Colfax, was employed as a temporary supply, pending the selection of a pastor.

leaving, the cliurch was supplied for a time by Rev. Charles Carroll. In the fall of 1895 Rev. J. Lewis Smith became pastor, and served the church with such perfect acceptance that his leaving at the end of three years was regarded as little less than a calamity.

But trusting Him who is able to supply all our needs, the church soon found the right man to take up the work. Re\'. George R. Varney, a young man of fine ability and culture, was called to the pastorate, anil is serving the church with remarkable skill and success. This church has never had a real revi\-al, but it has had a steady, substantial growth from the first. It nriw has a membership of a little over two hundred, and sustains two good Sunday schools under the superintendence of J. C. Barhne and Smith Ely. The two schools have a total enrollment of three hundred.

The church has recently purchased two lots on Broadway, and expects in the near future to erect upon them a modern house of worship to cost twenty thousand dollars or more.

Medical Lake Baf'tist Church. - The Baptist church at Medical Lake was organized in 1883, with eight members, by Rev. J. H. Teale, wlio became its first pastor, and under whose labors the church erected a house of worship and received about thirty members. The church was some time without a pastor, and became greatly reduced in numbers and discouraged in spirit. Rev. E. G. O. Groat and E. F. Jerard were its last pastors. But the church did not regain its former strength, and is now practically extinct.

Rockford Baptist Cluirch. - A small Baptist organization was formed at Rockford by Rev. S. W. Beaven in 1884, which soon grew to twenty members. But having no pastor, the little church was short lived.

In the winter of 1895 ^.ev. Walter L. Wood began work at this place and in the spring of that year, assisted by General Missionary A. M. Allyn, he organized a Baptist church, which, though weak, is still in existence. We hope before long to have a meeting house for this church. Rev. W. L. Wood and Artliur Royse were the only pastors of this church.

Spokane Calfary Baptist Church. - This church was constituted in 1890 by the efiforts of Rev. J. P. Brown, who became its first pastor, remaining with the church for some four or five years. Rev. P. B. Barrow afterwards took charge of the church. In 1897 the church purchased a house and lot on Third avenue and fitted up a very neat and commodious chapel at a cost of two thousand four hundred dollars. This is being paid for in regular installments. To pay this large sum is requiring many sacrifices on the part of the little band comprising the membership of the church, but they are a heroic, Christ-loving people, and will succeed. The church has been of slow growth, having now about thirty members.

Spokane Sn'cdish Baptist Church. - The Swedish Baptist church of Spokane was constituted in the spring of 1894 through the faithful efforts of Miss M. Malmburg, a Swedish missionary of great zeal and ability. Rev. A. Olsen became its first pastor, and did excellent work. In the fall of 1898 the present pastor, Rev. C. A. Boberg, took charge of the work. He is an able, Godly man, and the church is prospering under his care.

The church now has a membership of about seventy-five, and sustains two Sunday schools, with a total enrollment of about one hundred and thirty. The church is about to purchase lots, and hopes to erect a good house of worship during the coming summer.

First Baptist Church of Latah. - The Baptist church of Latah was organized in the fall of 1893, through the efforts of General Missionary Allyn, with ten charter members. A good church property was at once purchased. Rev. E. W. Lloyd was the first pastor, who in less than eighteen months received into the church over one hundred new members. After Mr. Lloyd gave up tiie wurk, the church was for some time without a pastor. Rev. F. A. Houston served the church as pastor for half time for over one year, after which Rev. Arthur Royse became pastor. The church is now being supplied by Bro. George Reed, of Spangle. A Sfood Sundav school is sustained.

Lockii'ood Baptist Church. - This church was gathered through the self-sacrificing labors of Rev. Thomas Theall, or "Fatlier Theall," as he was called, who, tliough o\er seventy years old. during the first year of his ministerial efforts at that place, supported himself by chopping cord wood at one dollar a cord, while he preached every Sunday and some of the time every night, winning about fifty souls to Christ. In the organization of the church, which tonk place in April, 1894. and in the baptisms which followed. Father Theall was assisted by General Missionary A. M. Allyn.

After Father Theall became too feeble to serve the church. Rev. W. L. Wood became pastor, and his health failing, Bro. L. L. Wing. who still has charge of the church, was called to the pastorate.

Riclilaiid. or Enoii. Baptist Church. - A Baptist church called the Richland Prairie church was organized at this place with thirteen members in 1891, by Rev. E. G. O. Groat, of Spangle. But being soon left without a pastor, the church became extinct after two years. In the spring of 1895 ^^^'- ^^'- -L- N\'ood settled in the community, re-established Baptist services and organized a Baptist church which is now called the Enon Baptist church. Bro. Wood was in poor health, but was a man of great ability and consecration. This was his last work. After four years of faithful service he went to his reward, leaving a host of friends, many of whom are preparing to follow him. As a monument to his faith and service, we have a good church of twenty-five or thirty members, with a large Sunday school. This

The first church bearing the distinctive name "Christian Church" was organized in the town of Spangle, April 4, 1880, by Elder C. J. Wright. It was organized in a small school building with a charter membership of twentyeight. Public services were held in this until a larger and more satisfactory house of worship could be secured.

When the Baptists in Spangle were erecting their house of worship, the members of the Christian church contributed to aid in the work on condition that they be granted the use of the house one Lord's Day in the month, and at such other times as might not conflict with the services of the Baptist church. Under this arrangement the work of the two churches was satisfactory and harmonious.

In securing this church property, including lot, house of worship and church furnishings, no aid was received from any missionary society or church extension fund. The citizens of Spangle and community, whether church members or not, contributed to share the cost. It is a neat, well-constructed church building, situated on a beautiful elevation, east of the railroad, and not far from the business part of the town. It has a seating capacity of two hundred and fifty or three hundred. It has been recently repainted, and is kept in good repair. The church has a good Sunday school and an active Christian Endeavor Society, also an energetic Ladies' Aid Society. This society has recently re-carpeted the rostrum and aisles and furnished new chairs for the rostrum. There are preaching services morning and evening two Sundays in the month, conducted by Dr.

J. W. Allen, of Spokane, and Bible lectnre and lesson the preceding Saturday evenings. The Baptist church and the Christian church in Spangle co-operate heartily and harmnniously in their work, and are mutually helpful.

The clnu'ch at Latah was organized at the Alpha school house, some two miles from the present town of Latah, l>y Elder C. T. Wright in March, 1883, with a charter membership of twenty-three. Regular ser\'ices were continued for a time in the school house. Afterwards, when the town of Latah was started, a neat, comfortable house of worship, with a seatingcapacity of two hundred, was erected in the town. This building, as the one in Spangle, was secured, furnished, and all fully paid for independent of gifts fn)m any missionary society or building fund ass(_)ciatiiin. This church has a Sunday school, meeting every Lord's Day, but not regular preaching services. Most of the members live in the country. The church has ne\er been strt)ng in membership or money, and for this reason regular preaching services have not been maintained, and the church has made- slow growth since its organization.

No preacher of the Christian church deserves more credit for wise and efficient work done in the establishment of this church in Spokane county than Evangelist A. W. Dean.

In the latter part of the year 1885 Mrs. J. A. C. Merriman, an intelligent and active member of the church, and then a teaclier in an academy at Cheney, wrote to Robert Moffett, corresponding secretary of the Home Missionary Society of the Christian church, with reference to more active and aggressive work in the interests of this church in Spokane county, Washington, and soliciting aid in the prosecution of this work. Secretary Mnffett replied favorably, and put her in correspondence with Evangelist A. W. Dean, then preaching at Colfax, Illinois. This correspondence resulted in tlie moving of Evangelist Dean, with his family, to Cheney early in the year 1866. He and western Christian University (now Butler University). Indianapolis, Indiana, and they came t<./ this new field endorsed and well recommended by the Mission iJoard. h",\angclist i^ean soon proved himself worth}- of the reconnnendation given him and in every way well fitted for the work to which he had been callc<l. In social life he was genial, gentle, unassuming, considerate of the rights of others : a Christian gentleman : as an evangelist he employed nO' silly, sensational methods to draw audierices. In his preaching he was scriptural, persuasive,. not afraid nor ashamed to preach the truth, but preaching it, not in the spirit of controversy, but in the love of it; ever looking to the Gospel, not as his own power, but as the power of God to the salvation of the lost. In all his work he had the cordial sympathy and cooperation of his faithful, self-sacrificing. Christian wife.

