Church History

    Romans 5:12-14 teaches that we are guilty of the sin of Adam because "we were there" in Adam.  This may seem like a minor point of theology, but it is very important.  A case can be made from church history showing that in the late 18th century denial of this truth led directly to the liberalism of the early 19th century which in turn ended up denying both Christ and the Bible.  This happened because people of that time reasoned that if we are not really guilty of the sin of Adam then we are not really born sinners, which means we don't really need a savior, which means we don't need Jesus, which means we don't need the Bible, etc.  Entire denominations fell over this seemingly "minor" point.

   Words spoken by Rev. Rick Mathews , who gave the message in the morning service at Temple Baptist Church on August 18, 2002.

    For an exclusive chronological history that records events that happened from the year Temple Baptist Church was organized to present date, Click Here        

We start our history page in one of these dark times in Europe and America.

1492-- October 12, Christopher Columbus discovered the New World; he sailed from Spain and landed in the Bahamas on San Salvador or Wattling's Island.    

1529--February 4, Ludwig Heltzer, was beheaded at Kanstanz for holding Baptist views. (From the notes of H.Hallgren)

1531--Sicko Schneider, a was beheaded for being a Baptist. (From the notes of H.Hallgren)

1558--For more than 270 years --- from 1558 to 1829 --- Roman Catholics in England were not able to practice their faith openly so they had to find alternative ways to express their beliefs - underground. The song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is one example of how they did it.

1565--September 8, The first permanent European settlement in the present U.S. was founded at St. Augustine, Florida.

1585--The first English colony settled on Roanoke Island, but it survived only ten months.

1587--August 18, The first English child, Virginia Dare was born on the continent at the second Roanoke settlement--the "Lost Colony."

1609--Henry Hudson sailed the Half Moon up the Hudson River looking for "The Northwest Passage."

1611--April 11, Edward Wightman, English Baptist was burned at the stake in Litchfield, England.

1620--September, The Mayflower set sail.
           November 11, the Mayflower landed at Massachusetts in Plymouth Harbor.  Click here to view a Mayflower website.

1621--June 21, twenty-seven protestant leaders were executed in the Old Town Square in Prague by order of the Catholic Emperor Ferdinand.
    October,  The first recorded Thanksgiving celebration.

1623--July, The Pilgrims met together to celebrate the first proclamation of Thanksgiving. 

1624--The Dutch created the first European settlements when they settled in the States of Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and formed the Dutch colony of New Netherland, or Nieuw Nederlandt.  See Website  for detailed facts on those early days.

1628-- John Bunyan was born in Easton, near Bedford, England.  

1634--Tulip bulbs were used as a form of currency in Holland. (snapple.com)

1639--1st Baptist Church in America at Providence, Rhode Island was organized.  The meetinghouse of the nation's oldest Baptist congregation, founded by Roger Williams in 1638. The structure was dedicated in 1775 and designed by Joseph Brown. The church has a carved wood interior and a Waterford crystal chandelier. Built by ships' carpenters in 1775, it survived the gale of 1875 and the hurricane of 1938.

1640--The Whole Book of Psalmes, was the first book printed in the colonies.  It was a hymnal known as the Bay Psalm Book.  Only the words were printed because they assumed everybody new the music.

1644--2nd Baptist Church in America at Newport, RI organized by John Clark
           November 13, law adopted by Massachusetts Bay banishing all Baptists.

1653--John Bunyan was baptized at 25 years of age.

1654--Read some condensed history of the Anabaptist.  This was the first year, as known, the word Baptist was used in English Literature.

1664--May 28, 1st Baptist Church in Boston was organized by Hema Goulland who himself was banished but the church continued and increased.
          New Amsterdam captured by English and the name was changed to New York.  The English also captured the Dutch colonies of New Netherland.

1673--Thomas Ken wrote the words to the familiar four lines we know as Doxology.  In this year Thomas Ken wrote a book entitled, "A Manual of Prayers" for the use of the scholars of Winchester College.  In one of the editions of this manual, Ken included three of his hymns that he wanted the students to sing each day as part of their devotion.  These hymns we called "Morning Hymn," Evening Hymn," and "Midnight Hymn."  Each of these hymns closed with the familiar four lines we now know as the Doxology.

1688--August 31, John Bunyan died in London

1690--September 25, first newspaper printed in America, was sold in Boston.  It was a 71/4" X 111/2, four page journal with one blank page where you could write in your own news.  It was printed by Benjamin Harris.  The paper lasted only one issue before being suppressed.

1707--"When I Survey the Wondrus Cross", was written by Issac Watts.  Mr. Watts wrote 696 English hymns during his lifetime.

1719--Issac Watts wrote Jesus Shall Reign.

1723 -- The Old North Church in Boston was built.  A signal by Paul Revere from the lanterns hung in the belfry. "One if by land, two if by sea."

1741--Vitus Bering and Alexei Chirikov Expedition discovers Alaska.

1742 April 13, Handel's Messiah premiered in Dublin, Ireland.

1750--It was about this year that John Newton wrote "Amazing Grace".  Click here to read the history of  one of life's greatest hymns.
           The rapidly growing population of Britain's North American colonies now numbers one million, while approximately six million people live in England and Wales.

1752--Katharina A. von Schlegel wrote the words to, "Be still My Soul".  See 1899

1754--July, A skirmish between French troops supported by Indians and American colonists on the western frontier begins the Seven Years War, an worldwide contest for an empire between Great Britain and France.

1760--October, George III becomes King of England.

1763--February 10, The Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years War. A defeated France gives up most of her claims to The North American Territory.

1764--April, The British Parliament passes the Sugar Act to raise money through import taxes on the colonies.

1765--May, Virginia's House of Burgesses adopts Patrick Henry's Stamp Act Resolves, protesting taxation with out representation.
           August, Angry mobs force stamp distributors to resign.  Many colonists agree not to import British goods.
           October, Colonial delegates to the Congress in New York reject Parliament's right to tax the colonies.

1766--March, Pressured by British merchants, Parliament repeals the unsuccessful Stamp Act but restates its supreme authority over the colonies.

1767--June, The Townshend Acts impose duties on glass, tea, and other items imported into the colonies.  The colonists again refuse to buy British goods.

1770--March, British soldiers fire into an angry Boston crowd and kill five people.  This incident soon becomes known as the Boston Massacre.
           April, Parliament repeals all the duties except that on tea.

1772--William Cowper wrote the words to "There is a Fountain".  To hear the melody and read the words.

1773--January 1, John Newton preaches on 1 Chronicles 17:16, 17 and uses the words he wrote to "Amazing Grace" to accompany the sermon.  See more about Amazing Grace.
           May, The Tea Act gives the British East India Company a monopoly on sales.  In protest, patriots force ships to return to England without unloading their cargoes of tea.
           December 16,  American patriots dressed as Mohawk Indians boarded the vessels of the East Indian Company docked in the Boston harbor and dumped all the tea that was on the three ships into the ocean.  They emptied 342 chests of tea which was valued at more than 10,000 pounds.  This even became known as the "Boston Tea Party."
          

1774--March, Parliament closes Boston harbor to all trade as punishment for the Boston Tea Party.
           May, Virginia's House of Burgesses supports Boston by observing a day of fasting and prayer.  Virginia calls for a unified colonial response through a boycott of British goods.
           October, The First Continental Congress declares that Americans are entitled to the rights of "life, liberty, and property."
           November, Yorktown residents stage a southern tea party, boarding the ship Virginia and dumping chests of tea into the York River.

1775--John Asplund, the first Swedish Baptist in America.
            February, Parliament declares Massachusetts in rebellion.  British General Gage is authorized to use force to control the colony.
           April 19, British solders tried to capture a munitions storage at Concord, Massachusetts and were met with resistance from embattled farmers (Minutemen) and fired the shot heard around the world.  This was the start of the Revolutionary War.  Lord Dunmore, royal governor of Virginia, seizes Virginia's store of gunpowder at Williamsburg, Virginia.
           June, The British win the battle of Bunker and Breed's Hills in Boston, but they suffer heavy losses.  George Washington is appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental forces.
           November, Virginia's royal governor issues an emancipation proclamation freeing "all indentured Servants (and) Negroes" who will fight alongside the British.

1776--January, Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, "Common Sense", was published.
           May, France secretly begins sending money and supplies to the colonies.
           July 4, America declared its independence from England.

1777--January, Washington defeats the British at Princeton, New Jersey.  The Continental army goes into winter encampment at Morristown.
               September, The British occupy Philadelphia after winning the Battle of Brandywine Creek.
               October, Washington is defeated at the Battle of Germantown outside Philadelphia.
               October, British general John Burgoyne surrenders his army of 6,000 men at Saratoga, New York, a turning point in the war.
               November 1, The official First Thanksgiving Proclamation
               Winter, Washington's army winters at Valley Forge.  Severe weather and food shortages cause terrible hardships for the army.   

1778--February,  France pledges financial and military support to the United States, in effect declaring war on Great Britain.
           March 17, Captain James Cook arrives on the shore of present-day Oregon while exploring the west coast of America in search of the Northwest Passage.  He records some of the first encounters with Native Americans in this area.  He also touched the coast at Nootka Sound and confirmed the English claim to Oregon.
           June,  The Battle of Monmouth Court House in New Jersey ends in a draw, but the British leave the battlefield.

1779--The publication of Olney Hymns establishes Newton's reputation as a hymn-writer.
            Fall,  An American expedition burns the villages of Britain's Iroquois allies in New York.  With the war at a stalemate in the north, the British refocus their efforts to the south.
             September-October,  A joint French-American attempt to retake Savannah, Georgia, fails with heavy losses.  The French are unwilling to continue the siege leaving many Americans discouraged with the French alliance.

1780--May, Americans surrender Charleston, South Carolina, the worst defeat of the war.  This defeat begins a period of bloody conflict in the Carolinas between the loyalists and the patriots.
            July, Robert Raikes, organized the first Sunday School in Gloucester, England.  See a Robert Raikes Website.

1781--January,  Continental infantry and militia defeat the British infantry and cavalry at Cowpens, South Carolina.
           March,  At Guilford Court House, North Carolina, General Nathanael Greene loses to British general Charles Cornwallis.  Cornwallis, however, leaves the Carolinas to join British forces already in Virginia.
           August 2,  General Cornwallis makes Yorktown his base operations and fortifies the town.  Most of the townspeople flee before the British arrive.
           August 19,  Washington's and Rochambeau's combined American French army leaves New York for Virginia.  A French fleet heads for the Chesapeake Bay.
           September 5,  In a battle off the Virginia Capes, a French fleet drives off a British force and takes control of the Chesapeake Bay.
           September 26,  The Allied army arrives in Williamsburg, Virginia.
           October 6,  Allied troops dig the first siege line (redoubts, a defended position or a protective barrier, and gun batteries connected by trenches) at Yorktown.  Three days later, they begin bombarding the British defenses.
           October 14,  British redoubts nine and ten are captured during night attacks.  The allies move closer to Yorktown.
           October 16-17,  With supplies running low, General Cornwallis fails to escape across the York River for one reason, because of a storm.  Cornwallis requests a cease-fire to discuss terms for surrender.
           October 19,  General Cornwallis surrenders his army of over 7,000 men to the allied American-French forces.

1782--March,  Lord North resigns as prime minister of Britain.  Great Britain begins peace negotiations with the United States.   

1783--September,  The final treaties ending hostilities are signed in Paris.
           November,  The last British troops leave the United States.

1784-1785-- There is a growing sense of crisis in the New Nation.  The British refuse to give up their forts on the Western Frontier.  The weak confederation government is unable to pay the national debt, regulate trade, resolve conflicts between states, or end an economic recession.

1786--September,  Representatives from five states discuss the regulation of commerce.  A new convention is scheduled to meet in 1787, to revise the Articles of Confederation.

1786-1787--Winter,  Desperate Massachusetts farmers, suffering economically, resist the seizure of their property for debts or taxes.  A sense of crisis and fear of anarchy makes the reform of the confederation government urgent.

1787--May,  The Federal Constitutional Convention convenes with George Washington presiding.
           July,  The "Great Compromise," providing for equal state representation in the Senate and representation based on population in the lower house, breaks a deadlock between small and large states.  The Confederation Congress adopts the Northwest Ordinance providing for the settlement of western lands and the admission of new states into the union.
           September,  The delegates approve the final draft of the new constitution, which is sent to the states for approval.  
           December 7,  Delaware is the first state to ratify the new constitution.

1788--June,  New Hampshire becomes the ninth state to ratify the Constitution, putting it into effect.  Within a month, the two remaining key states of Virginia and New York also ratify the Constitution.

1789--April 30, George Washington becomes the first president of the United States.
           September,  Congress sends twelve constitutional amendments protecting individual rights to the states for approval.  Influenced by Virginia's 1776 Declaration of Rights of man and the Citizen as the French Revolution begins.

1791--Congress added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.  Virginia is the eleventh state to ratify the Bill of Rights, (the first ten amendments to the Constitution).

1792--Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren, of what occurred in and around this year.
               May 11, Captain Robert Gray entered the Columbia River aboard the American sailing ship, Columbia Rediviva, thus naming this important waterway.

1803--Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren, of what occurred in and around this year.
           December 20, America and France agree to the Louisiana Purchase that extends the United States territory west to the "Continental Divide."

1806--April 3, Captain William Clark set foot in the Oregon Territory, the first white man to do so.  Click the link to view the web page.
           Thomas Jefferson was President of the United States-March 4, 1801-March3, 1809.  He was the third President.

1809--February 12, Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky.

1811--Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren of what occurred in and around this year.

1814--September 14, Sir Francis Scott Key wrote the words to what we now know as the "Start Spangled Banner." Originally called "Defense of Fort McHenry."

1819--The southern boundary of the United States was fixed at 42 degrees latitude by treaty with Spain.  The territory to the south including California and Nevada were Spanish and Mexican possessions until 1846 and 1848 respectively.
               Thomas Cotterill, a Sheffield vicar, was charged by a church court for using a hymn-book in their services. In the Church of England, hymn-singing was long considered to be illegal.  This test-case led to hymn-singing being more or less legally accepted in the Church of England.

1820--March 24, Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby), the daughter of John and Mercy Crosby, was born in Southeast, Putnam County, New York.

1824--Dr. John McLoughlin, of the Hudson Bay Company arrived in Oregon and moved headquarters to Fort Vancouver, which is located on the north bank of the Columbia River. See the following Web Sites:
        McLoughlin House
        The Columbian Newspaper - History of John McLoughlin.  From 1824 to 1844 Dr McLoughlin was virtually king of the Oregon Country from California to Alaska and from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.
        James Monroe was President of the United States-March 4, 1817-March 3, 1825.  He was the fifth President.
        Russia renounced all interests to the land on the North American Continent below 54 degrees and 40 minutes north latitude.

1826--Reginald Heber wrote the words to the hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy," while he was Vicar of Hodnet, Scropshire, England.  The music was written for the hymn by John B. Dykes, in 1861.

