Church History
Church Founding
1881: Belle Putnam Walker spearheaded the founding of First Christian Church in Forest Grove. She was 28 years old, with 2 children.
1883: The Articles of Incorporation for the church were notarized with a membership of 34.
First Church Building
1891: After meeting at the Baptist Church for 8 years, our first church building was completed.
Church is Remodeled
1909: The church is remodeled and enlarged. More than 900 people attended the dedication.
Church Revivals
1927: Last of the multi-week revivals is held. Earlier revivals took place in 1905, 1906, 1907, 1910, 1911, 1912, & 1917.
Church Building Burns
1947: The church burns to the ground, to the dismay of the pastor and the congregation.
Church Building Rebuilt
1947: The new brick church building is completed. This building is in use today.
First Sunday School Teachers
1884: The Little Worker’s Society is formed to train children on Christianity and morality. It has continued since as Sunday School and age-appropriate youth groups.
Women’s Society & Fundraising
1896: Ladies of the church host a “bloomers and ice cream” social at Caples Hall. All the fundraising provides for a needed remodel of the five-year old church.
1904: A new organ is purchased for the church. The Women’s Endeavor Society has been raising money for its purchase.
Children’s Church
1913: Children’s Church is started.
Bus Ministry
1940: A bus ministry is added. The bus ministry continues on today with Vera’s Van.
Fundraising for New Building
1947: A new brick church building is started. Bing Crosby sends $25 to help with funding. Fundraising brings in $52,000 of the $82,000 needed to complete the church. A loyal couple in the church mortgages their farm to provide the additional $30,000 needed. The new church, furnishings and parsonage cost about $98,000 total.