During the spring of 1886 Evangelist Deanheld revival services and organized churches in Cheney, Medical Lake, Deep Creek and Spo-- kane (then Spokane Falls). For the meeting in Cheney the Baptists generously tendered the use of their church buildings. This meeting resulted in several conversions, and at its close a church was organized with a charter membership of al)out twenty-two. The Baptist house of worship was secured for regulac- ))reaching services once a month, and at sucin other times as would not inconvenience the Baptists in their own .services. Some tinie later on the Christian church secured a lot and' erected a church building in which .services have been held more or less regularly until the present time. From removals of its members and other cau.ses, this church has made but slow, if any permanent growth, and, while there have been several protracted meetings and a good many conversions in the church since it was organized, it is perhaps no stronger than at the time of its organization.

sions, and the organization of a church at tliat place. This church never erected a church building-, after a time discontinued regular church services, and has ceased to exist as an 'Organization.

At Medical Lake also, as at Cheney, the Baptists cheerfully granted the use of their church building for the revival services held by Evangelist Dean in the spring of 1886. This jneeting resulted in the organization of the Christian church in that place, and the use of the Baptist church building was granted for regular preaching services one Lord's Day every month uiUil the Cliristian church should be in condition to erect a house of worship. The charter membership of this church was about twenty. Regular preaching has l)een maintained most of the time since the organization of the church. When without a regular pastor. Dr. .\. W. Green, a brother-in-law of Evangelist Dean, has preached for the congregation when not too closely occupied with his duties as physician and druggist. Mrs. Green. also an intelligent and a very consecrated Christian woman, has always been very active and efticient in the C. W. B. I\L and Sunday scliool work in this church, and in other ways tending to the growth ;md ])rosperity of the Christian church in Medical Lake. The church, never financially or numerically strong, has had a hard struggle to maintain its existence, and has been able to do so only by continued selfsacrifice on the part of its membership. Within the last three or four years the_\' have erected, furnished, and almost entirely paid for an excellent church building large enough to seat an audience of three hundred or more. The only aid from abroad they had in this was a four per cent, five-year loan of two hundred dollars or three hundred dollars from the church extension fund, and most of this loan has been paid off. Elder George Barrows, of Moscow, has been recently called to the pastorate of the church.

in Spokane county is in the city of Spokane, the membership here being larger than the aggregate membership in the county outside of the city.

The Central Christian Church was organized .April I, 188C), by E\angelist A. W. Dean, in the old Congregational church building at the corner of Bernard and Sprague streets. Rev. Jonathan Edwards was at this time pastor of the Congregational church. Their house of worship was courteously tendered by Pastor Edwards and his church for the series of revival ser\ices held by Evangelist Dean at that time and for the organization of the new church. Rev. Edwards attended the services throughout and assisted and encouraged in the services and in the work of organizing the church, both pastor and membership of the Congregational church manifesting a most fraternal Christian feeling. Twenty-one members constituted the Central Christian church at this time, among whom were Dr. J. Al. Major, A. P. Wolverton, Mrs. S. J. Pynor, Mr. Gum and wife, Airs. Lizzie Wright, Major R. H. Wimpey and wife, William Hix; Mrs. Fristo, Mrs. .Archer, W. H. Brocknian and wife, and others whose names are not recalled. Regular weekly services were held for a time in the Congregational church building, afterwards in a hall over the First National bank, corner of F"ront and Howard streets ; then for a time in the Y. M. C. A. hall, and afterwards in the W. C. T. U. hall. From the time of its (Organization public services, with or without preaching, were held e\ery Lord's day. Evangelist Dean divided his time among the churches he had organized at Cheney, Deep Creek, Aledical Lake and Spokane until some time in the summer of 1888, when, prostrated from disease and overwork, he was compelled to cease his labors. He died at Medical Lake in the fall of 1888, remembered with great affection by all for whose salvation and happiness he had so farth fully labored and suffered.

Christian cliurch was S. B. Letson. who began I'lis work in January, 1888. At this time the membership was forty-four. During this year a lot was purchased at the corner of Post and Third streets, and a neat and commodious house of worship erected. This was dedicated tlie second Lord's day in September. 1888. Elder F.Waldon preaching the dedication sermon. IXiring the last five or six years the Central Christian church of Spokane has had rapid growth, and is now, with a membership of four hundred and fifty or five lunnlred. one of the leading and most influential churches in the city. It has a flourishing Sunday school, Endeavor societies, Senior and Junior, and maintains a prosperous mission at Union Park, a suburb of the city. Having outgrown, in its actual membership, the seating capacity of its present house of worship, it was decided about a year ago to build a new and larger house, and in a more desirable location. A very choice lot, one hundred feet square, was secured at the corner of Third and Stevens streets, on which it is the purpose of the congregation to erect, in the near future, a house of worship commensurate with its needs, worthy of its membership, and in harmony with its surroundings in this beautiful and rapidly growing city.

The pastors of the Christian church in Spokane have been S. R. Letson, January, 1888, to 1890; G. W. Ross, 1890, to March i, 1892; Dr. J. M. Allen, June, 1892, to November, 1897. The present pastor, B. E. Utz, began his pastorate November, 1897, immediately succeeding Dr. Allen, and under his faithful and energetic ministration the congregation is looking forward hopefully to still larger achievements in the future. The membership of the Christian church in Spokane county, including the city of Spokane, is not large - less, perhaps, than seven hundred, but whatever success it may have had has been due almost wholly to the labors and liberality of the membership living within the boundaries of the county. It has received very little aid from any missionary society or cliurch extension fund - in the aggregate not more than one thousand or one thousand five hundred dollars - since the first church was organized in the county, twenty years ago. It has supported its own preachers and evangelists, and erected and furnished its own church buildings. It has contributed more to missions, home and foreign, more to the church extension fund, to aid in building houses of worship elsewhere, than it has ever received. The Christian church in Spokane county has no complaint to make of the treatment it has received at the hands of other religious organizations in the county. This, almost without exception, has been kind and fraternal.

County By Rev. Rosine M. Edwards

In September, 1838, two Congregational ministers, with their wives, came from New England, passing almost within sight and sound of our far-famed falls on their way to the Colville country. These early missionaries were Rev. Elkanah Walker and Rev. Cushing Eells and wives. All the members of this brave company have now gone to their reward. It took tliese devoted men and women seven months to reach their distination, and they were the first missionaries to work among the Spokane Indians. They established their station on Walker's Prairie, thirty miles northwest of Spokane. They labored here for nearly ten years, which is treated in another chapter. "Father Eells," as he was familiarly called by his friends, in after years preached around the Spokane and Colville counties. While having charge of the churches at Colfax and Medical Lake, he took occasional trips to Colville to preach to the Indians and whites. Many churches received substantial aid by means of his self-sacrificing life, and sweet-toned bells ring from a number of Spokane county