1827--The United States and Britain agreed to continue indefinitely the joint occupancy of the Oregon Country.  Rivalry between the Hudson Bay Company traders, trappers and British on hand and the increasing number of American traders, trappers and settlers was apparent.  See 1846 

1829--Andrew Jackson was elected President of the United States on March 4, 1829 and served until March 3, 1837.  He was the seventh President.

1832--Read a written historical account from the notes of  Harley Hallgren; a story called, "The Indians want the Book." 

1834--The Rev. Jason Lee and his nephew the Rev. Daniel Lee were sent out by the Methodists.  Work was commenced near Salem and on October 6, the first Protestant Mission west of the Rockies was opened.
           Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren relating to Jason Lee and the first mission.
           June 19, Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born in Kelvedon, Essex, England. Click here to see Spurgeon Website
           

1835--Fredrick O. Nilsson converted at a revival meeting at the Mariners Church in New York City
           The first church in the United States devoted exclusively to sailors and their families was the First Mariners Church in New York City, dedicated in 1820.

1836--Originally The Alamo was established in 1718 as a Franciscan mission and is known for its important role in the Texas Revolution, when some 200 Texans and Tejanos made a final stand against Mexican soldiers in this year.

1837--Panic of 1837  was built on a speculative fever.  The bubble burst on May 10, 1837 in New York City, when every bank stopped payment in specie (gold and silver coinage).  The Panic was followed by a five-year depression, with the failure of banks and record high unemployment levels.
Dwight L Moody, the most noted evangelist of his age was born in Northfield, Massachusetts.  He was one of nine children   The family attended a Unitarian church.

1839--October 31, 1st Baptist Church in Denmark was organized with 11 members.

1841--April 6, John Tyler was President of the United States,  he served until March 3, 1845.  He was the tenth President.

1843--Tradition has it that a Tom Johnson, who had left the British Navy and taken American citizenship, was the only settler on the Willamette below the Falls (Oregon City), at this time.  
     In the summer of this year, A. L. Lovejoy and Tom Overton, in passing from Vancouver to Oregon City, appraised the favorable location here for a settlement and a city.  Acting at once, they roughly staked out a claim running from somewhere near the present line of West Burnside, south to about the present Jefferson Street.  This was the year when a group of settlers of the Oregon Country, principally from the upper part of the Willamette Valley, organized a provisional government for the people in these regions.
            Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren about The Oregon Trail.
            Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren about Champoeg.

1844--May 25, The first Baptist Church in the Oregon Country was organized at West Union in the house of Elder, David T. Lennox, by "a few of us who have been thrown together in the wilds of the west."
           June 6, The Young Men's Christian Association was founded in London, England.  Read a brief history of the YMCA. 
           F. W. Pettygrove took over the interest of Overton, and with Lovejoy, had the first log cabin built near the foot of the present Washington Street.  The town was on the way.  What to name it?  Lovejoy from Massachusetts, wanted Boston; Pettygrove, a Maine man, liked Portland.  They flipped a copper coin--luck was with Pettygrove.
           Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren about the city of  Portland around this point in time.
           Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren about the city of  Corvallis around this point in time.
           Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren about the city of  Salem around this point in time.

1845--March 4, James Polk was elected President of the United States.  He served until 1849.  He was the eleventh President

1846--June 15, For a time war seemed inevitable over land possession between the United States and Britain, but a treaty was arranged fixing the northern boundary of the United States, at least over the Oregon Country,  at 49 degrees North Latitude.  Back to 1827
           August 10, The Smithsonian was established.  Click here to view the Smithsonian web site.
           October 16, Anesthetics was introduced in the medical profession  

1847--The First Baptist Church of Oregon City was organized.
           May 7, The American Medical Association was formed.
           The Presbyterians sent Dr. Marcus Whitman and the Rev. Samuel Parker who established their mission station near the site of Walla Walla.  It was here that Dr. Whitman and others were massacred by Indians in this year.
            November 8, Rev Anders Wiberg resigned as priest in the State Church of Sweden.

1848--There were six Baptist Churches in Oregon and the Willamette Baptist Association was formed.
           The California gold rush draws men from Portland, and nearly depopulates the village.
           A Methodist Episcopal church is organized.
           August 14, Congress passed a bill admitting Oregon as a territory.
           September 21, first New Testament baptismal service in Sweden (of definite record) at Vallersvik near Gothenburg--5 were baptized.
           Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren, having to do with the Oregon Territory in 1848.  

1849--Portland gets its first Post Office.
           March 3, Oregon was proclaimed a territory, which included the present State of Washington and more land to the east.    
           It is interesting to note that the governorship of Oregon Territory, at this time was offered by The President at that time, to Abraham Lincoln.  by Harley Hallgren.  The President in that year was James Polk whose term ran out on March 4th and Zachary Taylor who was elected our 12th President, March 4th, and died one year later on July 9, 1850.
           March 4, David Rice Atchison was President of the United States for one day.  He was the only man in history to have done this.  March 4th was on a Sunday, the day Zachary Taylor was to take the oath for President.  Mr. Taylor felt convicted of his religious beliefs and said he would not officially do the ceremony and take office until the next day, Monday.  David Atchison was President of the Senate at the time so he assumed the Presidency for that day.  See a Website about this event in history.     
           May 6, Fredrick O. Nilsson ordained to the Gospel ministry in Hamburg, Germany.  John Oncken, Kobner and Schauffler officiated.  Return to 1835  

1850--The first steps toward the organization of a Baptist church in Portland were taken.  For more information Click Here.
           December 4,--The first issue of the Oregonian Newspaper was published. 

1851--January 14, the Oregon territorial house of representatives passed Portland's charter.
        February 8, Portland officially became a city. 
        April 7,--Hugh O'Bryant became Portland's first elected mayor.
        April 15, Josiah Failing with his sons, Henry and John Failing arrived in Portland.  They were the first Baptist family to settle in the little town.  They built a store building, twenty feet front and fifty feet deep on the S. W. corner of Front and Oak St. and opened a general merchandise store as soon as the goods arrived from the East.  Read and account of Josiah Failing and his observations of Portland.
        Portland had a population of 300 to 400 people.
        November 14,--The American edition of the book Moby Dick was published by Harper & Brothers, New York.
        An Act of Congress extended US Mail service to Oregon. 

1852--June, Gustaf Palmquist was baptized at Galesburg, Illinois.
          July 23, Rev. Anders Wiberg was baptized by F. O. Nilsson near Copenhagen, Denmark on his first journey to America. 
         August 3, this day marked the beginning of what would grow to be our Baptist General Conference.
        To read some small part of history of the Baptist General Conference, click here.
        September 26, 1st Swedish Baptist Church in America was organized at Rock Island, Illinois, with six members.  Four years and five days after the 1st Swedish Baptist church in Sweden.  Gustaf Palmquist conducted the business session.

1853--Christmas Day, the West Union Baptist Church was dedicated.  Click Here to see photos of West Union Baptist Church taken, October, 2001.  Also see year, 1855 on this page.
         The first World's Fair held in New York City known as the Crystal Palace Exposition turned out to be a flop.
        The government established a post office at Tualatin, a station one mile south of Forest Grove.
        July 14, a post office opened at Wapatoo.

1854--Oldest Swedish Baptist Church building in the world was erected at New Sweden, Iowa.

1855--May 6,-- At 10:30 am, a church organization in Portland, was formed, with ten members.  Rev. W. F. Boyakin was chosen pastor, and Josiah Failing, deacon.  This was the beginning of the First Baptist Church in Downtown Portland, today located at 909 SW 11th.  Their first service was held in the newly completed County Court room in the Robinson building on the corner of Front and Salmon Streets.   Rev. Hezekiah Johnson preached the dedication sermon.
           December, --the present building of the West Union Baptist church was dedicated.  It is the oldest Protestant church building, still standing, west of the Rocky Mountains.  30 X 40 feet in size with rafters of cedar poles,  the joists of fir poles and the sills of hand-hewn fir logs.  An annual memorial meeting is held in this other wise unused building, because of its historic significance.  (Since the writing of these minutes, church service is held on a regular basis as well as a Sunday School.)  The floor is made of wood planking with straight back wood pews.  The ends of the pews are equipped with doors.  The church building  is still today in the same condition as when it was built.  There is a pump organ that is used for music.  The church has a fresh coat of white paint.  The windows are covered with shutters that are usually closed except when added lighting is needed.   Return to 1853

1856--June 20-25, the first conference of Swedish Baptists anywhere in the world was organized at Rock Island, Illinois.
           Elizabeth Prentiss wrote the hymn, "More Love to Thee."

1857--August, the first Constitutional Convention of Oregon was held.

1858--Twelve charter members organized the First Baptist Church in Amity, Oregon.  The church building was built in 1870.  The Amity Church is a member of the Columbia Baptist Conference.
           
1859--February 14, Oregon became the 33rd state in the Union.

1860--The first attempt to maintain a Baptist church in Portland did not prosper and only three members remained.  With the hope of reviving the church, the Willamette Association appealed to the American Baptist Home Mission Society to place a missionary in the field.  In response to this request Dr. Samuel Cornelius, was sent to labor in Portland,  He arrived in June and in August 31st, the First Baptist Church of Portland was reorganized with 12 members and regular services were conducted in a rented hall on First Street.  Dr. Cornelius was elected pastor and Josiah Failing and S. W. Williams were chosen deacons.  Click here to read a detailed account.
          The population of Portland was now 2,917.
          A mass exodus of immigrants occurred from Sweden. 
          The words to the hymn "Jesus Loves Me" was written in this year by Anna B.Warner.  The music was composed by William B. Bradbury in 1862.  The stanzas 2 & 3, were composed by David R. McGuire 1929-1971. 
 "One of the most profound hymns ever written". -- Rev. Rick Mathews on 7-8-2004.
December, The Oregonian started publishing newspapers in Portland.

1861--a church building The First Baptist Church (American Baptist) was started on the corner of Fourth and Alder.
           The Civil War started.  See the year 1865.  Click Here to view a Web Site showing a Civil War Time line.
           The music to the hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy," was written by John B. Dykes.  The words were written in 1826 by Reginald Heber.

1862--January, the First Baptist Church on the corner of Fourth and Alder was dedicated as a partial completion.  The basement was finished so that it could be occupied for religious services.  Dr. Samuel Cornelius continued as pastor.  (Church Manuel 1876).
           Although not strictly a hymn, the strains of "Taps" are probably the most recognizable twenty-four notes in our country's musical history. The eloquent and haunting melody has drifted over the graves of soldiers since it was played by a lone bugler on a Civil War battlefield in 1862. Click here to hear the music and read the history of the most noted twenty-four notes.

1863--February 17, International Committee for the Red Cross met for the first time.  It was originally know as the International Committee for Relief to The Wounded.
           October brought about the International Committee for the Red Cross conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
           November 19, - A quote on this day from President Abraham Lincoln, "Now we are engaged in a great Civil War testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure."

1864--September, Dr. Cornelius left the First Baptist Church.  At this time the their were 49 members.
           October 20, The first annual Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln.
           Olaus Okerson, missionary in Minnesota and the Northwest came to America.
           See a page out of Harley Hallgren's note book telling about information he found having to do with Tax lots of the First Baptist Church.
           The Portland Water Company, a privately owned business, installed Portland's first fire hydrant in 1864.

1865--Portland's population was numbered at 1,800.  The skyline was changing, with stores and homes lining Front Street.
           Civil War Ends.  See the year 1861.
           April 14, President Lincoln assassinated at Ford's Theater in Washington D.C.   Click Here to view a Web Site on President Lincoln.  Vice President Andrew Johnson assumed the Presidency.
           April 15, President Lincoln died.

1866--August 19, First Baptist Church of Chicago, now known as Addison Street Baptist Church was organized.  They are located at 1242 West Addison Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60613, 773-935-2357
           Thomas O. Chisohm was born.  He wrote over 1200 hymns such as: "Living For Jesus, O, to be Like Thee and Great is Thy Faithfulness."  See 1923

1867--March 30, The United States and Russia signed a treaty for the purchase of Alaska for the sum of $7,200,000.  William H Seward, then Secretary of State negotiated the purchase.
           December 22, Captain R. E. Jeanson of Gothenburg, Sweden,  converted to the Baptist faith and settled in New York in 1865.  Under his leadership, fifteen men and nineteen women met to found the "First Swedish Baptist Church of New York" on this Sunday.   Initially worshipping at the Mariner's Church near the docks in lower Manhattan, the congregation moved uptown to the Colgate Chapel on 20th Street in 1884.  Then, as the congregation grew and prospered, it bought its own building on 27th Street in 1893.  As time went by, the need for a Swedish language church decreased.  Swedish immigration slowed, many Swedes migrated westward, and descendents of the original settlers learned English as their native tongue.  Thus, in 1942 the worship language of the church was changed from Swedish to English, and the official church name was changed to "Trinity Baptist Church."  Trinity Baptist is a part of the Baptist General Conference. Read more about the history of "Trinity Baptist by using the link above. 

1868--April, construction work was begun on two railroads, to the south.  One on the east side, The Central Pacific and one on the west side, the Union Pacific.
      The words to "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" were written by Elizabeth C Clephane in Scotland.  She was known as "The Sunbeam."

1869--May 10, Officials of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met in the State of Utah to celebrate the completion of the first intercontinental railroad.  The completion of this rail line shortened the trip from coast to coast from six months to six days!  View the Golden Spike Web Site.
           Fanny Crosby wrote the hymn, "Near the Cross".  

1870--January, the First Baptist Church building in Portland, Oregon, was completed and dedicated "to the service of God and our Lord Jesus Christ."  The entire cost of the church building including improvement of the grounds was $12,500.00.

1871--Bethel Theological Seminary has beginnings.  John Edgren opens a department for Scandinavian theological students in the fall, at the Union Theological Seminary in Chicago with one student, Christopher Silene.  A second student Nicholas Hayland began in midyear.
           Mr. & Mrs. Hans Shogren with their family arrived from Minnesota.
           May--John Edgren began to publish Zions Wäktare (The Watchman of Zion).  This marks the beginning of a denominational press which is now publishing "The Standard."
           Read a written historical account from the notes of Harley Hallgren about the Scandinavian Work that is beginning around this point in time.
           October 8,  the Great Chicago Fire. 
 