First Cdiigrcgatioiial Church nf Sf^olcaiic. - Tlie first Congregational cliurch organized in tlie county was the First church of Spokane. It was organized May 22, 1879, in the home of Rev. H. T. Cowley by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D. D., who was superintendent of home missions in Washington and Oregon. Mr. Cowley was elected acting pastor, and R. G. Williamson deacon. For two years religious services were held in the town school house, located near the corner of Railroad avenue and Post street. In the spring of 1881 Rev. F. T. Clark arrived and became the first pastor, and on December 20 a church buikling was dedicated on the corner of Sprague and Bernard streets near where the Northern Pacific depot now stands. The dedicatory services were participated in by Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D. D., and Rev. Gushing Fells. D. D., and the pastor. After two years Mr. Clark resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. J. B. Renshaw, who now resides at Pleasant Prairie. ]\lr. Renshaw served the church for two years, during which time the building was furnished more comfortably. In the spring of 1886 Rev. Jonathan Edwards came from Scranton, Pennsylvania, at the invitation of the church, and served as its pastor for nearly five years. During the second year of his pastorate a parsonage was built in the rear of the church on Sprague street. The changes made by the great fire of 1889, and the spreading of the business part, made it advisable to move further back. So the first site was sold in September, 1889, and property secured on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets. Plans for the substantial granite structure were made, and the work on it begun. Meanwhile services were held in the temporary temple on Washington street near Third, now occupied by the Seventh Day Adventists. The first church building can be seen on South Bernard street just as it looked originally. The parsonage was sold to private parties, and was moved to Fifth avenue, near Shearman street. The corner-stone of the new structure on the curner (if Fourth avenue and Washington street was laid September jt,, 1890. with a]jpropriate services, the grand officers of the Ma.sons particijjating in the exercises. In 1891 the building was completed, and is the finest church edifice in Spokane, and probably the most e.xpensive in eastern Washington at the ])resent time. It is of Spokane white granite, and cost fifty thousand dollars. It has a large auditorium and a Sunday school room on the ground lioor, and parlors upstairs. The interior is well furnished, and nine memorial windows add beauty to it. The year the new building was completed (1891) the church was served by Rev. R. A. Beard, D. D., formerly state superintendent of the C. II. 'M. S., now of Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was followed by Rev. M. Willett, D. D., now of Iowa, who came from California. Rev. F. B. Cherrington, D. D., became pastor in the fall of 1894, and filled the pastorate for over three years. (Preceding this pastorate this church and the Westminster Presl)yterian church consolidated, and the name Westminster Congregational was assumed. Rev. H. W. Cornett, formerly pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian, was acting pastor for several months.) Rev. Dr. Cherrington went to San Francisco in January, 1898. For a time the church was pastorless, and was supplied by Rev. S. M. Freeland. Rev. V. y. .Stevens came in September, 1898. and served the church until December, 1899. The present pastor is Rev. G. K Wallace. D. D., recently from Chicago. The church now has a memljership of about four hundred. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition. The Christian Endeavor Society was the first to be organized in the city. The Ladies' Aid and Ladies' Missionary Society, the King's Daughters and Loyalty Club, among the young peo])le, and the Junior Christian Endeavor, among the children, are active forces in the vvork. It is worthy of mention that the sweet-

Second Congrcgiifiomil Cluirch. - As the city grew, and the population spread itself, the north side of the river became a favorite residence portion. A number of Congregational families made their homes in the locality of the court house, and a Sunday school was started in 1889. Early in 1890 a church was organized, the larger number of members withdrawing from the First church for that purpose. The Second Congregational church, as it was named, met for a while in a hall on Monroe street, but later built the convenient brick structure on the corner of Mallon and Adams streets, in which it now worships, the land being donated by Col. D. P. Jenkins. Rev. William Davies, a member of the ""Yale Washington Band," was called as first pastor, and still serves in that capacity, his being the oldest continuous pastorate in Spokane. The Second church has a membership of over two hundred, a Sunday school too large for the rooms, and flourishing Christian Endeavor, Ladies' Aid, and Missionary and Dorcas societies.

Pilgrim Congregational Church. - In the summer of 1890 the Pilgrim church was organized on the North Side, east of Di\"ision street. For nearly twi) years it wtjrshipped in chapels belonging to the Evangelical and Ad\-entist churches and was ministered to by Rev. F. V. Hoyt. In 1803 Rev. J. Edwards was called to its pastorate and assumed charge, caring also for Pleasant Prairie and Trent. In 1895 ^ lot was bought on Indiana avenue and in the spring of 1896 a modest frame structure was dedicated. The church now has a membership of eighty and a Sunday school of two hundred. This part of the town has grown so rapidly during the last few years tliat a larger building is needed mnv.

Sunday schocil had been conducted there for three years before by J. G. H<n-t, a memlier of the First church residing in that vicinity. The new church was called the West Side Congregational church and met in the district school house and was cared for by Rev. F. V. Hoyt, and then by Rev. Rosine M. Edwards in connection with work in llillyard. and later by Professor W. S. Davis. In October, 1898. a neat and convenient building, costing about eight hundred dollars, was dedicated. It is situated on a sightly spot overlooking the valley C'f Spokane. Re\'. ^ilark Basker\-i!le is its present pastor. .\ Sunday school and Christian Endea\cir Society are well sustained, and n Ladies' Missionary Society cares for the foreign interests of the church.

When the Great Northern Railroad was completed to the coast and the shops established at a point six miles northeast of Spokane a little town began to spring up there and was called Hillyard. A school district was soon formed and the Congregational Sunday school missionary located at Spokane. Rev. E. J. Singer, immediately took steps to organize a Sunday school. It met in the rough building used as a school room and about fifty children gathered there with the school-teacher as superintendent. Preaching services were held rcgularlv by the neighboring j^astor. Rev. J. E-dwards, of Pilgrim church, Spokane. But a building was sadly needed, and when, in 1894, Dr, Kingsbury and wife, of Bradford. Massachusetts, \-isited the field and were much impressefl with it as a place for good work, and promised aid, the church seemed possil)le. In August 1894. a church was organized. Lots were bought and a building started. In iSIay. 1895, a church, as conveniently equipped as any church of its size in the west was dedicated to God's service. Generous aid from the Church Building Society and the church in Bradford, Massachusetts, and selfsacrifice on the part of the members and friends made possible the substantial building and well-equipped interior. Through the instrumentality of a "Chime Club" of young ladies a five-hundreil-pound bell was obtained. The church was cared for by Rev. J. Edwards, -who added to it the three he already served, aided one year by his eldest daughter. In April, 1897, Miss Rosine M. Edwards accepted a call and came from Pacific Theological Seminary, Oakland, California, to take charge. During her two years pastorate tlie side room was finished and the library increased. In the spring of 1899 Miss Edwards resigned and Rev. F. C. Krause, of Fitchburg, California, accepted a call to become their pastor. .\ neat and convenient parsonage has been erected. All the organizations of the church are in a flourishing condition. As early as 1888, a school was organized and a chapel erected in Union Park, near Fourth avenue and Napi streets. The Sunday school has been sustained ever since, with occasional preaching.

Nine miles from Spokane, on a plateau of beauty and fertility, is Pleasant Prairie. Congregational work there began early, the church being organized in 1885. It was cared for by neighboring pastors and General Missionary T. W. Walters. Rev. J. B. Renshaw was called to the pastorate in 1889. He was followed by Rev. J. Edwards, who had charge of this work for six years in connection with Pilgrim church in SjKikane. The church worshipped for several years in the Methodist church, and then in the school house, but in 1897 the present substantial frame structure was dedicated. The church has a membership ct seventy, and an efficient Christian Endeavor Society which conducts the evening service. Kev. F. C. Krause preaches here in connection with Flillyard. both churches being united in building a parsonage in the latter place.

At Trent, nine miles from Spokane, and the first station on the Northern Pacific railroad east of Spokane, is a church organization since 1889. A Sunday school has been sustained under the leadership of Deacon S.

Esch. and the continual thoughtfulness of the family of J. A. Stegner. Preaching once a month has been given by the pastor at Pilgrim church. Spokane. At present the pressure of work on neighboring pastors has been such that it made it impossible to care for this field, but something better is hoped for soon.

At Cheney, the seat of the normal school, a church was tjrganized in 1881 and cared for the first year by the pastor of the First church, Spokane. In 1882 Rev. F. V. Hoyt came from Yale Seminary to become pastor at Cheney, where he was ordained and labored for four years. Mr. Hoyt is now the oldest resident Congregational pastor in the county.

At Cheney Mr. Hoyt organized the first Christian Endeavor Society in the county and probably in the state. The work has fluctuated considerably with the changes of the town, but it is now on a substantial basis. There are now sixty-four members under the pastorate of Rev. F. B. Doane and a large number oi young people participate in the church services and work during the school year.

Medical Lake was one of the churches ministered to by Father Eells in early days and was organized by him in 1883. His portrait is among the interior decorations of the church. .Among many marks of his thoughtful generosity is the sweet-toned bell that sounds out its inviting notes over the lake each Sunday. 1 he Medical Lake church has flourished from the first and with its thirty-three members is now the third Congregational church in the count}'. In its early history it was cared for in connection with Cheney, but for several years it has supported a pastor on the field. Rev. J. D. Jones has ministered to it very acceptably for six years. The church building is a very convenient structure on a prominent corner of the village and a pretty cottage is by its side for the use of the pastor's family. The church is the center of the social interests of the place and is an efficient factor for good in the community.

In the heart of tlie pine woods, where the sound of the axe and saw are common sounds, and the Inisy mill turns out piles of lumber tor the neighboring city, nestles the village of Deer Park. One of the first buildings to attract one's attention as he enters the place is the church whose welcome is voiced by its name, the "Open Door Congregational Church." One of the noblemen of the world, a mill-owner who cares for the spiritual needs of'his workmen, is Mr. \V. H. Short, the president of the Standard Lumber Company. Ably seconded in all his efforts by his family, he early began to plan for religious services in the place, holding them at first in the dining room of the boarding house, and later in the h.all until the present pretty church was dedicated to God's worship. For a number of years this church has been ministered to by Rev. Frank JMcConoughy, and a loyal membership of forty has gathered about him. The Christian Endeavor Society has been especially noted for its missionary efforts, contributing regularly for the support of a missionary in Africa.

Chattaroy, like many other fields, was cared for at first by the Sunday school missionary, a Sunday school being organized and ])reaching services held regularly. In 1896 the church organization was perfected and the pastorate joined with Deer Park. In common with Trent, Chattaroy has no building, which is always a hindrance to the progress of the work, but it moves on Ijravely in spite of this need.

Since 1888, the Swedish peojjle of Spokane have been carrying on the "Swedish mission," and doing it nobly, too. A large frame structure, with parsonage underneath, was erected in the eastern part of the city, and regular Sunday school and preaching services carried on. When the church was pastorless, one of the members after working hard all week talked to the people on Sunday. In 1898, recognizing the close resemblance between their faith and that of the Congregational churches, the Spokane mission, in common with many others in the country, ai)])lied to the Congregational churches for fellowship. It was gladly admitted to the Eastern Washington Association, Rev. J. Hulien, graduate of the Swedish department of Chicago Theological Seminary, accepted a call to the ])astorate and the work prospers greatly uniler his pastoral care. A membership of sixty and a large congregation resjjonds to his work among them. One of the members writes this: "The mission friends were the first to start missionary work smong the Scandinavians in Spokane. The summer of 1887 a few Christian young men came from the east to Spokane, who gathered the people together in prayer-meetings in the house svhich they occupied. John Hagstrom. who v.as traveling in the west in the interest of the Swedish mission covenant, was the first to preach the word of God to them. The 28th of October. 1888. the church was organized under the name of the Swedish Christian Mission church. Its membership was thirteen, ten men and three women. The 29th of March, 1890. Rev. N. Lindquist. of Oakland, California, became pastor of the church and stayed until November. 1892. On account of hard times the church could not call a pastor after Lindquist left. But the church was blessed in having a man among them who could preach. He is Mr. John G. Johnson and he works for the Spokane Street Railway Company as blacksmith in their power station. Mr. Johnson preached until Rev. O. Frank, from Sweden, came on a journey through America, who stayed as pastor of this church for three months, and Mr. Johnson preached again until October, 1895. Rev. A. Lidman was pastor for a very short time, leaving in April. 1896. After him came Rev. M. E. Anderson from Whitehall, Michigan. Anderson left May i. 1897. Mr. Johnson again had to fill the pupit. December i, 1898. Rev. John I. Hulien, from Chicago, arrived and is at present minister of the church. The Sunday school started its work tlie 7th day of May. 1889, and now counts eighty-five children. The church has for many years sustained its own missionary in China. April 12, 1898, the church was recognized hy the Eastern Washington Congregational Association and the C. C. B. Society has granted one thousand to pay the indebtedness on the building. The church takes in only such as recognize the saving power of the Lord Jesus Christ and abide in him. The object of this church is to work for the keeping of God's children in his fa\or, and in peace among themselves .and also to win Scandinavian sinners for Jesus.

The Congregational Sunday School and Publishing Society has had representatives in the field since 1885, visiting districts which have no religious services, organizing Sunday schools and caring for them. Deacon G. R. Andrus, now of Tacoma, was the first Sunday school superintendent, residing at Cheney and traveling all over eastern Washington. After four years of faithful service he was succeeded by Rev. E. J. Singer, who made Spokane his home and traveled far and wide in the pursuance of his work. Many Sunday schools started by these workers ha\e grown into flourishing churches. Mr. Singer resigned in 1898 to take charge of Sunday school work m northern California and the work in Spokane county is now in the efficient care of Mr. J. T. Percival. of Spokane. There are eight Congregational Sunday schools not connected with churches in the county, viz. ; Newman Lake, North Pine, Marshall, Harmony. ]Milan, Little Deep Creek. Orchard Peairie. South Chattaroy, having an aggregate membership of three hundred.

Christian Endeavor Societies have flourished in the county since the first was organized at Cheney by Rev. F. V. Huyt. The first Christian Endeavor Society in Spokane, organized in the First Congregational church in

1888 by Rev. J. Edwards, it is interesting to note, was the five thousand and eighth in the United States, Mr. Edwards having organized the eighth at Scranton, Pennsylvania, six years before. Nearly all the Congregational churches in the county have Christian luideavor Societies connected with them. Other work among the Congregational children and young people in the county is done by the Junior Christian Endeavor Societies. King's Daughters Circles, and other organizations, while scarcely a church is without its Ladies' Aid or Ladies' Missionary Society. Of the twelve Congregational churches in the county, ten have church buildings, and one Sunday school has a chapel. There are parsonages in five places, making the total value of church property about Sro 1,000.

In 1895 The S/^okaiie Congregational Club was organized with its object "to promote the general interests of Congregationali.<m and to encourage a more intimate acquaintance, and concert of action among the working forces of our churches." The first meeting of the club was held in Westminster church on Forefathers' day, with an oration by Rev. William Davies. Spokane, and toasts by other members of the club. The club holds its annual meeting on or near Forefathers' day of each year, being entertained in turn by the Westminster. Second and Pilgrim churches of Spokane. The oflficers of the club are Rev. H. P. James, of Colfax, president; Mr. Fred Kiesling, of Spokane, secretary; Mr. W. H. Short, of Deer Park, treasurer: executive committee. Revs. F. C. Krause, F. B. Doane, William Davies.

In this western land, where many have come in search of homes and prosperity, Congregationalism is thoroughly at home. The many sects and denominations represented often find that they can agree on the Congregational basis and so unite under one banner in small places where one church is sufficient and all that could be supported.

Evaxgelical Association

The Evangelical Association commenced its operation in Spi:)kane county in 1885. Rev. J. Bowersox, presiding elder of the Oregon conference, in tlie montli of January. 1885. \-isited most of our famihes who had moved into Spokane county. Init were without a pastor. He succeeded in organizing a class at Spokane with eight members, at Rockford. with seven members, and at Wild Rose Prairie, with six members. April 4. 1885. Rev. H. Schuknecht. of Xaslnille. ^lichigan. was appointed b}- the Board of Missions as missionary of Washington Territory. He with his family arrived May 14, to take up the work in eastern Washington. From this time on new mission fields were organized and supplied with missionaries according to the arrangements of the Association, until to-day there are five missions, served by four missionaries. Spokane mission. Rev. G. Seeberger; Wild Rose mission, Rev. J. W. Rinear; ^ledical Lake mission. Rev. W. D. Earnhart ; Rockford mission. Rev. J. E. Whitestien; Mica mission. Rev. J. E. Whitestien. There are four churches and three parsonages.

In 1896 the work in eastern Washington was detached from the Oregon conference and placed under the Board of Missions who appointed Rev. H. Schuknecht as superintendent of Washington mission. The churches sustain missionary societies. Young Peoples" Alliances, \\ omen's societies, Sunday schools, all in a prosperous condition.

Church, Spokane

The first Swedes settled in Spokane in 1886 and 1887. The church was organized the 25th of June, 1888. Rev. P. Carlson, at the time traveling missionary of the denomination in Washington. Oregon and Idaho, and pioneer of Swedish Lutheranism west of the Rockies, had visited S])okane about once a month the past year and on the above date was able to organize with nineteen members. Rev. Carlson visited the church three times more that year. First part of 1889 a theological student. S. G. Youngert. took charge of the work. Many Swedes came to Spokane. The congregation grew rapidly. A lot had been secured on the corner of Broadway and Walnut, free of debt, and a church building was erected for about four tiiousand dollars. Mv. Youngert served the church a year and a half. He was succeeded by Rev. C. P. Rydholm, who served as supply about a year and was then elected as the first ordained pastor of the church. As such he served only about three months. Then the church again had a supply. Student C. R. Chindblnm. about a }ear and a half. He served very acceptably. In 1893 the present pastor. Rev. G. .A.. Anderson, succeeded to the pastorate. The remarkable fact about this mission is that with the exception of the services of the founder and one hundred dollars from the Mission Board, three years later, it has been self supporting from the first. Still its members are by no means wealthy, nearly all being wage-earners. It now numbers about one hundred and forty communicant members and has a very fair church property with only about four hundred dollars debt.