1872--The Shogren family were received by letter into the membership of the First Baptist Church.  Mr. Shogren was a carpenter and engaged in carriage making (both horse drawn and the smaller variety in which babies are pushed by their mothers) in Portland until the daughters, years later had become well established in their high class tailoring business.  Mr. Shogren was an uncle of Mrs. Emanuel Bjorkquist of Warren and she relates that he together with his sister, Mrs. Bjorkquist's mother, were baptized in Chicago in 1856 by the Rev Gustaf Palmquist, one of the earliest of Baptist pioneer preachers. Click here to see a letter written to Harley Hallgren from Mrs. Bjorkquist on February 9, 1944.
           The first street car was introduced.  It was horse drawn and ran on First Street from Clarendon Hotel and the Railroad Station at F street South to Jefferson Street.
           March 1,  Yellowstone becomes the First National Park 
          "I Need Thee Every Hour" was written by Annie S Hawks.
           "Whiter than Snow" the words to this beautiful hymn were written by James Nicholson in this year.  The words were taken from Psalms 51:7.  "Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

1873--January 1, Willamette Falls Locks opens its gates for the first time to river traffic traveling along the Willamette, allowing safe portage around the 40-foot-high falls.
           August 2, a fire gutted much of Portland's business district and damage was estimated at $1,345,400.
           Horatio G. Spafford wrote the beautiful hymn, "It is Well With My Soul."          

1875--"First recorded work for Scandinavians in Portland was a mission conducted  by a tailor, Charles A. Sandstone."-Harley Hallgren
     The First Baptist Church reported to the Willamette Association that gospel work was being done among the Scandinavians under the leadership of a Brother Sandstone.  In this he was no doubt encouraged by the Shogren's.
           St. Vincent Hospital opened.
           September, Good Samaritan Hospital opened.

1876--"The Manual" of the First Baptist Church of Portland, was written.  In it we read:  "Such are the beginnings of this letter one which an account of the importance of the position it occupies and the purity of the Christian doctrines it seeks to disseminated, we may well hope will yet, "become a thousand".   Return to 1862
       Carl Boberg wrote the words to the beloved hymn, "How Great Thou Art".
         

1878--Local telephone service in Portland, was established by the American Telephone and District Telegraph Co.
           February,  The first telephone book was published in New Haven, Connecticut, by the New Haven District Telephone Company. It was one page long and held fifty names - no numbers were listed as the operator would connect you. The page was divided into four heading residential, professional, miscellaneous, and essential service listings.  See Web Site having to do with History of the Telephone.

1879--The Second Baptist Church developed under Rev. Addison Jones.  Today it is know as the Hinson Memorial Baptist Church.
           Portland's population was 20,000.
           May 25, Electric light arrived in Portland.
           June 12-14, organization of the Swedish Baptist General Conference of America, at Village Creek, Iowa.  John Ongman, moderator; A.P. Ekman, recording secretary; John A. Edgren, preacher of conference sermon.
           Henry Villard incorporates the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company and acquires the Oregon Steam Navigation Company.  

1880--December,  Rev. John Gray became pastor and remained three years during which time the church building was enlarged and refitted. (Second Baptist Church)
           Christopher Silene became the first missionary of the Baptist General Conference.
           Henry Villard starts construction on the South Side Line of the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company.
           Fanny Crosby wrote the words to "Tell Me The Story of Jesus."  Fanny wrote over 8,000 hymns in her lifetime despite being blind.  

1881--January, Olaus Okerson and his family arrived in Portland.  The stayed with the Shogren family home to which they were welcomed and kept until located elsewhere.
           January 23, Pastor Okerson's first preaching service in the Pacific Northwest was held in the Episcopal Chapel on SW 5th near Oak St.
    An account of his observation of the City of Portland by Rev. John Stadling of Stockholm, Sweden and writes in his book published in Sweden in 1863.  Also read in the same page, Rev. Stadling's account of religious persecution in Sweden.
           July 2, President Garfield  was assassinated.  President Garfield died on September19th.
           In this year, or a few years prior, Horatio Gates Spafford lost his four daughters during an ocean voyage tragedy in 1873, and prompted him to write the words to “It is well with my soul”.  Music by Philip P. Bliss.  Click here to hear the hymn and read its complete history.
           Los Angeles is 102 years old with over 20,000 population.
          Astoria is the oldest town in Oregon.
          Portland had a population of 26,000.
          Salem had a population of 4,000.
          Oregon had a population of 160,000.               

1882-- Panoramic View of the City of Portland looking East.  Place mouse pointer over thumbnail picture and click the mouse button to see a full size Panoramic View.  It is a large file so please be patient.  

1883--April 15,  The First Scandinavian Baptist Church held meetings in its own building at S.W. Sixth and Caruthers.
           May 25, the Brooklyn Bridge Opened
           October 17, Rev. Gustof Liljeroth baptized John Palmblad and two others in Johnson Creek at Gresham.  This was the first baptismal service for our church. 
           Mrs. Liljeroth conducted the Sunday School.  Click here to read an account of the history of the Temple Baptist Sunday School.
           June 3, a Scandinavian Baptist church was formed in Seattle, the first on the west coast.

1884--January 1, First Scandinavian Baptist Church of Portland (now known as Temple Baptist Church) was organized by Gustaf Liljeroth.    Click here to see minutes of the meeting.
           United States Electric Lighting and Power Company was hired to establish electric service in Portland.
           The Union Pacific Railroad gains access to Portland.
           Dr. Edgren's Theological Seminary (Bethel Seminary) moved to St. Paul under the name "The Swedish American Bible Seminary," beginning a four year period of independent existence.
           Note: From the records of Harley Hallgren  Hard times came in 1884.  Railroad financial collapse resulted in much unemployment.  Work on the Portland Hotel stopped.  Some of the church members moved out of town onto farms, some went back east; P.A. Johnson went to Chicago and Mr. and Mrs. Rose went to Michigan.

1885--October 1, Nicholas Hayland, first graduate of Bethel Seminary, became pastor.
           May, Rev. Liljeroth went to Oakland, California where he organized a Scandinavian Baptist Church.
           November 2, Jack Dempsey fought David Campbell; Campbell lost.  He became one of Portland's greatest Fire Chiefs.
           J. P. Rasmussen founded a retail and wholesale paint business at Washington between First and Second.
           Recorded names of people at church services in this year; PH Carlson, Lydia Lindblom, Hanna _______?, Anna Moe, Annna? Pearson, Mary Moe, Ellen Nelson, Andrew Olsam, Axel Loaderholm, David Hagg, ______ Stenstrom, Rev. Hayland, Mrs. Hayland, 3 children, Anna Youngstrom, Bernard ________?.  Pastor Hayland preached to South Portland Catholics and Jews.

1886--February, "The Swedish American Bible Seminary" moved to Stromsburg, Nebraska, remaining for two years as "The Central Bible Seminary."
           June 23, Women's Sewing Society was formed. Read a historical account and see a picture of this group taken in the early 20's by clicking on the Women's Sewing Society Link.  Read the Constitution of the Sewing Bee in Swedish and also translated to English.  Also see Harley's Notes.
           July 3, Nicholas Hayland was reelected preacher, unanimously, "received all the votes of those present,-eleven in number."
           October 28, The Statue of Liberty was completed.  Click here to see Statue of Liberty website.  "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled massed yearning to breath free.  The wrecked refuse of your teeming shore,  send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" by Emma Lazarus 
    The first lighthouse to use electricity was the Statue of Liberty. (snapple.com)

1887--August 1, a new building, The First Swedish Church of Portland on N.W. 12th near Glisan was erected and dedicated.
           August 27,  First Baptismal Service held in the 12th Street Church with Pastor Hayland baptizing Miss Anna Ljungstrom (sister of Mrs. Hayland), Miss Anna Person and Mr. David Hagg.
           First bridge across the Willamette River is open for traffic at Morrison Street.
           A cable car line is begun to the heights in the west part of the city.
           The Armory is erected this year.
           Southern Pacific Railroad completes construction and opens service from San Francisco to Portland.
           Albina and Sellwood incorporated.
           Due to failing health J. A. Edgren terminated his work as dean of "The Central Bible Seminary."
           Baron Gustaf Cederstrom painted the famous Swedish painting, "The Baptists."  To see an image in color of the painting and read about how the work came to canvas Click Here.

1888--January, the Willamette River froze.  People walked on ice for three months.
          August 25th, the trustees of the First Scandinavian Baptist Church of Portland decided to sell the property on Caruthers Street to John P. Nelson.
           September 29, A Young People's Society was organized with a membership of seventeen.  L. Larson was the first president.
           Electric Interurban Railway is completed to Vancouver.
           First Portland Rose Show is held.
           Bethel Seminary returns to Morgan Park, Chicago, again as a separate Swedish department of the Baptist Union Theological Seminary with Eric Sandell as acting dean
           Johanna Anderson, St. Cloud, Minnesota, the first Swedish Baptist foreign missionary sailed for Burma.
           George Eastman Patents the Camera

1889--Canadian Pacific Railway establishes a line of steamers between this city and China.
           Fulton Park street car line started-the first electric trolley line.
           The Portland Hotel is completed.
           Carl Gustaf Lagergren came to America and began his service of 33 years as dean of  the Theological Seminary.
           November 11, Washington is admitted to the Union, becoming the 42nd State.
           December 28, The Swedish Baptist Conference of the North Pacific Coast was organized.  It later became the Columbia Conference in 1930.
           Uno M. Brauer became senior pastor

1890--February 28, The Cedarhome Baptist Church in Stanwood, Washington was organized.
           The city's cable car line began service to the Portland Heights.
           August Erickson opens the Nine Bar Saloon at Burnside Street between Second and Third Avenues.
           Taxi (hack) rates, for immediate use, one person, not over one mile=50 cents.
           Population of City of Portland 72,357.
           U.S. National Bank was organized.
           Eiffel Tower in Paris was completed.
           The Columbia paddle wheeler Bailey Gatzert, the first overnight passenger vessel on the river, was built.  Both the fastest-at more than 20 miles per hour-and the most elegantly appointed, she sets the standard for passenger sternwheelers to come.

1891--Uno N Brauer was pastor
           Rev. August Westerberg was pastor.
           Madison Bridge opened.
           June, East Portland and Albina consolidated with Portland.
           A machine invented this year made mass production of the Fig Newton possible.
          

1892--January 1, the immigration station opens at Ellis Island.  Click here to view the Ellis Island website.
           May, the church voted to withdraw from North Pacific Coast (Columbia) Conference.
           October 26, Westminster Presbyterian Church organized.
           First Baptist Church-(White Temple) on S.W. 12th and Taylor has cornerstone laid for new building.

 1893--Rev. John Olander was pastor
           Erik Hjalmar East felt the call of God to go the Foreign Field.
           Union Station is an improvement of this year.
           Portland had high water - had to make platforms at Henderson's to walk on.

1894--The name "First Scandinavian Baptist Church of Portland" was changed to "The First Swedish Baptist Church."
           Rev. David Oberg was Pastor 
           June 6, The Willamette River crested at 33 feet, causing the worst flood in Portland's history.
           First Burnside Bridge opened.
           First Congregational Church building completed at Park and Madison.
           White Temple was erected at S.W.12th and Taylor and now known as The First Baptist Church of Portland.
           See Tax Lot information on Caruthers Street Church.

1895--June, the conference name was changed to the Swedish Baptist Conference.
          July 4, America the Beautiful was first published in The Congregationalist.  The poem was written by Katharine Lee Bates.
           Present City Hall completed.  The first steel frame, fireproof structure in the city.
           Astoria's railroad work started.  An Andrew B. Hammond enterprise.

1896--Sylvester Pennager, Mayor of Portland
           May 22, Alfred D. Nobel died, leaving a fund of over eight million dollars.

1897--Rev. Charles Asplund was Pastor

1898--a separate conference in Oregon was established. The conference name was then the Oregon Swedish Conference.
          William McKinley was the 25th president of the United States   
          The Mission Circle was organized to promote interest in home and foreign missions.
          Sellwood annexed to Portland.
          Astoria's railroad completed.
          The Spanish American War.
          February 15, Battleship Maine explodes in Havana's harbor, with crew of 266 killed.
          March 12, Battleship Oregon leaves San Francisco, around the tip of South America for Florida.
          April 25, United States declares war on Spain.
          May 22, Battleship Oregon arrives off Florida.  Click Here to see website for Battleship Oregon. 

1899--Rev. G. A. Osbrink became the first Oregon Conference Missionary.
           E. Henry Wemme owns the first and only automobile in Portland.
           The music to "Finlandia" was written by Jean Sibelius and was used for the music to several hymns including, "Be Still My Soul".  See 1752
            Gideons International was founded this year.

1900--population 90,426.
           February 14, Pastor Nicholas Hayland, our 2nd pastor and 1st graduate of John Edgren's Theological Seminary, (Bethel) passed away, in Tacoma, Washington.

1901--August 29,  Olaus Okerson, died in McMinnville, Oregon.
           The first Nobel prize was given.
              

1902--Rev. Hohn Huggert was pastor.
           Rev. Gustaf Johnson succeeds Rev. Osbrink as missionary.
           The Oregon Journal newspaper started in Portland.
           May 22, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Crater Lake a National Park.

1903--June 16, Henry Ford set up his car manufacturing Company
           July 31, An armless swimmer (Professor Clarence Lutz) swam across the Willamette River near the Morrison Bridge.  People were lined up on the Morrison Bridge to watch him when the part of the bridge gave way and tumbled people onto the boat houses below. There were many injuries and 3 died.
             

1904-- September 26, Axel Anderson and Carl V. Anderson were baptized.
           The first New Year's Eve celebration is held in Times Square, then known as Longacre Square, in New York, New York

1905--April 12, the 12th avenue church property was sold.  Services were held in The German Methodist church from April to September.
           May 30, Oaks Park opened.
           June 1, President Theodore Roosevelt sent a telegraph from Washington declaring the Lewis & Clark Centennial Exposition open.  Portland hosted the Lewis & Clark Exposition which ran for 137 days and was held at Guilds Lake.  Two million people saw the exhibits.  See picture of the original Forestry Building.  See the year 1964
           September 17,  a new building, The First Swedish Baptist Church at N.W. Fifteenth and Hoyt was dedicated.
           "Be Thou My Vision", the words written in Ancient Irish, were translated to English by Mary Elizabeth Byrne.
            "His Eye is on the Sparrow", the words written by Civilla D. Martin.
            "In the Sweet By and By", the words and music written by Charles D. Tindley.   

1906--April 18, huge earthquake at San Francisco.
           Rev. Eric Scherstrom was pastor.
           Rev. Carl Axel Boberg succeeds Rev. Gustaf Johnson as Oregon Missionary.
           Mr. and Mrs. Lundberg were the custodians at the 15th and Hoyt church.

1907--The first Rose Festival.  
            A.G. Sandblom  came to the west coast as a missionary and continued until September, 1912.
           May 30,  See the Announcement for the Yearly Banquet of the Sunday School 
           June 5, The Church at Warren was organized.
           June 22, Barney Oldfield broke the world's circular track record at Irvington Park.  He was the world's greatest automobile racing driver at the time.
           Rev. A. G. Sandblom succeeds Rev. Boberg as Oregon Missionary.

1908--January 26, John A. Edgren, founder of the Theological Seminary and the denominational press, passed away in Oakland, California.
           Spokane Portland and Seattle Railroad completed to Portland.
           July 4, See Photo of Young People's Picnic.
          October 1, Ford Motor Company unveiled the Model T.
       