German Luther.Vn

The German Lutherans began work in this city twelve years ago, the first missionary preaching on Sunday afternoon in the Congregational church. The present church building on Third avenue was erected about ten years ago. Rev. P. Groschupf has been pastor for several years.

Norwegian Lutheran

The ^vork began thirteen years ago.and the church on Washington and Sinto was erected in 1890. They have not been able to have a pastor all the time and the v.ork has not made

Spokane Methodism

The history of Spokane Methodism cannot all be committed to paper. Like the clnnxh of God in all ages, it has an nnwritten history of hearts touched, souls inspired, intluences started and propelled, that eternity alone can reveal. Particularly is this true as the foundations are put down upon which are now in rapid building the civil and religious institutions of the great Inland Empire.

Spokane lies in one of the richest centers of mountain ranges and valleys known on the continent, if not in the wlmle world. The picturesque scenery of the Rockies, the Cucur d'Alenes, the Cascades, including the valleys, lakes, rivers and falls, is all that the renowned Switzerland can furnish, and only awaits the pencil of the artist and the pen of the poet to tell it Ui the world. The forests, the fruits, the fields, the fisheries and the mines are here enveloped with the most salubrious climate possible.

Methodism came early into this paradise of beauty and plenty. The Columbia river conference was organized by Bishop Merrill, of Chicago, July 30. 1874, at Walla Walla, Washington, with Rev. Dr. H. K. Hines as secretary. There were six elders and one deacon, the bishop remarking that "the conference was inconveniently small." Rev. S. G. Havermale was appointed presiding elder of the territory that included Spokane.

In May. 1875, "^ company with G. W. Grannis, he made his first visit to this section of the state. When he arrived, he found "the falls" here and two white families where Spokane now stands - Mr. and ]\Irs. J. N. Glover, and Mr. and Mrs. Yeatun and their child. Mr. H. T. Cowley lived in the neighborhood east of what was then called Spokane. Religious services had been held for the Indians, but

Brother Havermale preached the first sermon to a white congregation, November 14, 1875, in a bo.\ house used for a residence just west of where the city hall now stands. Mrs. Yeaton, who had brought an organ from her home in the East, played the organ and led the singing.

first Mcthoilist E/yiscof^al CItiircli. - Mrs. S. (]. Havermale came to Spokane in the winter of 1876-7, and was the fourth white woman to make her permanent home where tliis prosperous city of more than forty thousand jjeople now stands. Brother and Sister Ha\ermale still live in Spokane, and occupy their beautiful home in the north part of the city, where they cordially welcome their great circle of friends. They are still faithful members' of the old First Church. Rev. J. H. Leard organized the first Methodist society, still known as the First Methodist Episcopal church of Spokane. The charter members appear to have been : Rev. S. G. Havermale, Mrs. S. G. Havermale, Rev. J. H. Leard, Mrs. J. H. Leard, A. E. Ellis, Mrs. A. E. Ellis, Miss Ollie Ellis and Miss Ida Ellis. Brother Ellis was ai)pointed class leader; this was in 1879. Brother Leard was in poor health, and in September, 1880, passed to his reward; Sister Leard still lives in Spokane and belongs to the First church.

1 he second pastor was Rev. M. S. Anderson, who was appointed August 15, 1880. The list of preaching places outside of Spokane included Cheney, Crescent, Egypt (which was twehe miles north of what is now Davenix)rt), Mondova, Saltese Lake and Moran Prairie. The roads were long, the field was wide, and the workers few. The coming of Brother and .Sister P^arks and Sister Shannon at this time gave the pastor great encouragement. A lot was secured on the corner of Sprague and Washington streets, and the first church building erected. Brother Anderson's pastorate of two years marked great prosperity in the history of the society.

During this time the Spokane ^iletliodist College was started, Professor I. C. L.ibby coming from the East to take charge of it. He was also appointed pastor of the church August 15, 1882, and for one year ser\eci as Ijresident of the college and pastor of the church.

From December. 1883, to July 20, 1885, Rev. R. E. Bisby was pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. S. W. Richards, who gave up the charge in April, 1886. Rev. R. E. Bisby, who was president of Spokane College, was again in charge until September of the same year.

In October, 1886, Rev. W. C. Gray took charge of affairs. Soon after this the property on Sprague street was disposed of and a new brick building erected on Bernard street. It was now thought the congregation had found a permanent church home. .\t that time not even the most sanguine boomers of a western town could foresee the future of Spokane, fiie unusual increase of the population and business interests of the city soon attracted the attention of capital and homeseekers throughout the entire country. The church building became too small. The center of business and jjopulation in the city was rapidly shifting. The trustees and members of the church felt that the permanent interests of Methodism in the city demanded a more central location, and one better adapted to meet the demands already jjressing upon them.

Notwithstanding the hea\y burden of a recent new building, always heavy on the officers of a church, these hertjic brethren determined to lose no opportunity to ad\'ance the interests of the kingdom of God in Spokane.

Brother Gray was succeeded by Rev. A. G. Wilson, October 20, 1888. The records show the following action of the board of trustees: "September 4. 1889. - On motion of Brother Brooks, the trustees were given an order to negotiate the sale of the church property." At a meeting of the bi.iard of trustees the ne.xt day, September 5, the record shows : "On motion, J. B. Sargent, S. Shinn and A. E. Ellis were appointed a building committee for the erection of a Methodist tabernacle." Xo time was lost in securing what was then thought to be the most eligible site in the city for the location of a great central church building. History has demonstrated the wisdom of the choice. The location of the present church property is by common consent considered the best possible for the accommodation of the churcii-going population.

About this time the conservative and thoughtful members of the congregation could see that their pastor. A. G. Wilson, was losing his anchorage from the great truths of evangelical Christianity; that his intellectual trend was downward from the broad platform of biblical orthodo.xy toward the narrow and illiberal views of rationalistic Unitarianism. The records show that on Sunday, December 10, 1890, the officers of the church being in council and the bishop in the chair, the question, "whether the board desired to ha\e Brother Wilson remain his full year," was put to a vote, with the following result : 1 wo for and fifteen against his remaining. He was released from further duties as pastor in the Methodist Episcopal church.

The pulpit was supplied from January i, 1 89 1, to the last of February of the same year by Rev. W. H. Selleck, who had been serving as assistant pastor. Rev. W. A. Shanklin was now appointed; during the twenty months of his stay in Spokane the church enjoyed prosperity, and his many friends regretted that his health made it necessary for him to give up the work in September, 1892. Rev. Henry Rasmus, now Dr. Rasmus, of Chicago, who had served as presiding elder for two years, was appointed to the church. Dr. Rasmus was succeeded by Rev. D. N. Mclnturff, who was transferred from Eugene. Oregon. The church had enjoyed several years of prosper- ity, and the new past')!' found a strong and united society. The tabernacle, erected in 1889-90. was found to be too small to accommodate the congregation. About the time the present large building was projected a storm struck the church - not a wind storm, Ijut a moral cyclone. The resolution to build was not supported by the entire quarterly conference. When the test came the \-ote stood eighteen for and six against building; the minority withdrew, and about ninety members of the church proceeded to organize what is now known as the \'incent Methodist Episcopal church. For those who remained to proceed with the building enterprise was a great undertaking, but with a faith in God that knows no defeat, and the spirit of sacrifice that amounted to real heroism, the church was built, and so far completed as to be ready for use.

About a }ear afterward the methods of pastor, D. N. Mclnturff. in his administration of the affairs of the church, were such as to convince the highest authorities of Methodism that the future peace, harmony and prosperity of the society could only be assured by an immediate change of jjastors. The deposed pastor then \\illidrew. but refused to surrender his parchments, according to the law of the church. A number of Jiis friends withdrew from the church and united with him in the organization of an independent society.

Rev. H. D. Stauft'er. of Lima. Ohio, was the next pastor. He found the church organization demoralized, with unpaid bills amounting to several thousand dollars, but he also found a company of Christian men and women true to God and loyal to Methodism. About this time a small fortune came inti> the hands of one of the few who remained true to the old church ; he went about the city and gathered up about three thousand dollars of bills against the church and paid them oft". Other brethren rallied to the rescue and poured into the Lord's treasury every dollar they could devote to His cause. Thus, by the blessing of God and the sacrifice of his people, thepropertyof thechurch was sa\ed. Dr. Stauffer did much hard and faithful work; the society was strengthened, over four thousand dollars of debts paid, and the church again started on an era of prosperity. At the end of ten months he asked to be relieved and transferred to another climate on account of his wife's failing health. He has since united with the Episcopal church. The present pastorate commenced May i, 1897; during the last two years the church has aroused again to its old-time vigor. .^ splendid new parsonage, costing three thousand five hundred dollars, has been built and paid for; floating debts aggregating five thousand dollars have been paid. A loan has been secured from the Church Extension Board; the interest has thus been reduced from ten per cent, and twelve per cent, to si.x per cent. The meml)ership has more than doubled ; the records show a list of members and probationers of about one thousand. Extensive improvements in the church property have been made. The Spokane Drug Company put two coats of paint on the outside of the church building. The parsonage has been repainted. The interior of the church has been dcorated with a rich fresco, and the entire woodwork re-varnishe<l, under the direction of Messrs. McCulloch and Tutting, of this city. The Epworth hall has been enlarged, papered and painted. .\ new reading room and ladies' parlor opens with folding doors into Epworth hall. An intermediate hall, cadet hall, and banner classrooms have been completed. The floor space of Epworth and connecting halls is three thousand seven hundred and forty square feet; in fact, the basement story of the church has been eritirely remodeled ; the front entrance changed and greatly improved. The capacity of the auditorium of this great church may be estimated when it is kpown that the floor space is ten thousand four hundred square feet. The recent improvements cost over two thousand dollars. Great credit is due to Mr. John Sargenson, chairman of the improvement committee, and Dr. George Libby, president oi the board of trustees.

The Sf^okauc Methodist College - In 1882- S;^ an effort was made to organize a college; thousands of dollars were spent, the school prospered, students attending from all parts of the country; but the financial reverses that carried down so many of Spokane's early enterprises swept this away also.

Jefferson Street Cliiireli. - The Jefferson Street ^lethodist church was organized in the chapel of the Spokane College October 9, 1887. There were present on the day of organization Rev. N. E. Parsons, presiding elder; Rev. R. E. Bisby, preacher in charge of North Spokane, and sixteen charter members. Previous to this time a Sabbath school had been carried on for about six months in the college chapel by I. S. Kaufman, oneofthetrusteesof the First church.

Soon after, a church was erected, completed and furnished, dedicated on the 25th of the following December, free from debt, the total cost being three thousand five hundred dollars. The chief promoters of this enterprise were H. N. Muzzy and I. S. Kaufman, acting prior to the conference of 1887, under the advice of Rev. W. C. Gray. A parsonage was soon after erected, some distance from the church. This involved both the church and parsonage property in debt; the parsonage was lost, and the church heavily mortgaged, but during the fall of 1896, under the heroic efforts of the present pastor. Rev. C. E. Todd, the debt of the church was reduced to five hundred dollars, and a new parsonage built at a cost of one thousand dollars and paid for. They now have a neat church and parsonage on the same lot. the outlook for the church was never better, and a larger house of worship will soon be necessary.

The list of pastors who have served the Jefferson Street church is as follows : Rev. R. E. Bisby, Rev. S. Driver, Rev. C. E. Evers. Rev. Henry Brown. ]\tv. V. A. La Violette, Rev. W. T. Euster, and the present pastor, Rev. C. E. Todd.

During the last six months of the pastorate of Dr. Henry Brown he also served as editor of the Columbia Christian Advocate, a paper started in the interests of Spokane Methodism, the chief promoters being Revs. Lee, A. Johnson, G. AL Booth, H. Rasmus and W. W. Van Dusen.

Union Park Chnreli. - The L'nion I'ark J^lethodist Episcopal church was organized in -August, 1 89 1, Rev. Perry Chandler, pastor, and Frank Tombs, class leader, with thirteen charter members. The church is well located in the eastern part of the city on Third avenue. This society supported a pastor for two years, but at their own request this church has been placed under the care of the pastor of the Jefferson Street Methodist Episcopal church. They have an excellent Sunday school, a good congregation, that meets every Sunday afternoon, and the S(jciety is increasing in membership and influence.

I'ineent Cluireh. - This church was organized in January, 1895, with about ninety members. The first place of worship was Elks' hall, in Symons block, and Rev. M. H. Marvin was the first pastor. A house of worship was erected on leased land on corner of Mill street and First avenue during the first year of its existence. ]Mr. Marvin was succeeded as pastor by Rev. J. B. Hollingshead, who served for over one year. The present pastor. Rev. W. K. Bean, D. D., has served the church acceptably for three years, and the membership has been augmented to two hundred and twentyfive. A lot has been purchased in a central location, corner of Lincoln and Main avenues, on which a church building, to cost about ten thousand dollars, will be erected in the near future.

German Church. - Fourteen years ago the first German preachers of the Methodist church were sent to eastern Washington. They were Rev. Adam Buehler, Rev. WilHam EssHnger, and Rev. F. W. Buchholz. Four years later the church at Spokane Falls was organized, and Rev. F. \\'. Buchholz was appointed pastor. The society secured property at the corner of P'ourth avenue and Stevens street, and erected a church on this fortunately selected lot. While the building was in progress the great fire came, and the cost of the edifice was consequently much higher than had been planned for; thus a heavy debt remained on the church property, which at times became very embarrassing, but with true German pluck they held out in hope of better times. A loan of eight thousand dollars was secured from the Church Extension Society, through the efforts of Rev. A. L. Keoneke, pastor. On this loan the regular payments are made of fifty dollars per month. Nearly all the floating indebtedness is paid, and the principal of the loan greatly reduced. The society now numbers one huntlred and thirty loyal members, ever readv to support the church to their utmost ability. It is worth mentioning that the society paid to the missionary fund an average of one dollar and twenty-five cents per member last year ; one thousand dollars on the debt; and during the entire year the average ainount paid per member was twenty-six dollars. Rev. J. W. Beckley is the present pastor. The church is greatly prospered, and the outlook encouraging.

A'orK'cgiaii and Danish Church. - This church was organized in April, 1889, by Rev. C. J. Larsen, with thirteen charter members. I'hey have a good church and parsonage property at 217 South Stevens street. The great Spokane fire occurred the same year the church was built. Many of the members suffered loss of property, and were unable to pay all their subscriptions. This made it necessary to let a heavy debt remain on the property, but the membership has increased and the work greatly encouraged. This struggling society is true to the benevolences of the church, and in one year gave one hundred and fifty dollars. The present pastor, Bro. V. L. Hansen, is meeting with splendid success. It is one of the missions of Methodism.

S7<.'cdish Church. - The work among the Swedish people of Spokane was commenced by the Rev. Bernt Howe in July, 1894. Services were held in the German Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. K. O. Berglund was appointed pastor that year, and organized a class of nine members. He was succeeded in December, 1896, by Rev. Joseph Esterborg, who became discouraged and abandoned the work in June, 1898. After this no services were held until the appointment of the present pastor. Rev. Emanuel Johnston. The work has been completely re-organized and started on an era of prosperity. The membership numbers twentyone including probationers. This also is one of the missions of the church.

The presiding elders who have managed the district are : Rev. S. G. Havermale, Rev. D. G. Strong, Rev. W. S. Turner, Rev. M. S. -Anderson, Rev. N. E. Parsons, Rev. Henry Rasmus, D. D., Rev. W. W. Van Dusen, D. D., and the present incumbent. Rev. Henry Brown, D. D.

Deaconess Home and Hospital. - The Deaconess Home and Hospital of Spokane was founded by Bro. and Sister F. P. Oneal, the coq)orate name being the Maria Beard Deaconess Home and Hospital. The name is in the affectionate memory of Sister Oneal's mother. It is a splendid structure, situated on Fourth street between Howard and Mill. The plan provides that one-half the building shall be devoted to hospital work, the rest for the Home. The various rooms have been furnished by individuals, charitable societies and churches. It is managed by a local board of control, with Miss Clara Brown, deaconess, as superintend- ent, and is affiliated with tlie deaconess movement of Chicago.. Any regular physician is admitted to practice in the hospital, the patients having their own choice. Patients who are able to pay for board and care do so, but charity patients are not denied admission, and many people contribute supplies and moneyto the support of this important work. (The Old People's Home, opened a few months ago, is an important adjunct to the hospital.)