1909--August 19, Powell Valley (Haley) church was organized.

1910-- the Sewing Circle and Mission Circle were combined.
            the population of Portland reaches 207,214.
            May 18, 19, 20, Halley's Comet arrived in skies over Portland; suppose to return in 1987.
            Philip Forsander left for Morgan Park Seminary, to become a Pastor and Naval Chaplain.
            In the spring, the blind evangelist, A J Freeman, and his daughter, Ester, held meetings which were used of God in the salvation of many souls.

1911--Rev. Fredric Linden was Pastor.
           The Hymn, "Rise Up O Men of God," was written by William P. Merrill.

1912--January 28, The church at Cherry Grove was organized
           Reed College opens at S.W. Eleventh and Jefferson.
           The Haley church was dedicated.  John Johnson was the first pastor from 1907-1920.
           September, Rev. August Olson succeeds Rev. Sandblom as Oregon Missionary.
           The Theological Seminary  which was a department of the Divinity School at The University of Chicago terminated its support of Bethel Seminary.
           A. J. Wingblade took over as director of Bethel Acadamy.
           April 15--the "unsinkable" ocean liner Titanic sinks on maiden voyage after colliding with an iceberg; over 1,500 drown.
           The first Swedish Baptist Church in Oregon was established in Cherry Grove.
           December,  Mr. and Mrs. John Milton went to Cherry Grove from Portland and bought a lot on First Avenue to build a hotel.  It was rushed to completion and ready for use in late January the following year.  

1913--Bill creating U.S. Federal Reserve System becomes law.
           Woodrow Wilson becomes 28th U.S. President.
           Henry Ford develops the first moving assembly line
           The hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" was composed by Rev. George Bennard 
           March 13, David Livingstone, missionary and explorer, was born in Scotland.

1914--Seventh Street on the West side renamed Broadway.
           The Library moves to S.W. Tenth and Yamhill.
           Bethel Seminary moved from Chicago, to a new building on Snelling Avenue Campus in St. Paul merging with Academy as "Bethel Academy and Theological Seminary," the beginning of a school work owned and operated by the Baptist General Conference.  G. Arvid Hagstrom was elected president of the combined two schools.
           March 2, Captain G. W. Schroeder, in a sense the first Swedish Baptist, died in Brooklyn, New York.  He was nearly 93 years of age.
           The world's first red and green traffic lights are installed in Cleveland, Ohio.
           August 15--The Panama Canal is officially opened after 10 years of construction.  SS ANCON, was the first ship to use  Panama Canal.
           June 28, The First World War started with the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand the Inspector of the Austro-Hungarian Army, and his wife, Sophie von Chotkovato during a parade in Sarajevo.

1915--Emanuel Hospital builds first building on Stanton Street.
               Boston Red Sox beat the Philadelphia Phillies (4-1) in the World Series
               May 7--British ocean liner Lusitania sunk by German submarine, 1,195 perish.

1916--January 1, read the Församlings Posten (Assembly News).  Our church news letter - written in Swedish.
           Rev. Axel Tjernlund served as Interim Pastor.
           Rev. Gideon Sjolander was Pastor.
          A dedication of the opening of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway was held at Multnomah Falls.  See Web Site.

1917--April 2, President Woodrow Wilson appeared before The Congress of the United States and asked them to declare war on Germany.
          April 6,--The United States entered the First World War.  Woodrow Wilson was President.
          The Interstate Bridge to Vancouver is opened.
          Shipbuilding increases 35%.
          July 30, The Steel Bridge burned.  It was 3 years old.
          As roads and railways replaced the rivers as the major means of transportation, the last overnight passenger sternwheeler operating on the Columbia is removed from service.

1918--Four immense steel plants are now building ships.  See Web page about the Portland Shipyards.
           November 7, Billy Graham was born on a farm in North Carolina.  A saying he is noted for is, "The Bible says........"
           February 12, Eric Sandell, teacher at Bethel Theological Seminary for 22 years, passed away.
           November 11, at 11:00 PM, (11-11-11) The First World War ended.  The Armistice was signed in the "Forest of Compiegne," in France.  Also see this  World War 1 Website.

1919--January, the church celebrated its 35th anniversary.
           The Young People's Society suggested that the church start a building fund. This matter was later taken up.  To see excerpts from the Business Meeting minutes for February 4, 1919,  Click Here

1920--January, the Oregon Conference was held at this church and a large number of delegates made a trip to Warren, Oregon, to dedicate the church there.
           July, Pastor Sjolander visits Sweden.
           Rev. Emanuel Bjorkquist becomes Interim Pastor. 
           July, Pastor Axel Tjernlund went to be with the Lord.
           August 3, Pastor Sjolander was granted 9 months leave of absence to visit Sweden.
           October 31, the Deacon Board arranged a meeting to honor John Palmblad on his eightieth birthday.  Mr. Palmblad gave the church of $50.00 for the new church lot that the church expected to buy. Reported by O.S. Rydman on November 20.
           Rev. Emanuel Bjorkquist succeeds Rev. Sandblom as Oregon Missionary.
           Population of Portland reached 258,288.
           Bethel Seminary's name became "Bethel Institute."
           See a photo of the church choir.

1921--January, the church began to have a service once a month in English, for the benefit of those not understanding Swedish.  Gradually the shift to English services became a reality as the church's responsibility to minister to the neighborhood as well as the Swedish population was recognized.
           November 15, the church voted to purchase property at the east end of the Broadway Bridge near Interstate Ave on Larrabee Street.  Later the Interstate property was sold.

1922--March 25, KGW opens the first radio broadcasting station and makes its first broadcast on this date.
               See photo of Pastor Sjolander's Bible Class

1923--June, The Young People's Society celebrated their 35th anniversary.  The church was then called "First Swedish Baptist Church."  See a photo taken on the front steps of the the church at SW 15th and Hoyt Streets.
           See a photo of "The Cheerful Helpers" Sunday School Class. 
           See a photo of  Sunday School Picnic, probably held on July 4th.
           See a photo of Men's "Berea" Sunday School Class.
           Thomas O. Chisholm wrote, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"  Return to 1866
           A.H. Johnson became the Missionary of Washington Swedish Baptist Conference
          July 23, President Harding drove the "Golden Spike" to signal the completion of the Fairbanks to Seward Alaska railroad.
 
1924--January 15, Pastor Sjolander resigns to accept a call to become the General Conference Missionary.
           Rev.  J. Alfred Erickson became Pastor.

1925--May 25, The Baraca Sunday School Class held their second annual banquet at Henry Thiele's Restaurant. See the menu and program.
          See notes from annual meeting concerning the new church at N.E. 7th and Clackamas by clicking here.
          November 26, Margaret Brunander was baptized.

1926--January, property at Seventh and Clackamas was purchased.  Click the link to read about the history of the city block the church building sits on.
           March 6, The Building Committee recommended hiring a competent Architect to draw up plans for a new Church Building.
           April 27, The Architect Walter Kelly presented plans for a building that would cost $50,000.  The plans were adopted.
           September 1, Walter Kelly presented a sketch of the new church building.
           September19, ground breaking took place for the new building.
           Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother Founded (The Grotto).
           October 4, See drawing of Front Elevation of new church building.

1927--March 6, Sunday afternoon, the cornerstone was set in place.
           June 5, last service in the old building on Hoyt Street.
           June 12, dedication of the new church building.    
                Click Here to see the Invitation to the Dedication Exercises.  
                Click Here to see the Program For Dedication.
           October 21, Friday evening, dedication of the pipe organ.  Pastor Erickson led in a dedication of the organ, followed by a recital performed by concert organist William Boone.  The organ was built by Teller-Kent Organ Company of Eric. Pennsylvania,  It had over 1100 electromagnets, with 25 miles of copper and silver wiring.  The organ contained 1,386 pipes, the largest pipe being 16 feet long.  The smallest pipe had openings the size of a led pencil.
           Charles Lindberg flew nonstop New York to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis.
           The city's first municipal airport opened on Swan Island.
           To see photos and text of the new church building on NE 7th and Clackamas, Click Here.
           August 10,  work started on the carving of Mt. Rushmore.

1928---May 26, Jantzen Beach on Hayden Island, opens with four swimming pools, The Big Dipper roller-coaster, Fun House, the Skooter, Merry Mixup, Merry-go-Round, the Promenade and The Golden Canopy Ballroom.
           June 18th, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.

1929--March 24, Palm Sunday--See a Bulletin from the Sunday Service at the White Temple (First Baptist Church)  Also see a lesson card from the White Temple Sunday School curriculum, dated 1915.
           June 26-30, Swedish Baptist Temple was host the first time to the Swedish Baptist General Conference.  The Conference was celebrating their 50th year at Temple.  Click Here to view a copy of the conference program.  (Most of it is written in Swedish)
           October 24, Black Thursday, the start of The Great Depression
           See the schedule for 1929 of Offices and Societies for the church

1930--the Oregon Swedish Baptist Conference merged with the Washington Conference to form the Columbia Baptist Conference.
           Rev. A. H. Johnson remained as Conference Missionary until 1935.
           Population of Portland now 301,815.

1931--January 1, Due to hard times, the church stopped paying a salary to all workers and Rev. Erickson agreed to deduct $40.00 per month from salary for 5 months.
           Construction of the St Johns Bridge was completed on May 15, 1931, and the bridge was opened to traffic on June 13, 1931.  Click here for Website and Info of Portland's bridges   
           Gertrude Gustafson was Temple's church historian.
           May 30, Swedish Baptist Temple held a Conference Concert 8:00 PM on Saturday.  Click here to view the copy of the original program.
      

1932--The Great Depression worsened.  Church was in danger of repossession.
           Rev. Fredrik Linden was Interim Pastor.
           November, Franklin Delano Roosevelt elected President of the United States.
          John P. Clum, Indian Agent died in Los Angeles.  See the website from The San Dimas Historical Society about this great hero of "The Old West."

1933--Rev. Carl A. Olsson was the Pastor
           Refinancing of the church took place.
           The younger people wanted more English in the church services.  A vote was taken and members decided to hold on to the use of Swedish rather than adopting the wholesale usage of English in the church services.  One reason may have been the feeling that Swedish was more worshipful than English, and that the preaching should be understandable to the Swedish majority membership.  This caused part of the congregation to leave the church.  Gradually later in the1930's the language switched exclusively to English in the services.
           Radio services on KOIN were begun-"The Scandinavian Half Hour."
           Baptismal service at Temple on New Years Eve - Mr. & Mrs. Percy Seymour, Marjorie Rydman, Eileen Johnson,  Mrs. Carl Ostrom and Mrs. Haroldson were baptized.
           The U.S. Courthouse at Main and Broadway completed.

1934--The Golden Jubilee of Swedish Baptist Temple.  The honor of being the only living charter member of the Swedish Baptist Temple at East Seventh and Clackamas Streets, Portland, was bestowed upon our Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Mrs. Augusta Palmblad, when the church celebrated its Golden Jubilee-January 1st to 7th, 1934.  Click Here to see notes written at a Palmblad clan meeting August 19, 1934.  (Taken from notes compiled by Harley Hallgren.)
          February 4, Baptized at Temple - Betty Hallgren, Margaret Anderson, David Carlson, Astrid Johnson, Delores Wickman.
          Read a copy of the 1934 Annual Sunday School Report originally written by Helen Tjernlund, SS Superintendent.
          The panorama photograph shown below was taken of the congregation on January 7, 1934 in front of the church as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration. 

1935--Rev. Ole Larson succeeds Rev. A. G. Johnson as Columbia Missionary.
           June 7, See pictures of the Baptist Sunday School Rose Festival Float in the parade.

1936--Rev. C. A. Aldeen was Interim Pastor.
           December 1,--First time the minutes of Business Meetings were written in English.

1937--June 13, Temple celebrated its 10th Anniversary in the building on NE 7th and Clackamas.  See the Anniversary Program.
           Rev. V. E. Hedberg became Pastor.  He was the first American born Pastor in the churches history.
           September 5,    Ned Holmgren to Bethel Seminary.  He was a pastor at various churches till 1973.
           September 30, Charles Surdstrom ordained to Gospel Ministry.
           Trackless trolleys were introduced in Portland.
           
1938--January 1, Ned Holmgren licensed to preach.
           Bonneville Dam completed. 40 miles East of Portland
           July 1, Our former pastor, Rev. John Alfred Erickson went to be with the Lord.
           The Second World War started.
           Congress passed a bill that each November 11, shall be dedicated to the cause of world peace and hereafter celebrated and known as Armistice Day.
           November 11, Kate Smith introduced the revised, "God Bless America," written by Irving Berlin, from her radio broadcast, "The Kate Smith Hour." 
           Dr. M. R.De Haan started the Detroit Bible Class  from a small radio station in eastern Michigan.  In 1956 they started producing the daily devotional, "Our Daily Bread".

1939--September, Pastor Linus and Mrs. Johnson arrived with their children Earl and Marion.  Two other children were Beulah and George.  Beulah was in training at Midway Hospital, St Paul, and George was at Bethel Junior College.  Dr. Johnson came from Temple Baptist Church in Duluth, Minnesota.
           August 25, the church held a farewell reception for Pastor Victor Hedberg.
           September 1?, the church held a welcoming reception for Linus Johnson.
           October 30, the church honored the Rev. and Mrs. Emanuel Bjorkquist and Mr. and Mrs. Gustav Hallgren in a joint celebration of their Golden Wedding anniversaries.
           Miss Helen Carlson started at Multnomah School of the Bible as a student.  Later became instructor.
           President Franklin Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving from the last Thursday to the third Thursday in November, to extend the Christmas shopping season.
           John MacArthur was born this year.  View his website with all kinds of Biblical information.

1940--October 4, the choir recommends Helen Tjernlund as choir leader.
           The Baptist General Conference publication, "The Standard" was first published.

1941--February 7, it was decided to use the name "Temple Baptist Church" in all publicity.
           Miss Henrietta Carlson started at Bethel Seminary.  Later married Mr. Clifford Gustafson.
           December 7, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
           December 8, United States and Britain declare war on Japan.
           December 11, Germany declares war on the United States.
           Click Here to see the Honor Roll of names of people from our church who were in WW II.
           Congress permanently fixed the date of Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November.

1942--January 26, First American forces arrive in Great Britain.
           May 8, The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Pastor Linus Johnson at the commencement exercise of Western Baptist Theological Seminary held at Temple.
           May 22, the church debt paid.
           June, mortgage due
           July 12, Sunday, the burning of the mortgage.  Click here to read an account by Harley Hallgren of the last days of the mortgage.
           October 23, name changed from "Swedish Baptist Temple" to "Temple Baptist Church."
           All services at Temple are now spoken in English.