Spokane Methodism, like the church in all cities and towns, has been supplemented and strengthened by the churches in the rural districts. Parents leave the farm and move to the city to secure better educational advantages for their children ; young men and women from the Christian homes in the country come seeking their fortune in change of vocation. There are seven charges and eleven churches with other preaching stations in the county outside of the city of Spokane and six preachers in charge.

Rev. J. W. Compti^n. wlio was appointed to what is now the Spokane district, first preached in Spokane Falls in June, 1880, in the public school house. Rev. E. P. Warren, a local preacher, also preached a few times in the town of Spokane Falls, but Rev. Reg. B. Swift was the first regular pastor. He was appointed to the charge in 1887, and organized the first society of the Methodist Episcopal church. South, in Spokane Falls, February 12, 1 888, in Morris hall with twenty-one members and began preaching in the above named hall February 5, 1888. In the fall of 1887 Bishop R. K. Hargrove selected the present site of the church on Sprague avenue, near Adams street, on which the present church, a neat brick edifice, was erected in the summer of 1888, and was dedicated by Bishop Hargrove in Sei>- tember of that year. Rev. R. B. Swift was continued pastor until 1890, assisted by P. M. Bell during the last vear. Being made presiding elder of the district, R. G. Isbell was appointed in charge of the church and continued one year. Rev. W. H. Hodges, of South Carolina, was tiien transferred to the charge and after one year J. \\^ Craig was appointed to the church and was pastor two years to September, 1894. Rev. G. H. Gil:)bs was appointed to the charge by Bishop Fitzgerald and was continued in the pastorate for three years to August, 1897. Rev. J. B. Christian -\vas transferred from Georgia, ])Ut in charge of the church until August, 1898, when 1ie. was succeeded by Rev. M. V. Howard, the l)resent pastor of the church. During the past year the Forest Park chapel has been built on North Monroe street, which is not yet completed. The present membership of the church is a little over one hundred. The Sunday school and Epworth League in the church are doing a good work. There is also a flourishing Sunday school organized in the Forest Park mission chapel, all under the care of the pastor. The church also owns a six-room parsonage on North Monroe street ; all the property is free from debt, except the parsonage property, which owes three hundred dollars. This charge is perhaps the extreme northern limit of the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The pastor is partially supported by mission money, but hopes in the near future to become selfsupporting. In fellowship with other Evangelical Protestant churches, the Ivlethodist Episcopal Church, South, is endeavoring to give the city of Spokane a pure Gospel, that saves all that accept it. With this mission before her, she expects to bide, and "stand in her lot, to the end of her days, and as a bride adorned for her husband meet her Lord at his coming." - M. V. Howard.

The Presbyterian Church

L. Deffenbaugh from the presbytery of Idaho. Preaching services had been held a month previous to this time by Rev. T. G. Watson and he was present and assisted in tlie organization of the new church. Five trustees were elected : Messrs. E. H. Jamieson. J. S. Allison, James Gibson, A. M. Cannon and R. ^l. Forrest. The following elders were installed on the Sabbath succeeding the organization: E. H. Jamieson. J. S. Allison. G. W. Burch and F. H. Conk. The first place of worship was in an upper room in Cannon's block, corner Riverside and Mill. In the spring of 1884 the congregation moved into the Van Dom Opera House, Riverside and Post. In the fall of 1884 the church worshipped in Glover's hall, Howard and Frank, and after two or three other moves finally occupied their new church building on the corner where the Review building now stands. This i^roperty was sold by the church in February. 1889, and after worship])iug for a time in Concordia hall on Second a\-enue, finally, in 1890. occu])ied the buildins' now used at the corner of Second and Jefferson. This church has had a steady growth and although suffering somewhat from financial depressions and the dismissal of members to form the Centenary and Westminster churches, yet she has always had a strong and loyal membership. This church has had but three pastors. Rev. T. G. Watson served the cluu-ch from June, 1883, to June, 1891, and was mstalleil as permanent pastor November 3. 1889. Rev. F. J. Mundy began his work January I. 189.2. antl continued until October 1, 1894; was installed pastor June 4, 189J. Rev. G. William Giboney, the present pastor, was installed December 8. 1895, although beginning his work November 8, 1894. The present enrollment of members is five hundred and seventy-five.

The Rockford Presbyterian Church, Rockford, was organized March 27, 1884, with five members. Messrs. D. F. Eakin and William O. Murphy were elected ruling elders. The present church building, worth one thousand live hundred dollars, was erected in the summer of 1887. The following pastors have served the church: D. D. Allen, 1885-1889; Isaac Wheelis, 1890-1891 ; W. C. Beebe, 1891- 1892; Isaac Wheelis, 1892-1893; Monroe Drew, 1893-1894; L. E. Jesseph, 1895-1898; J. A. McArthur, 1898-1900.

Fairfield Presbyterian Church, Fairfield, was organized with eight members October 2^, 1892, by Rev. T. M. Gunn and Rev. I. Wheelis. The pastors serving have Ijeen as follows: Isaac Wheelis, 1892; Monroe Drew, 1893; Charles Godsman, 1S94; L. E. Joseph, 1895- 1898; J. A. McArthur, 1898- 1900.

Centenary Presbyterian Church was organized February 3, 1888, with twelve members. Rev. T. G. Watson, pastor of the First church, and Rev. H. W. Stratton were actively interested in gathering the new church. The purpose and spirit of the organization is well set forth in the words of the committee appointed to look over the field previous to organization, viz : "It was found that nearly thirty persons, either members of Presbyterian churches or connected with Presbyterian families, were living on the north side of the river and that a goodly number of these desired to unite in organizing a church which should not only be convenient of access, but which should, with the Lord's blessing, enter heartily into mission work upon the_ field." The work of erecting a building was at once undertaken on lots donated for that purpose by Rev. H. W. Stratton, who also gave liberally of time and money for the completion of the building and sustaining the work of the church. Substantial aid was at this time given by the First church. The basement of the building was first used October 7, 1888, and the audience room was completed and dedicated in Septem- ber, 1890. After the organization of the churcli there was a considerable period of uncertainty as to tiie settlement of a pastor. Record is found of the f(jl!o\ving ministers who filled the pulpit as stated supply : Rev. H. G. Dennison, 1888-1889: Rev. D. S. Banks, June, 1889, to October, 1889; Rev. P. S. Janiieson, November, 1889, to June, 1890; Rev. T. J. Lamont, D. D., June, 1890, to November, 1890: Rev. S. T. Davis, February, 1891, to September, 1891. Rev. A. E. Street, September, 1891, to January, 1892. Rev. T. C. Armstrong, D. D., was installed pastor early in 1892, and remained o\'er four years. Rev. W. L. V'anNuys was installed in April. 1897, and resigned in April, 1900, to go to La Grande, Oregon.

The church has at present a membership of over line hundred, and seems to be entering a wider sphere of activity and influence than it has heretofore known.

Protestant Episcopal Church In Spokane

The first ser\ice of the Episcopal church in Spokane county was held liy the Re\'. R. D. Nevius, D. D., about 1880, and a little church was built on the corner of Riverside anil Lincoln, and a jjarish schno! fur Imys was held in the same Iniikling. which was afterwards moved to the present site of the cathedral and later burned down. The Rev. Dr. r)urnett succeeded Dr. Nevius as missionarx'. and the Rev. Charles B. Crawford succeeded him and was the first rector of All Saints' parish. About 18S9 St. Mary's hall was Iniilt in Cook's additicin, and a girls' school carried nn. first under j\Irs. Summerville, and then under Mr. James Lyon. It was during Mr. Crawt\)rd's rectorship that the present Church of All Saints was built and was intcndefl to be used ultimately as a parish house wlien the permanent structure should be erected. While he was rector. St. David's chapel at Lidgerwood also was built.