1943--February, See picture of group from Temple visiting Multnomah County Poor Farm as they did from time to time.   Edgefield Manor, as the facility is known today was built in 1911, served as the county poor farm where it was run as a self sufficient operation by the residents who worked in various forms of employment on the grounds.
           Miss Lois Sorley was called from Wisconsin to assist Pastor Johnson in visitation work     
           Sunday School for war worker's children was established in the St. John's area.
           June 27, The Clatskanie Church was organized.
           September 19, Bethel Baptist Church in St. Johns was organized

1944--February 19,--Click Here to read letter from Mrs. Bjorkquist to Harley Hallgren.
           Columbia Conference accepted responsibility for the Sunday School in St. John's. Henrietta Carlson, (Mrs. Clifford Gustafson), was licensed for the ministry and sent to be the first leader-pastor of this work.  This Sunday School was soon to become Bethel Baptist Church.
            October 10, Methodist Deaconess Home located near N.E. 25th and Flanders was purchased and  organized and became the Oregon Baptist Retirement Home.
            See photo of Temple Baptist Church Congregation on front steps.
            At Chicago's Orchestra Hall, Billy Graham, a little-known suburban pastor led the first rally of Youth for Christ.

1945--January 1, Temple had their 61st anniversary dinner.  See List of 40 year and older members.
            February, Rev. William Tapper, Director of Young People and Sunday School work in the General Conference was with us and held fine spiritual meetings.
           April, In the latter part, Rev. Victor Larson, a great powerful preacher, from Elim Church in Seattle spent "Four Great Days" with us.
           May, The Methodist Deaconess Home (which became The Oregon Baptist Retirement Home) was purchased.
            May and June, Bernie Wennermark was Junior Rose Festival Prime Minister.
           June 11-22, Daily Vacation Bible School was held under the supervision of Miss Lois Sorley.
           July 1, work was started on remodeling of the Oregon Retirement home.
           July 4, The church had its annual picnic at Peninsula Park.
           July, Dr. Arthur I. Brown, physician, radio minister and scientist was with us.
           July 11-15, Eugene Johnson, Lloyd Nordstron and Harold Carlson three young men from Bethel Seminary, gave inspiring talks, colored chalk drawings, and vocal selections.
           August 5-12, Faith Bible Camp was held at Columbia City Fair Grounds.
           September 2, Japanese sign the surrender agreement aboard the USS Missouri--- V-J Day (Victory over Japan).
           October 2-7, We had "five great days" with Rev. Alphin Conrad from Ballard, Seattle.  
            See the Honor Roll of names of people from our church, members and friends,  who served in the military in WW II.
           November, A special Thanksgiving service was held on Thanksgiving evening with Dr. Bob Jones of Tennessee.
            December 2, Dedication of the Oregon  Retirement Home and welcome for 1st Superintendent, David M. Anderson.
           December 31, the church had a membership of 333.
           Bethel Seminary's name becomes "Bethel College and Seminary."
           See photo of Temple Choir.
           This year the Swedish Baptist General Conference dropped the "Swedish" designation from their official name.
           The first and second floors including the custodians quarters were painted.
           Miss Lois Sorley was the church missionary.  She did a splendid job of solicitation of new members for the Sunday School and church.  The church bulletin was mimeographed by Miss Sorley.
           Mr. Earnest Hanson was the church clerk.
           Mr. Harley Hallgren was chairman of the Deacon Board.
           Merril E. Morgan was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Deacon Board.
           Hildur Strandberg was Secretary and Treasurer of the Deaconess Board.
           Mr. Ewald Anderson was chairman of the Trustee Board.
           Mr. Ernie Johnson was Secretary of the Trustee Board.
           Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wennermark were custodians.
           Read an account of the Scandinavian Half Hour for this year.
           Mrs. Ninian Westerlund was chairman of the Music Committee.
           Mr. Arthur B. Carlson was Director of Radio Broadcasts.
           Miss Maydora Westerlund was Treasurer of the Mission Committee.  The following Missionary speakers were heard at various meetings of the church:  Rev. Harold Hetter, of the International Christian Leper Mission, Rev. William Tapper, Dr. Arthur I. Brown, Rev. Dan Ganstrom, Mrs. Ulrich, temporary director of the Christian Service Men's Center, Miss Joy Ridderhoff, Mr. B. N. Hicks of the Anti-Liquor League, a representative of the African Inland Mission, Rev. William Hagstrom and Rev. Warren Johnson.
          Viola Anderson was president of the Senior Young People's Society, Maydora Westerlund was vice president, Betty Hallgren was corresponding secretary, Phyllis Rydman was recording secretary.  The treasurer was Stanley Christiansen and assistant treasurer was Ralph Rydman.
          Billy Graham drew 70,000 at Chicago's Soldier Field; began touring United States as Youth for Christ field representative. 

1946--January 12, The Baptist Youth Fellowship had its annual meeting.
           April 10, a memorial service was held for Lt. Henry George Carr who was killed in action in the South Pacific.
           May, the decision was made to purchase property for Lake Retreat.
           Rev. Gordon Carlson succeeds Ole Larson as Columbia Missionary
           July 4, The church held its annual picnic at Peninsula Park.
           August 9, Hildur Strandberg's parents celebrated there 50th wedding Anniversary.  See picture of them along with friends from Temple.
           The ladies purchased and put up draperies through out the church.
           The lower auditorium was painted.
           The church received a concert grand piano donated by Mr. and Mrs. George Strandberg and Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Salstrom.
           The church received an oak pulpit in memory of Mr. Alferd Johnson and Mr. Sven Larson, by their wives.
           A week after Easter, Rev. Vick was speaker at special services.
           October, Rev. Axel Anderson from Turlock, California led us in studies from the book of Jonah.
           Western Baptist Seminary, Multnomah School of the Bible, the Gideon's, Rev. Turnwall, Rev. Taggart spoke at different times during the year.
           December 1, the church had 345 members on it's records.
           Seven boys and girls were led to the Lord at Vacation Bible School.
           The deacons were invited to attend the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Loydgren.
           The Trustee Board reported that the church has been painted.
           The church purchased the residence next door on the south side of the church.  Address of the residence was 1319 NE 7th.
           December 25, Temple had a Christmas Juletta Service.

1947--Walter Anderson was elected Camp Director at Lake Retreat.
           June 28, Mr. and Mrs. George Strandberg celebrated 25 years of marriage.
           July 1, the church had an anniversary celebration for Mr. and Mrs. George Strandberg.
           The house next door to the church was remodeled for a comfortable dwelling for the Pastor and his family.
           David Carlson entered Bethel Seminary
           Rev. Earl Olson, former pastor of the church went home to be with the Lord.
           Miss Lois Sorley left the church and moved to another mission field.
           Chairman of the Deacon Board was Mr. Joseph Westling.
           Secretary/Treasurer was Mr. Ivar Nordquist. 

1948-- May 30, 4:05 PM, the Columbia River had its biggest flood of the century.  Thirty people perished in what came to be known as the Vanport Flood.
           April, a series of meetings were held by Rev. Gordon Hasselblad.
           July 10, the annual picnic was held at Peninsula Park.
           August 1, Holy Communion service at Lake Retreat.  Six hundred - seventy two in attendance.
           Harriet Norr succeeds Miss Lois Sorley as Church Missionary.  Miss Norr worked with other helpers in conducting a successful  Daily Vacation School and had an average attendance of 50 children.
           September, God's Invasion Army was formed and started with 35 post high school youth.
           October, A series of evangelistic meetings were held by Rev. Edwin Swanson.
           November 9, The Boy's Christian Service Brigade was started and was sponsored by The Men's Brotherhood.  Mr. Dave Johnson was Captain, Mr. Ray Lott, Dr. Evans Nelson and Mr. Dwight Hanson were lieutenants.  There were 14 boys enrolled.  Outings were enjoyed; a hike near Mt. Hood, Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, Frog Lake near Mr. Hood, Camp Meriwether and a hike around Tillamook Head.  
           A new 1948 Dodge 4 door sedan was presented to Senior Pastor Dr. Linus Johnson.
           A children's hour after Sunday School was just started.  Children ranging from 4-9 years old were included.
           The Cradle Roll department met in the room behind the balcony.  Large plate glass windows were placed in the wall so workers could see the services as well as a sound system so the service could also be heard.
           The mission in St. John's Woods is shepherded by Rev. and Mrs. Glenn Nordquist.
           The Senior Pastor, Dr. Linus Johnson turned in a resignation to the church, but the church asked him to reconsider, which he did.
           Mr. Ernie Johnson was chairman of the Board of Trustees and Mr. Norm Ryberg was secretary.
           The average church attendance was 219.

1949--Bethel Baptist Church in North Portland, joined the Columbia Baptist Conference.
           February 29 - March 6, God's Invasion Army visited.
           Spring, Miss Henrietta Carlson married Mr. Cliff Gustafson. 
           May 29,  the radio ministry was discontinued.
           July 16, the annual church picnic was held at Peninsula Park. 
           August, Mr. Louis Pilbeam, the choir director resigned.  Mr. Harvey Flansberg became choir director.
           Bethel Baptist Church joined the Columbia Baptist Conference.
           New Dining Hall ready for use at Lake Retreat.
           Pastor Linus Johnson went to Sweden for two years.
           Harriet Norr was church missionary and youth director.
           The church acquired a parsonage.
           Sunday Superintendent Merrill Morgan, his wife Jane and family left Temple and resettled at Lakeside Baptist Church in Oakland,  California.
           Oregon Baptist Retirement Home Manager, Mr. and Mrs. David Anderson left for Eugene, Oregon.
           Mr. Carl Ostrom was the church Financial Secretary.
           Billy Graham--A much publicized Los Angeles "crusade" made him evangelism's new superstar.

1950--Click Here to see a Oregon Journal, Mr. Fixit article written by Harley Hallgren.
           September 4, About 25,000 people attended the closing service of a six-week revival at Multnomah Stadium (now PGE Park).  Total attendance was estimated at 600,000.
           November 5, Billy Graham brought together a talented team to form the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and initiated a radio program, "The Hour of Decision."

1951--Herbert Lawrentz, Seminary student, serves as Director of Youth Work
           The current Apostles Creed or An Affirmation of our Faith was adopted by the Baptist General Conference.  Click here to read a copy of it.
           Billy Graham--held a meeting in Portland for one night.
           September 30, see the bulletin for this Sunday services.

1952--Perry Hughes, Seminary student, succeeds Lawrentz.

1953--May 3, With the help of Temple,  Glisan Street Baptist Church was organized.

1954--April 4, Loma Vista Baptist Church in Spokane, Washington was organized.
           August 6, The Church voted to buy their first Sunday School Bus
           Temple help start McLoughlin Heights in Vancouver, Washington, now known as New Heights.
           November--Perry Hughes becomes Christian Education Director.
           Billy Graham--International rallies in London were extended to12 weeks and drew more than 2 million people. 

1955--Dr. Linus Johnson visits Sweden.
           July 12, Read the note given to Harley Hallgren about the old pulpit that was given to the church by Mrs. John Nordell and was made by her father, Mr. P.M.  Holst, one of the charter members of Temple

1956--March 2, Dr. Linus Johnson dies on way home from church.
           Rev. Ellis E. Eklof, Sr., was Pastor.
           July 24--Mr. Frank Voth ordained.

1957--Gordon Johnson was Youth Director.           
       June 26-30, Temple Baptist Church was host the second time to the 86th Annual meeting of the Baptist General Conference.  The picture below is of the attendees to the conference taken on the front steps of the church.

This picture was copied from the July 12, 1957 issue of the "Standard"

1958--April 6, Easter Sunday - See Bulletin for the Easter Program, Easter Service and the rest of the week.
           April 6, With the help of Temple,  Calvary Baptist Church near West Linn was organized.
           June Peretti was appointed church organist.

1959--January 3, Alaska becomes 49th state
           January 18-25, Temple held the Seventy-Fifth anniversary celebration since founded in 1884.  See the Anniversary Program.
           July, dedication of Johnson Lodge at Lake Retreat.
           August 21, Hawaii becomes 50th state
           November, See photo of Temple Choir.
               

1960--Rev. David G. Danielson was Pastor.
           
         
1961--Robert Wagner was Youth Pastor.
           The Office/Gym Addition was built.  Architect was Lawrence Supove.

1962--Jim Spicklemeier worked with the youth during the summer.
           Click Here to see pictures of ground breaking ceremony.
           Miss Marjorie Olson was church office secretary and Missionary Visitor.
           Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gordh (Edith) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
           November 30, the youth center or Christian Education Wing on south side of Temple was dedicated (includes classrooms, gymnasium, custodian's apartment.)

1963--March, "Lift" program of General Conference stimulated missionary and general giving.
           May –Harley Hallgren was chairman of the Deacon Board with Mr. Mandy Strandberg, Vice-Chairman, Mr. Bert Johnson Secretary and Mr. Ray Green, Treasurer.
           May 15-18,--The Columbia Baptist Conference convened in Portland for the annual meeting.
           June, Jim Spicklemier, a Bethel student serves as Youth Pastor.  He worked with the youth during the summer. At the end of the summer he left for New York for training with the Peace Corp.
           June 22-26--The annual meeting of the Baptist General Conference was held in Vancouver BC.
           June 30—Rev. Ned Holmgren brought the morning message and former pastor Ellis Eklof Sr. preached at the Sunday evening service.
           July –Miss Georgianne Obinger was severely injured in a swimming accident.
           July 14—Mrs. Carl V. Anderson (Lydia Nystrom) passed away. She was a member for 67 years (January 25, 1896)
           July 15-19—Daily Vacation Bible School was held for children from ages 4 to 13. Average attendance was 80.
           August 2—Mr. Axel Anderson was voted to be honorary deacon.
           August 6, Robert Wagner ordained.
           September 15, Harold "Bud" Malmsten begins ministry as Assistant to Pastor, Minister of Youth and Music.  He came to Temple after graduating from Bethel College and Seminary.  It was decided that his official title be "Assistant to the Pastor."
           October 29, --Mr. Abdon Lundstrom passed away. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth. 
           November 22, President John F. Kennedy was killed by a sniper's bullet in Dallas, Texas.

1964--Temple Baptist Church is 80 years old.  Click here to view part of the souvenir program.
           January 10, Temple held its anniversary dinner and was attended by some 350 guests.  Dr. Virgil Olson of Bethel College and Seminary was the special speaker of the dinner.  Dr. Olson is Historian for the Baptist General Conference and a cousin to Pastor Dave Danielson.  The theme of the anniversary was, "To God Be The glory, Great Things He Hath Done!"  Mrs. Velma Rydman and Mrs. Minnie Rydman were especially honored having been members since 1903.
            See 1964 photo of Church Lay Leaders.
            January 19-26 --Missionary Conference was held with Rev. Carl Lachler from Brazil, Rev Marwin Lindstedt from the Philippines, Rev. S. Lindberg and Rev. Dale Bjork from Japan.
            January 22,--Mrs. George Nelson (Ester Salstrom) passed away after a long illness.
            May 14-16—Pastor Danielson was elected Moderator for the 75^th Anniversary meeting of the Columbia Baptist Conference which was held at the Central Baptist Church of Seattle.
            August 17,  The Forestry Building burnt to the ground.  See the year 1905.
            Pastor Dave Danielson was senior Pastor with Bud Malmsten assistant to the pastor.
            During this time 1734 people have been added to our fellowship. This is an average of 21 people per year. The number this year was 30, or 9 above average.
            Mrs. F.G. Salstrom was recording secretary.
            Evelyn Smith was Financial Secretary.

1965--Bethel College and Seminary relocated on the Arden Hill campus in St. Paul.
            Mr. Dale Peretti was chairman of the Christian Education Board and Mr. Bert Johnson was Sunday School Superintendent
            January 23-28,--Annual Missions Conference was held with Rev. Francis Sorley of Japan, Miss Arlene Coleman from Ethiopia, Rev. Gil Anderson from Ethiopia, Miss Marjorie Malm of Ethiopia, Rev. Don Goldsmith from Brazil, Rev. Gerald Osbron of The Philippines, Miss Grace Swanson of Assam, and Miss Betty Person of Assam.
           Young men in the military include:  Bob Davis in Germany, Mark Hagey in Kentucky, Gary Huff in Texas, Mike Herdener in Alaska, Ron Wright in Texas, and Ric Bailey in California.
           Len Johnson, Greg Anderson, and Klaus Siemieniec are all attending Bethel, the most ever from Temple.
           May 16, --Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Johnson celebrated 50 years of marriage.
           May 30, Memorial Day Weekend, 52 of our members formed work teams and helped make needed repairs to the buildings at Lake Retreat Campground.
           August 15 to 20,--Daily Vacation Bible School was held at the church. Dr. C.W. Slemming of England spoke.
           September 20—a group of ten members of God’s Invasion Army arrived to begin a two week visitation program with our church members.
           Mr. and Mrs. Henning Johnson were custodians.
           Missions week included Dr. Paul Finlay of Bethel College, Rev. Wesley Lindblom of the Columbia Conference, Rev. Francis Sorley of Japan, Miss Arlene Coleman of Ethiopia, Miss Margorie Malm of Ethiopia, Rev. Irwin Bjelland, of The Philippines, Bill and Grace Anderson of Ethiopia, Miss Grace Swanson of Assam, Miss Betty Person, of Assam and Rev. Gerald Osbron, of the Philippines.
          New Years Eve, a slide show was presented before the Watch Night Service called, “Temple: 1965 A Year in Review”

1966--June, Bethel Baptist Seminary in Stockholm celebrated 100 years since its beginning.  Our first pastor, Rev. Gustaf Liljeroth was a graduate.
           Dave Danielson was Senior Pastor
           Bud Malmsten was the Assistant Pastor
           The Christmas Choir appeared in new choir robes.
           December 22, Arthur B. Carlson died.
           Exterior of the church building was painted.
          

1967--January 15-22, World Missions Week brought 4 missionaries to Temple:  Rev. Herman Tegenfeldt - Ragoon, Burma, Rev. Clem Walbert - Japan, Rev. David Sperry - Ethiopia, Rev. Nils Friberg -  Brazil.  The Rev. Cliff Gustafson represented the Columbia Conference.
           The U. S. Supreme Court installed its first black judge, Thurgood Marshall.
           May – At the annual meeting the church voted to sell the parsonage and apply the proceeds to the building loan for the Youth Center.
           May 28—A reception was held at the Oregon Baptist Retirement Home to honor the retirement of Mr. and Mrs. Walferd Johnson, the Home Administrators. Mrs. Linus Johnson stepped in during the summer as Supervisor.
           September—Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Ronne and Karry Sue were welcomed to the Home as administrators.

1969--Okerson Lodge construction was started at Lake Retreat.
           April 4, Martin Luther King Jr. was slain in Memphis, Tennessee.
           July 20, Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin and Michael Collins took man's first walk on the moon.
          October 21, Mr. and Mrs. Mandy (Hildur) Strandberg celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.  See a picture or drawing of the church that was presented to them.

1972--February 13, Pastor Eric Lindholm began as Interim Pastor.
           June 17, A break- in was reported at Democratic Headquarters at The Watergate Complex.
           June 27, Pastor Lindholm and Mrs. Lindholm celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary.
           September, Dick Weins arrives at Temple to be Senior Pastor.
           

1973--Extensive remodeling program was undertaken to update the entire church facility.  The completion of this project has resulted in a beautiful sanctuary and functional classrooms for the church school.  See Architects color presentation of church building with proposed additions and improvements.
           James Gallatin and Bud Malmsten were serving with Pastor Weins.
           James Gallatin begins Bus Ministry 
           Gary Nyquist hired as Director of Music. 
           May--Annual Meeting: 
                   New Constitution adopted, 
                   One Board of Deacons in charge of all activities of the church, 
                   Voted to remodel building at a cost of $200,000.
           June 10-12, Bus Conference, attracted participants from about 100 churches.
           June, Bob Lott was special Summer Youth Director
           August, Gary Davis family home on furlough from Spain.
           September, Bob Lott leaves for Bethel Seminary.
           September 16, Pastor Weins' 1st Anniversary as Pastor.
                     Pastor Buds' 10th Anniversary
                     Gary Nyquist begins Ministry of Music.
           November 4, Rev. Alf Engebrettsen joins staff as Visitation Pastor.
           Billy Graham--More than 1 million people attended services in South Korea.    

1974--January 1,  Ninety  years since the church was organized.
           January 28, Mrs. Velma Rydman, Senior member on Anniversary date, died.  She was a member for 70 years, Sunday School Teacher, and Church organist.
           March 31, first anniversary of the Bus Ministry
                   427 riders on the buses
                   823 attendance at Sunday School
            April,-- we celebrated our 90^th Anniversary. At the same time we hosted the 85th annual Meeting of the Columbia Baptist Conference. Former pastors Ellis E. Eklof Sr. (1956-59), David Danielson (1960-1971 and Eric Lindholm (1972), were with us.  They helped Pastor Richard Wiens, Associate Pastor Bud Malmsten and Pastor Jim Gallatin with celebrating “90 years of God’s wonderful grace”.
           At the banquet at the Coliseum, the 25^th Anniversary of our “daughter church” Bethel in St. Johns was also celebrated.
           Special guests at the banquet included Mr. & Mrs. Allan Bussey….he is the grandson of the pioneer missionary, Rev. Olaus Okerson who started our church and other churches of the Columbia Conference.  Also Mrs. Signe Stone Ball, daughter of charter members Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stone, Mrs. Emily Palmblad Magnuson, Mr. Albert Palmblad, daughter and son of charter members Mr. and Mrs. John Palmblad.
           May 19,  Temple had a 90th Anniversary Program in the Basement Fellowship Hall.  See the program.
           July, Gary Nyquist, Director of Music,  left for Bethel to finish school.
           September, Pastor Jim Gallatin left us to become pastor of the Evergreen Baptist Church in Tacoma.
           October 20, Pastor Weins resigns.
           President Nixon was forced to resign under impeachment proceedings as a result of the Watergate scandal.
           The King Dome was being constructed in Seattle, Washington.  The first major event held there was a Billy Graham crusade which filled the new dome to over flow capacity.
            Since the middle of February, Dr. Bror Lundgren with Mrs. Lundgren have been serving as Interim Pastor while the church is looking and praying for a successor to Pastor Wiens.  In January, Dr. Lundgren closed his work with the Central Baptist Church of Tacoma after 34 years of fruitful ministry; and in the Providence of God was therefore available to help us for a time.
           The Strands, our custodians, left us and the Henning Johnson’s stepped in on a temporary basis.   The new custodians are the Winn Goddards.
           The custodians apartment was officially converted to Sunday School space.
           The old part of the building has been waterproofed and is now ready for painting.
           The Sunday School has had a high attendance of 500.
           The Deaconesses honored Miss Mabel Dahlgren on her 80^th birthday.
           Mrs. Victor Carlson was honored on March 27^th at the OBRH on her 80^th birthday.
           The church went through a major remodel.  Fisher Wallin and Long were the Architects.  The new stair tower was built, the old "rick-rack" and plaster were removed above and in back of choir loft and vertical oak was installed plus the hide-a-way projector screen.  The doors in back of the sanctuary were removed and relocated.  A new platform was built to replace the original one.  The foyer went through a major face lift.  The small exterior door on the front of the church on the south end was removed as well as the door just below it that accessed the lower level of the church. The stairway on the south end of the foyer that went from the lower auditorium to the balcony was removed.  (The new stair tower would take the place of the stairway as well as the two small exterior doors.)  It was quite a chore saw cutting the 24" concrete of the basement wall for the new access from the stair tower. The existing ladies restroom under where the stair way was on the south end of the foyer was remodeled with additional fixtures installed.  The men's restroom on the north east corner of the basement was also went through a remodel.  Steam heat fan coils were added in the foyer and the ceiling of the street level in the new stair tower.   A finned steam pipe was added in the toe kick in the new library.  The steam boiler was also retrofitted with automatic steam zone valves which were operated by a new control panel in the boiler room.

1975--February 16, Bror Lundgren arrived as interim pastor.
           February 27,--The 30th anniversary dinner for the Oregon Baptist Retirement Home.
           March 7,--the ground breaking for enlarged facilities of Calvary Baptist Church of Cedar Oak Park, West Linn, Oregon.
           May 28, --Mark Johnson, Bethel College senior and the Student Body President, was licensed to preach and went to spend the summer to assist our former pastor, Rev. David Danielson in Bellingham, Washington.
           This year some remarkable widows went to be with the Lord--
               Mrs. Velma Rydman, Sunday School Teacher, Church Organist, and faithful wife of O. S. Rydman.
               Mrs. Ellen Milton, 96 years old, more than 60 years a member of this church, one of the founders of the Oregon Baptist Retirement Home, faithful in hospitality and in encouraging many in the Lord's work.
               Mrs. Mary Danielson, 91 years of age and a member of this church more than 50 years.   Many times hospitalized because of fractures, never really well, spending her time outfitting hundreds of dolls for children's homes and memorizing Christmas poems.  A few months before her last brief illness, someone visiting her said, "Mary, it is always so nice to visit you because you never complain!"  She answered, "I don't have anything to complain about."
           September 2,--Pastor Prinzing and family arrived at Temple.
           October 31,--Pastor Bud left for Loma Vista Baptist in Spokane, Washington.
           November, decision made to move the churches offices from the rooms behind the sanctuary to the vacated custodians apartment when renovated.
          The church started a quilting group.  Click here to read an account and to view some images of the group.
          Read a copy of the Temple Teleios: A monthly news letter that was published a short time.  This is volume 1 Issue 3.  

  
1976--April 19, Lenus Peterson died.
           June 6, Jacob Gordh died.  He was a member of Temple for 64 years.
           June 11, Pastor Ed Mitchell was ordained at Temple.
           July 4, the United States celebrated its bicentennial.
           July 21, Harley Hallgren died.  He was 84 years young and was an active member 66 years.
           September 2, Dr. F. G. Salstrom died at 75.  He was a member for nearly 60 years.
           September 27, Dr. Bror Lundgren died. He was 72.
           Temple helped start Southwest Hills Baptist Church in Beaverton.
           November 19, first service at Southwest Hills Baptist Church - Dan Peterson is Pastor.
           During the Summer and Fall seasons new main doors were installed on the church and the exterior was painted.
           The Church office move was completed.

1977--Easter Sunday,  the evening service; Corrie Ten Boom was the guest speaker.
           June, Lloyd Rekstad and family came to Temple and joined the staff as the Director of Music.
           June 3, Temple hosted a 50 Year Celebration  for the completion of the building.  See the program for the Banquet
           September, Temple hosted the Family Focus Seminar (Focus on the Family).  Over 1,300 people attended.
           November, Deacon Board voted to purchase the Chi Alpha Youth House.
           December, The church purchased a parcel of land near the church, the initial use was to park the church buses.
           December 15, work started on the chapel-house for Southwest Hills Baptist Church.
           Temple has helped start some churches in the Portland Area in the past and is continuing to do so today.  For a list of these Churches:  Click Here
           Billy Graham--Meetings in Hungary began meetings outside of western friendly countries.  (Into the Soviet bloc.)

1978--March 15, Dave Parker hired as Director of Evangelism and Adult Ministries.
           October, Temple began Temple Sonshine with eight children from three years to fifth grade.
           39 new members joined the church this year
           Pastor Prinzing was asked to deliver the commencement address at Bethel College
           In the spring Pastor Prinzing was selected as the special guest speaker to minister for one week to the Bethel Seminary students.
           Dave Parker was in charge of Evangelism and Adult Ministries
           Terry Hollister was Director of High School Ministries
           October, The Gary Randall Program, a 1/2 hour Christian talk show started and ran for 12 years KOIN/TV.
           Temple had its first Craft Fair in December.  A birthday party was included honoring Bill Steele on his 82^nd Year.

1979--May, the church purchased a home on the North West corner of NE Sixth and Clackamas for use in its youth ministries. (Chi Alpha House) 
           Bob Lott was called to be Assistant Pastor.
           Lloyd Rekstad was Director of Music  “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing.” Psalm 100:2
           Russ Jensema was in charge of Junior High Ministries
           The Deacon Board felt it was necessary to update our membership rolls this year which resulted in releasing 70 members. Most had found fellowship in other churches.
           Evans Nelson was the Church Moderator.
           The front steps to the church were tiled giving them a non slip surface.

1980--January 1, Read an account of an experience by Karen and Terry Whitehill.
           January 21, Our Christian Education workers attended the annual Christian Leadership Conference in Seattle.
           January 30, Bill Steele died.
           February 29, Martha C. Larson died.
           March 2, Peter John Carlson died.
           April 25, Terry Hollister called to be full time Director of Youth Ministries.
           May, The Mother/Daughter Luncheon was held.  Annie Hastey and Rich Shimomura presented a skit based on the Lord's Prayer.
           May 18, Mount St. Helens erupted.  To view a web site of Mt. St. Helens Click Here.  See a picture taken by Troy Adamson of the eruption while flying with his dad.
           May 27, Hershel Loy passed away.
           Summer, Fourteen High School and College students for SMT (Summer Missions Team) ministered three and one half weeks in Baja California, Mexico.
           August, The women had a mini-retreat at Lott's cabin.  Kathryn Dixon was the speaker.
           August 29, Mabel Dahlgren passed away.
           September 11, Christmas in September meeting was held
           October 5,--200^th anniversary of the Sunday school.
           October 8, Members of the choir travelled to Tacoma to attend an all day choral workshop sponsored by the CBC.
           Bob Lott, wife Debbie, and son Jeremy were welcomed into the congregation. Bob was hired as assistant pastor. Bob was ordained by Rev. Bud Malmsten.
           This year sixty-nine people joined the church, 29 by baptism and 40 by letter.
           December, Dave Parker and family were appointed by the board of World Missions as missionaries. The Parkers served in Yemen, Nice, France and then in the Ivory Coast.
           December, The Temple Choir and the Sonshine choir presented a concert at the Lloyd Center.
           Terry Hollister was our Youth Pastor.
           Don Van Polen presented a multimedia presentation called, "Autumn Across America".
           Temple was invited to the sixtieth anniversary of Warren Baptist Church.
           Temple held a twenty-four hour "Day of Prayer" again this year and experienced seven Lenten services with Darrall        Imhoff, Neil Lomax, Kirby Brumfield, Bill Johnson, Gordon Shadburne, Mike Donahue and Gary Randal. 
           One of the highlights of the whole year was the double ordination service for Terry Hollister and David Parker.
           The renovation of the "Youth House" (Chi Alpha House) has become a fine resource for our young people and a facility which has proved to be a great blessing.