Crawford as rector. In 1892 eastern Washington became a separate diocese under the name of the Missionary district of S])okane, and the Rt. Rev. Lemuel 11. Wells, 1). 1).. became its first bishop, with his residence at Spokane as his see city, and took .Ml Saints church as bis cathedral. Soon after this the rectory and the old church, then used as a chapel, and the chancel end of the present churcii, with a laishop's house partly built, and other buildings adjoining, were burne<l. Later St. Mary's hall was burned and the bishop secured a new site and Iniilding for the school on the corner of Pacific avenue and Hemlock, au<l Mrs. Henreitta B. Wells and ]\Ii.ss Julia P. Bailey became the principals. Since then it has been twice enlarged and is very flourishing. About 1895 Mr. Lane was succeeded by the Rev. Dean Richmond Babl)itt, LL. D., and after a short interval the Rev. Robert Ferine became dean of the cathedral and is the present incumljent While Dr. Babbitt was dean the St. Stephens School for Boys was started and still occupies the parish house in connection with the cathedlal. Mr. T. E. Morton being the head master. Aliciut 189O Trinity church was erected, and alter several temporary arrangements the Rev. J. Neilson Barry took charge in 1899. A mission was at one time started at Liberty Park under the name of St. Peters, and after a year or two was discontinued. It has now been revived with ba])pier aus])ices under the charge of the Rew W alter B. Clark. There are no other Episcopal churches in Spokane county outside of the city, but the church services are being held in \arious jjlaces, in buildings either rented or loaned, in July, 1897, a Protestant hospital was orgainzed under the auspices of theEpisc(i])alchurch in a building on the corner of S]irague and .Madison streets, loaned by tliein. The hospital is doing good work and is generally full to o\-erflowing. cr)rdially supported by the Protestant community. Miss Edith Duke is the superintemlent and head nurse.

The United Presbyterian Church

The United Presbyterian Church is one of a number of denominations belonging to the great Presbyterian body. Its history extends back to and beyond the times of the persecutions in Scotland when men gave their lives rather tlian give up their rehgious con- A'ictions.

Its iiistory in America liegins. as a distinct denomination, in 1857, having its origin in the union of two Presbj-terian bodies, tlie Associate and tlie Assixiate-Reformed cliurclies. Each of these denominations, however, liad an American history running far liack into the eighteenth century. Indeed it is claimed that the first theological seminary l)uiiding erected on American soil was built by the .Associate church, in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and to-day pieces frcm the oak logs of the old building are found in many United Presbyterian families in the form of canes and curios and are regarded as heir-looms of a church ancestry.

The United Presbyterian church is one of the smaller denominations of the country, having, according to report of 1899, 893 ministers and 114.635 members in America, and two prosperous missions, one in Egypt and the other in India, with an aggregate of 73 ministers and 12,148 members.

The church established its work in Spokane county in 1890, in which year Rev. \\'. A. Spalding was sent out by the Home Missionary Board to organize a congregation in the city of Spokane. He arrived on the field August 8. 1890. On Sabbath, August 10, he preached, so far as is known, the first United Presbyterian sermon that was ever preached in the count}-, in the Congregational tabernacle, -on Washington street, between Third and Fourth avenues, and by favor of that congregation used their building for a first meeting of United Presbyterians that same evening.

During the week a store room at No. 421 Second a\enue was rented as temporary quarters, and later, about November i, the work was moved to the Phoenix Block, Second avenue and Jefferson street, where the organization was formed on November 7, 1890, with the following named twenty-eight persons as charter members : John Anderson, Mrs. Maggie Anderson. W. H. McCoy, Mrs. Ella McCoy, Isaac ^IcCracken. Mrs. Isabel McCracken, W". E. Reed, Mrs. Millie Reed, H. C. Blair,

E. Reed, Mrs. Maggie Reed. Miss Lena Mc- Coy, Thomas H. Brewer, Mrs. Margaret B. Spalding. ^Irs. Sophia Cannon, Mrs. Matie Sliields, J. F. Carnahan, Mrs. Tallie Carnahan. Of these, John Anderson, W. H. McCoy and Isaac McCracken were elected ruling elders, and W. C. McMillan. John E. Reed and W.H. McCoy, trustees, and so completed the organization.

The Boards of Home Missions and Church Extension rendered valuable assistance from the beginning. The latter purchased a lot, the present church site, corner Third avenue and Adams street, on which the congregation built a chai)el in 1891, as part of the future permanent building. In this they worshiped, and grew in lunnbers and strength until 1898, when the main auditorium, as it now stands, was completed, the total cost of the property being about eighteen thousand dollars. The Rev. Dr. Spalding has continued from the first to be the pastor of the congregation, v.hich has now ( 1900) a membership of one hundred and fifty. Besides taking care of their woVk and keeping themselves free from debt, the congregation has organized and maintained a mission Sabbath school at Glendale, in the southwest part of the city. Here they have a school of from seventy-five to a hundred, and a good property that is open to use by all evangelical denominations. This is the only congregation of the United Presbyterian denomination in the county of Spokane. The denomination is reckoned to be conservative in its theology. Its published creed is the confession that is common to all Presbyterian bodies, but it places back of all, the word of God, accepting it as the "infallible and only rule of faith and practice." As a church it stands stoutly upon the platform of Jesus Christ the Divine Son of God being "The head over all things to his church." It calls upon its members, by the power of an inward and spiritual impulse, to separate themselves from the world, and not be "unequally yoked together with unbelie\"ers;" and consequently it seeks to keep its members from all associations and societies where close and sworn fellowship must be had with men of every belief and practice. The exclusive use of "God's songs" or the Psalms in its praise service is a distinguishing feature that may have helped to keep the church pure in doctrine, on the principle of the noted saying, "Let me make a nation's songs and I care not who makes her laws."

As is to be rightly expected, the United Presbyterian church has always been identified with the moral growth, and better development of the city's and county's interests.

The Universalist society of Spokane was organized ]March 16, 1892, by the Rev. Q. H. Shinn, D. D., Universalist missionary, with a charter membership of ten. A parish was organized January 29, 1893, by O. H. Shinn, D. D., of Boston, Massachusetts, general missionary of the Universalist church for the United States. There were forty-five names enrolled. The officers of the parish are a president, clerk, treasurer and four trustees. This parish acknowledges the ecclesiastical authority of the Universalist general convention, and contributes each year according to its ability to the funds of the general con\-ention in conformity with their laws. The parish is the business branch of the church, and transacts all business pertaining to the church. Soon after the organization of the parish, a Sunday school was organized, and has held regular sessions every Sunday at 12 M.

A church organization was effected August 2"/, 1893, '^y I^^v. A. C. Grier, now of Racine, Wisconsin. Twenty-eight members were received into the church, some by letter and others by baptism. Officers of the churcli are a moderator, a clerk and three deacons. The Rev. A. C. Grier was engaged to preach at this time for two months, during his vacation from his regular charge in the east. During his stay Mr. Grier organized a Young People's Christian Union, an auxiliary to the church. After Rev. Mr. Grier left, lay services were held regularly in Oliver hall, some member of the church or parish reading a sermon each Sunday, no regular preaching services being held until the summer of 1896, when the Rev. Asa M. Bradley, then of Oakland, California, and Pacific coast missionary, was sent to this church by the Woman's Centenary Association, an auxiliary to the Universalist general convention. Rev. Mr. Bradley remained eight months and while here was instrumental in -purchasing a lot for church purposes, on which a church building is now in contemplation. When Mr. Bradley was called to other fields for missionary work, lay ser\-- ices were again resumed and have been regularlv held, except when an occasional sermon was preached by general missionary Rev. O. H. Shinn, D. D. From time to time accessions were made to the church until at one time the membership reached fifty-two, but on account of removals from the city the number has been reduced to about forty.

The church has been greatly hampered on account of lack of finances, but arrangements are now making whereby the general convention will lend its aid. which will enable the societv to employ a settled pastor in the near fur8o

The determintion of this society to i)e recognized as one of the nianv in this city which are laboring for Christ ami the go(.)d of humanity, will be apparent when it is considered that for seven years it has held regular ser\ices in Oliver hall, and during the majority of that time without a minister.

1. We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God. and of the duty, interest and final destmatuni of mankmd.

2. We believe that there is one Cod. whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord Jesus ChTist by one Holy Spirit of Grace, wlio will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness anil happiness.

3. We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works: fur these things are good and profitable unto men.

The First Unitarian ciiurch o{ Spokane was organized in the spring of 1887 at a meeting held in the office of Hon. George M. Forster. At this meeting there were present and took part in the organization Mr. and Mrs. George M. Forster. ^Ir. and Mrs. .\. J. Ross. Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Graves. Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Davis. Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Greenberg, Mrs. J. F. Sloane, Mr. and 'Sirs.