1981--January 7, Dave Parker and Terry Hollister were ordained.
            January, We hosted our annual church music workshop led by Mr. Dale Wood.  There were approximately 120 church music directors in attendance.
           April 15, Ministry Expansion fund raising started.  Consisted of adding Sonbeam Day Care Center, new Sunday School space, and support for missionary, Dave Parker and family.
          May, The Temple Sonshine presented a musical production, "The Enchanted Journey."
          The U. S. Supreme Court installed its first woman judge, Sandra Day O' Conner.
          August, Temple hosted twenty-two young people from Japan for several days.
          November, Temple hosted a missions conference, the theme of which was "Go And Tell This People" featured Dr. Clarence Bass from Bethel College, the George Chalmers' from the Philippines and the Richard Young's from Argentina and Dave Parker.
          December 11, 6:30 PM (Friday)  The church had a farewell dinner for the Parkers.  
          December 13, 11:00 AM (Sunday) Commissioning Service for the Parkers.  Rev. Herb Skoglund, Executive Secretary of the Board of World Missions, and other invited guests took part in the service.
          December 13, 6:00 PM (Sunday) Children's Christmas Program.  The entire evening was devoted to a portrayal of the "The Christmas Story" in word and music by the children of the church.
          December 20, 11:00 AM (Sunday) Rev. Joseph A Ryan, Regional Director of World Vision, International, was the speaker.  Rev. Ryan, at that time was serving in Central and South America visiting the many mission fields.
          December 20, 6:00 PM (Sunday)  Annual Choir Concert.  Our Adult Choir sang traditional Christmas Carols and excerpts from The Messiah.
          December 24, 9:00 PM (Thursday) Christmas Eve Service.  This hour-long service has been a highlight for many each Christmas.  The freshness of the Christmas Story became apparent as we re-lived the Gospel Narrative of the Birth of Christ.
          December 27, 11:00 AM (Sunday) The Chalmers Family was in charge of our evening service.  The family provided special music and George and Nancy's son Dan, will speak.  Dan and Carla have been appointed as missionaries of the Baptist General Conference the week before.
          December 31, 10:15, (Thursday) New Year's Eve Service.  The evening service began with a time of fellowship in the Lower Auditorium and the service concluded with a Communion service and prayer.
           Six young men have completed seminary training and move out into areas of Christian service.  Jim Wright, Tom Grove, Mark Johnson, Jim Heritage, Terry Hollister, and David Parker.
          Don Van Polen presented his latest wide-screen multimedia production entitled "All Nature Sings", an autumn trip across Canada.

1982--March, The Lower Columbia Conference Spring Rally for the Women's Missionary Society was held at Temple.
           May, The children's musical, "Come Messiah, Come", was presented during this month.
           June, Arlene Peterson represented Temple at the Association of Church Mission Committee in Minnesota.
           June 17-24, The Summer Missions Team took advantage of this time to minister her in the Portland area.  The first week was spent training and the second week was spent teaching the neighborhood children about God.  The team ministered through Bible clubs in two church homes.
           July, Many women of Temple met at Evelyn Lott's cabin on the Lewis River for a mini-retreat with an inspiring talk given by Dixie Sylvester.
           July 4, The all-church picnic was held at Columbia Park.  The Singles Class was in charge.  Eating, singing, and playing games were enjoyed by all.
           September 3-6, The third annual "Labor Day' Weekend was held at Fort Stevens, on the Pacific Coast just south of Warrenton, Oregon.  All the campsites were filled and everyone enjoyed a fun weekend.  Eleven AM services were held at Temple and also at Fort Stevens.
           October, The women of Women's Mission Circle met for our "Christmas in October".  Linda Coffman spoke on "Women Helping Women" which the ladies said was encouraging.
           November, the Annual Missions Conference held at Temple was the highlight of the year.  Joe Ryan served as chairman for the conference, which the theme was, "Every heart without Christ is a mission field, and every heart with Christ is a missionary."
           November 7, Peter Larson, conference missionary in Mexico spoke to a combined Sunday school during Missions Week.        
           From the 1981-82 Annual Report--Our Lenten Services experience a great attendance this year than last.  On the seven Wednesday noons before Easter, we were inspired by the following:  Musical groups from Grant High School, a Pro Football Player, a president of two different Bible seminaries, an attorney, a biblical dramatist and television personality, and a television reporter/news anchorman.
           Dr. Fred Prinzing  was Senior Pastor
           Bob Lott was Assistant Pastor.
           Terry Hollister was Youth Pastor.
           Ray Green started as Temple's Business Manager.
           A new sign was installed in front of the church building.
           New choir robes were purchased.  The choir has 40 to 45 people participating each week during the year which included 20 to 22 men.
           Evening service attendance almost requires the balcony.
           The Deacon Board was expanded to five more deacons.
           The church fiscal year was changed to coincide with the calendar year.
           All the church choirs took part in a Christmas Concert at the Lloyd Center.

1983--February 10, Pastor and Anita Prinzing left for a five-week trip to Japan and the Philippines.  Thirty Conference pastors and some wives were there to hold meetings and to be an encouragement to missionaries in the field.
            Fall, ground breaking for three story addition on West side or back of the Church.  Click here to see photos of ground breaking ceremony.
            The church sold bonds in the amount of $300,000 to complete phases I&II of the ministry expansion program for the expansion to the church on the west side
            Mitch Klein and Rich Murphy were chosen for the Post Seminary program
            Church adopted a 3 year ministry expansion program to begin June 1,1984 
            February 10, Pastor Prinzing and Anita left for a 5 week tour of Japan and Philippines to visit missionaries including Ken Tbayashi in Tokyo, Yutaka Yoshiki in Osk, Jill and Dave Beeler in Bagiuo City, George and Nancy Chalmers in Calbayog, Western Samar and Roy and Jean Nelson in Cebu City.
            May, For Women's Missionary Society this month, they had their annual Mother and Daughter Luncheon.
            The church had a “World Outreach Conference” with the Roy Nelson’s from the Philippines and the Donald Goldsmiths from Brazil.
            Because of over crowding the church went to two worship services on Sunday mornings.
            Dave and Marjorie Parker are missionaries in the Ivory Coast.
            The Dave Danielson’s are conducting a ministry in evangelism in many areas of the United States.
            August, The Women's Missionary Society held their Mini-Retreat at Lott's Cabin.  Approximately fifty women were present for a delicious luncheon in beautiful weather.
            August 28, Steve Feriante ordained into the Gospel Ministry.
            September, For Women's Missionary Society this month was Women's Houseparty at Lake Retreat
            September 11, Rich Murphy ordained into the Gospel Ministry.
            October, For Women's Missionary Society this month brought us "Christmas in October."  Diane Penner spoke of her experiences as a short-term missionary to Japan.
            November, For Women's Missionary Society this month the women on the Lower Columbia Conference met at Glisan Street Baptist Church.
            The new ministry expansion building at the NW corner of the lot includes Day Care, elevator, new church nursery, new future kitchen and dining room on second level.  William Keefer was the Architect.
            Don Van Polen presented his multi-media presentation, "The Four Seasons."
            Fourteen of our young people traveled to :Kansas City "83" for a time of spiritual inspiration and Christian growth.
            The "SMT" Summer Missions Team traveled to Alaska during which they held daily vacation Bible schools and youth retreats in various churches.  There were twenty-three including leaders and sponsors in this group.
            The Centennial Quilt was presented at the Fall Kick Off Banquet.  See 1984
            Because of the crowding in single worship services, the church staff and the Worship Committee have cooperated in starting two morning services, thus we cut down on crowding and also allow more opportunity for involvement such as ushering and serving communion.  We also changed the type of bread we use during communion to cut down on preparation time.

1984--New Years Day, Sunday morning service, recognition was given to the for following longest-term members:  Edith Gordh, Helen Hallgren, Gerta Salstrom, and Flavia Westerlund.  Pastor Dave Danielson ministered to us and a Swedish Choir reminded us of our heritage.
          January 8, the resolution pertaining to double Sunday morning services was adopted and to begin on this date.
          January 15,--June Peretti was honored for 25 years as church organist.
          March, the church began accepting applications for daycare positions.
          March 25, Sunday evening, the Temple Sonshine and Chi-Alpha Singers presented the production, "What's New Corky?"
          Early Spring, the name "Sonbeam Daycare" was chosen for the child development center.
          April, --Rich Murphy left Temple to go into Chaplains training in Rhode Island.  Later his family joined him in Arizona where he began his duties as a Navy Chaplain.
          April 15,--At Temple:  The church holds an Open House for the new ministry building at the conclusion of the 11:00am service.  The second and third stories were uncompleted at this time.
          April 15,--New house of worship for Southwest Hills Baptist Church opened on Palm Sunday.
          April 18, --Senator Mark O. Hatfield spoke at the Lenten service.
          April, -- (later in the month) The ME 11 program started under the direction of Mr. Bill Hammerbeck.  The program started on June 1.
          June 9,--Mr. Mitch Klein and Miss Debbie Meis were married in a beautiful ceremony at the church.
           A Centennial Quilt was presented to the church to commemorate the first 100 years.  The quilt was designed and manufactured by the ladies of the church under the leadership of Edith Ryberg, and presented to the church to commemorate the first 100 years.  Fran Maynard composed song and lyrics corresponding to the quilt squares with depicted stages in Temple's development and ministries.     
                              Read an article from the Oregonian Newspaper about the Centennial.
          June 24, Temple celebrated its 100th anniversary commemorating service under God with a dinner at the Red Lion.

           June, Temple and Lower Columbia Conference hosted the 106th annual meetings of the Baptist General Conference.  Executive Board meetings at Temple on June 18 and June 20.  The Conference it self was in session at Jantzen Beach Red Lion from June 20 to June 29.
           June, SMT '84 This year was set aside for the team of high school and college students to be in charge of the children's ministry (150 children in elementary grades) during the Baptist General Conference Annual Meetings at the Jantzen Beach Red Lion complex. 
           July 1,--Mr. Fred Johnson began serving as Director of Child Development.
           July 24, official dedication of Southwest Hills Baptist Church.
           August, --Mr. Norm Ryberg passed away and went home to be with the Lord while sitting in church at Sunday morning service.
           August 23, Gerda Salstrom, wife of Dr. F.G. Salstrom passed away.
           August 26, the nursery was in its new location on the ground floor of the new addition on the West side of the church.
           September 1-3, The annual campout at Fort Stevens State park was held over the Labor Day weekend with over 200 campers attending.
           September 4, the Sonbeam Daycare Center opened its doors with a limited number of students.  (The name Sonbeam Day Care was chosen as the name for the child development center in early spring of this year.)
           September 7, Dick Wiens, former pastor of Temple, was the guest speaker at our Fall Kickoff Banquet.
           September 20, The Sonbeam Day Care Center officially opened and provided service for five children.  
           October 22, The annual church roller skating party was held at the Oaks Park Roller Rink in the evening.
           November 21,  Thanksgiving Eve, The Love Loaf ingathering was collected at the Great Family Gathering. 
           December 24, Ellen Wright, wife of Stan Wright passed away.
           Bob Lott (Minister of Evangelism and Discipleship) and Debbie turned in their resignation to move to Tacoma, Washington.
           Dave Parker and family accepted a call to Sylvan Way Baptist Church in Bremerton, Washington.
           Ruth's Kitchen was completed as was the new dining room which was to be called "The Upper Room".  John Pumphery was Architect.
           A note from the 1984 Annual Report:  (Bob Lott was assistant pastor and wrote a page from his desk in the report.)  "Since writing this report, Debbie and I have turned in our resignation at Temple to move up to Tacoma.  We will miss the people here at Temple very much and have dearly love these past five and one half years."
           The retired persons joined together under Don Slater for fellowship and mutual help.  Trips were planned to places of interest and monthly potlucks held for social enrichment.
           Ken Kornelis began providing counseling services for the church.

1992--May 14-17,  The 103rd Annual Meeting of the Columbia Baptist Conference was held at Temple.  See the February-April front Cover of the Conference Call.
           September,  Billy Graham held a five day crusade in Portland and drew 290,000 people.
           October 11, Pastor Mike was ordained for the ministry at Temple.  
           Mr. Ray Green was the Church Administrator.
           December, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Green (Hazel) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  A large reception was held in the Upper Room.
           Billy Graham--Preached in North Korea.  

2004--January 11, Don Van Polen presented his multi-media program at Temple in the sanctuary at 6:00pm.
           January 18, the ladies of the Temple Quilters presented a quilt to Jon and Susan Christian.
           February 5, Ray Green, the church administrator, and devoted member for many years passed away early this morning.
           February 9, a memorial service was held for Ray Green at 1:00pm in the sanctuary.
           February 19, The Keenagers went to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), visited different exhibits and viewed a movie in the OMNIMAX Theater.
           February 20-22, Women's Retreat at Camp Tillicum.
           February 28, the church hosted a Missionary Conference and kicked off with a desert buffet with Ron and Leta Kriens. 
           February 29, Ron and Leta Kriens spoke during a combined adult Sunday School time and Dave Christensen spoke to the children's combined Sunday School and he also gave the message during the morning service.
           March 6, a brunch in the upper room with Mark and Helen Downing.
           March 7, Missionary Conference continued with Ron and Leta Kriens speaking during children's combined Sunday School and Mark Downing spoke to the combined adult Sunday School and gave the  message during the morning service. 
           March 7, a lunch reception was held in the upper room for Josh Adams who returned from Iraq on a tour of duty with the US Navy.
           March 19, Mabel (Johnson) Hagey, a former member of Temple, passed away at the age of 95.  The service was held at Beaverton Foursquare Church.
           March 25, Laurie Breckel, a former Temple member, passed away.  A memorial service was held on April 1st at Southwest Bible Church in Beaverton.
           April 8, The Keenagers group attended the "Portland Passion Play" at Portland Christian Center.
           April 27, Dorothy O. Bishop went home to be with the Lord.  She was a long time member of Temple, sister to Dave Carlson and sister in law to Betty Carlson.  She was born on July 27, 1925.
           May 15, Long time member, Evelyn Smith went home to be with the Lord.  Evelyn served in many capacities at Temple and in the community.  She will be remembered for her card and letter writing outreach and her ministry of helping others.
           June 6, 6 p.m. Temple held its annual Sanctuary Choir Concert named "Favorites Concert."
           June 17, The Temple Keenagers visited the Chinese Gardens in N.W. Portland.  
           July 5, Margaret Steel went to be with the Lord.  She was 91 years of age.  One of her last requests was for some pickled herring in cream sauce.
            July 15, The Keenagers Group spent the day at Viola Christianson's cabin in Seaside.  There were 39 in attendance and the weather was beautiful.
           July 18, Temple had their 20th Annual Music Camp presentation.  Featured "Esther Ordinary Faith." 
           August 7-14, Youth and Leaders will be in Chicago for Summer Mission's Team Project.
           August 29, The weekend of, Temple held its 25th annual campout at Fort Stevens.
           August 29, Sunday - While most of the congregation was at Fort Stevens, Temple had a potluck picnic lunch in the Upper Room after the morning service.  Pastor Ron Hall gave the morning message.  He did a 30 minute walk through in the book of Ephesians.
           November 14, the church held its annual meeting in the Upper Room.  The 2005 Church Officers and the 2005 Budget were voted on.
           December 26, An earthquake in the Indian Ocean resulted in a Tsunami which claimed an estimated 200,000 lives. 
           December 31, New Years Eve.  6:30 pm the church hosted a Simple Supper in the Upper Room.  A Communion Service followed supper with the breaking of loaves of bread.  After the congregation went to the main sanctuary to enjoy a year end slide show.  The Simple Supper consisted of 3 different kinds of soup and a green tossed salad.

2005--January 11, Beverly Loy went to be with the Lord.          
           February 18-20, The Ladies of Temple spent the weekend at Camp Tillicum for a Ladies Retreat.
           March 6, The Church honored Dale Peretti during the morning service and after in the Upper Room with a light lunch for his service as a Sunday school teacher, librarian and doing the landscaping around the church grounds.  The congregation was invited to share with Dale.
           April 8-10, A Mother and Daughter Retreat at Lake Retreat.
           April 21, The Temple Keenagers had an outing at OMSI in Portland to see a documentary of a 4 month journey down the Blue Nile in Africa.
           April 29, John Fallon went to be with the Lord.
           May 4, A memorial was held at the church for John Fallon
           May 15, In the morning service, Pastor Mike Pinkerton included in his sermon a condensed version of  the story of  " Two Ladies Named Margaret."  who were sentenced to drown in the surf on May 11, 1865 in Scotland for their belief in Jesus.
           May 19, The Keenagers went to Mt. St. Helens.  A large bus was rented for the group to ride in.
           May 25, Wednesday, Lake Retreat hosted a Senior's Luncheon. Guest speaker was Dr. Jerry Scheveland, President of the Baptist General Conference.
           May 30, Oaks Park celebrated it's 100th anniversary of opening.  See 1905
           June 2, Gwen Bergstrom went home to be with the Lord
           June 7, Clyde Malone went home to be with the Lord at 5 PM.  A memorial service will be held at Temple on Wednesday, June 16th at 1:00 pm.
           June 8, A memorial service was held at Temple in the Upper Room for Gwen Bergstrom.
           June 12, Temple hosted the National Conference of the Baptist General Conference Vietnamese Ministry.  This is was an historic gathering of Vietnamese Churches in one place to celebrate God's goodness.
           June 16, Dwain DeMaris leaves for a month long summer mission's trip to Brazil.  He will be working on construction projects for New Tribes Missions.
           June 24-26, Billy Graham--Held his final American revival meeting in Queens, New York.  This year, Dr. Graham reached the age of 86.
           June 26, Sunday evening at 6:00 Temple held the "Summer Hummer" in the Sanctuary.
           July 11-16, 21st annual Music Camp held at Temple Baptist Church
           July 17, 6:30pm, A Presentation called "Acorns to Oaks", was held in the sanctuary featuring the members of Music Camp.  Attendance was 230.  A reception was held in the Upper Room after the presentation.
           July 21, The Keenager Group spent the day at Christiansen's Cabin in Seaside, Oregon.
           July 26, At 10:39 AM EDT the Space Shuttle Discovery was launched for a landing with the space station.
           July 31, A commissioning was held for the SMT members leaving for Rio in Brazil.
           August 2, SMT members left for Brazil.  They left Portland International Airport on United Airlines.
           August 9, At 8:11 AM EDT the Space Shuttle Discovery landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
           August 14, Jon Christian held a telephone conversation with the SMT members, in Brazil, during the morning service.
           August 20, The Junior High Group went to Mt. Hood and rode on the Alpine slide.        
           September 14, Wednesday Evening Activities Resume
                         5:30 PM Betty's Diner
                         5:30 PM Temple Sonshine Choir
                         6:45 PM Temple Bible Clubs, Jr. High & High School Youth, Choir, Prayer & Bible Study
           September 18, There was a combined Junior High - Adult Sunday School with Dick & Bev Young.
           September 20, Women's Morning Bible Study started up again - 9:20 AM
                                   Women's Evening Bible Study started up again - 7:00 PM
           September 22, The Keenagers took a trip to Hood River Orchards.
           September 25, The Small Group Bible study started up again.
           September 30, The High School Youth Group had an all night event at Temple.
           October 7, The High School Groups of the CBC had a fall rally at Monroe, Washington.
           October 14-16, A Men's Camp was held at Lake Retreat.
           October 20, The Keenagers had a Swedish Smorgasbord and Scandinavian Program in the Upper Room.
           October 23, Hazel Green, wife of the late Ray Green went to be with the Lord.
           October 23, Missionaries Rick and Carol Stark were at Temple.
           October 24, Gil Clark went to be with the Lord.
           October 27, There was a Memorial Service for Hazel Green at 2:00pm in the Upper Room at Temple.
           October 27, The Sonbeam Daycare had a Harvest Carnival.
           October 27-29, The Columbia Baptist Conference had their annual meeting at Belleview, Washington.
           October 28, There was a Memorial Service for Mr. Gil Clark at 11:00am at The Little Chapel of the Chimes in SE Portland.
           October 28, The Junior High had a Harvest Party at the home of Kyle and Cathy Horness.
           October 30, Daylight Savings Time Ended.
           November 1, Mr. Joe Ryan passed away at 3:30 this morning.
           November 1, Deloris Danielson went home to be with the Lord at 3:00 p.m. today.
           November 5, A Harvest Banquet was held at Lake Retreat.
           November 11, The Keenager Group visited New Heights Church in Vancouver, Washington.
           November 12, A memorial service was held at Temple for Deloris Danielson at 11:00 am.  "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown.  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."                                                                                                                Proverbs 12:4 & Proverbs 31:12
           November 13, Temple Baptist Church Annual Meeting and dinner was held in the Upper Room.
           November 15, A memorial service was held at Temple Mr. Joe Ryan at 2:00pm.
           November 19, The Junior High School Group had a bowling party.
           November 23, A Thanksgiving Eve Service was held at Temple with Lower Columbia Conference Churches.  Ron Hall delivered the sermon.  A Thanksgiving Meal was provided by the Hope Vietnamese Baptist Church.  The menu consisted of rice, salad, egg rolls, pumpkin and apple pie. 
           November 24, Thanksgiving Day.  Read the Presidential Proclamation given by George W. Bush.
           November 27, The Dickens Carolers Concert at 4:00pm.
           November 27,  See the Angel Tree in the church foyer.
           December 2, The church hosted the Bethel University's Northwest Area Christmas Festival at 7:30pm.  A program of Christmas music, including selections from local Bethel alumni, followed by a time of fellowship and dessert.
           December 5, The Church Choir and Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra performed a Sing-A-Long "Handel's Messiah" in the church Sanctuary.
           December 11, The church held its Christmas Sunday School Program at 6:00pm.
           December 15, The Sonbeam Daycare Christmas Program was held this evening.  The Christmas message was given through the children to friends and family.
           December 18, The Temple Choir gave their annual Christmas concert.  This year it was titled "Christmas Then and Now".  The concert was presented during the morning service followed by the annual Feast of The Spring Roll, compliments of the Hope Vietnamese Church.  The Evening program was canceled due to a winter ice storm.
           December, An air conditioning system was installed in the church boiler room for the sanctuary. 

2006--January 19, Keenagers Kickoff Meeting in the Upper Room.  They had a brown bag lunch with banana splits and ice cream.
            February 16, The Keenagers had a film presentation "Our God of Creation", by Dr. Robert Bruechert, a friend of the Evans Nelson family.  Followed by Lunch with soup, bread sticks and cookies.
            March 16, The Keenagers monthly get-together had a PowerPoint presentation by Frank and Patty Peterson of pictures of a recent trip to the Holy Lands.  Lunch afterwards consisted of lasagna and salad.
           April 1, A CPR class was held at Temple in the lower auditorium.
           April 9, Palm Sunday--Temple had a traditional Palm Sunday service with the waving of Palm Branches. 
           April 14, 7:00pm - Good Friday service was held at Temple.
           April 15, Temple hosted an Easter Breakfast and Candy Hunt for children of ages two through sixth grade and parents.  There were 167 children and adults present.  After the candy hunt, the children were told the true meaning of Easter.  The weather was cold and raining so the candy hunt was held up on the second floor of the church.
           April 16, Easter Sunday--Temple had a traditional Easter Service with a lunch afterwards in the Upper Room.
           April 17, Hildur Standberg went to be with the Lord this afternoon at 4:15.  She was 98 1/2 years old when she died. 
           April 20, The Keenagers met at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to view the Omnimax Film, "Wired to Win", a film about the Tour-de-France.  Lunch afterwards was held at McGrath's Fish House in Milwaukie.
           April 23, Corbit Magby, District Executive Minister of the Columbia Baptist Conference, was the guest speaker at the morning service.  The message was, "Something Has to Die."
           April 30, Rev. Ron Hall, spoke at the morning service.  The message was, "Man's Response to the Gospel."
           May 14, Mothers' Day.
           May 13, A Memorial Service was held at Temple in the Upper Room for Hildur Strandberg.
           May 18, The Keenagers --Chinese Pastor to speak followed by Chinese food for lunch.
           May 21, Dr. James Spicklemier, Vice President of Bethel Seminary, was the guest speaker in the morning service.  He spoke on "How Did I Stumble into the House of God?"  from Genesis 28:10-22
           May 21, "The Spring Fling Sing Thing," was held in the sanctuary at Temple at 6:00 pm.  It was a wonderful time to see the many gifts that God has bestowed upon people of all ages from the congregation.
           May 24, Spring Senior's Luncheon at Lake Retreat.
           May 26, A Memorial Day ceremony was held at Oregon Baptist Retirement Home.
           May 26-29, Helping Hands Weekend at Lake Retreat.
           May 30, Oaks Park celebrated it's 100th anniversary of it's opening.
           June 3, Dale and June Peretti celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in the Upper Room, 2:00 to 5:00pm.
           June 15, The Keenagers -- Oregon Gardens, in Silverton, Oregon.
           June 18, Father's Day.
           June 25, The Golden Hill Youth Choir, "Power & Light", presented a beautiful message in song during the morning service.
            July 7, A memorial service was held at 2:00 pm at Temple in the main sanctuary for Peggy Beattie.  A reception followed in the Upper Room.
            July 16, Mark and Helen Downing spoke at 10:00 am during the Sunday School hour.  Mark also delivered the message during the 11:00 worship Service.
            July 16, 6:00pm - The 22nd Annual Music Camp presented their presentation, "Joseph, This is your Life".  A reception was held after in the Upper Room.
           July 15, 60th Anniversary Celebration of Lake Retreat was held at the camp in Ravensdale, Washington.
           July 16-Mark and Helen Downing spoke at 10:00 am during the Sunday School hour.  Mark also delivered the message during the 11:00 worship Service.
            July 16, 6:00pm - The 22nd Annual Music Camp presented their presentation, "Joseph, This is your Life".  A reception was held after in the Upper Room.
          July 16, A 1950s Hawker Hunter, vintage British jet fighter plane, crashed this evening at the Oregon Air show at the Hillsboro Airport.  The plane struck and completely destroyed one home, by the grace of God,  no one was home at the time.  Two other homes sustained major damage and the people inside were able to get out in time with no injuries.  The pilot did not survive.  The plane had been on display at the air show and was flying home to California when it crashed a few moments after taking off. 
           July 18, The Keenagers -- Beach outing at Viola Christians cabin at Seaside, Oregon.  Lunch was purchased at the famous and delicious Seaside KFC. (Kentucky Fried Chicken) 
           July 23, A picnic was held at Blue Lake Park, East of Portland, in honor of Pastor Mike Pinkerton.  The church commemorated the anniversary of his 10th year as Senior Pastor at Temple.  The picnic was held after the morning service.  Hot Dogs and Hamburgers were served from 1:15 to 2:15 pm.  Snow Cones served all afternoon.
           July 23, The Helvetia Community Church celebrated 125 years today.     Read as printed in the Hillsboro Argus.
           June 29, Peggy Beattie went to be with the Lord this morning at 6:00.  The entire family was with her at Emanuel Hospital when she died.
           August 5, The SMT from Temple left for Pascagoula, Mississippi to work with storm victims.  The Theme this year is KATRINA SMT-2006.
           August 6, Frank and Barbara Emrick spoke at 10:00 am during the Sunday School hour and will bring a greeting during the Worship Service.
          August 13, The message at the morning service was presented by Rev. Thai Nguyen, Pastor of the Hope Vietnamese Church.  It was entitled "A New Beginning." 
           August 17, The Keenagers -- Outing at the Wennermark's farm on Sauvies Island.  It was a desert fellowship with local peach shortcake.
           August 20, Tim and Linnette Corrigan spoke and showed slides of their life in China, at 10:00 am during the Sunday School hour and will bring a greeting during the Worship Service.
           September 1, Junior High Parent/Game Night - 7:00pm
           September 6, Christian Education Leaders Meeting - 7:00pm
           September 8-10, Women's Retreat at Lake Retreat
           September 10, Fall Kick Off Dinner and Ministry Fair - 5:30pm
           September 13, Wednesday Evening Activities Resume
                                    5:30 PM Betty's Diner
                                    5:30 PM Temple Sonshine Choir
                                    6:30 PM Midweek Prayer and Bible Study
                                    6:45 PM Temple Bible Clubs, Junior High and High School Youth Groups, Choir
           September 11-15, Senior Adult Retreat at Lake Retreat.
           September 21, The Keenagers -- Outing at Mary Hill Museum, eat Lunch at Biggs Junction.
           September 22-24, Men's Camp was held at Lake Retreat.  Rev. Larry Adams was this years speaker.
           September 24, A Wedding Reception was held today for Karen Aull and Duane Kitzmiller in the Upper room after the morning service. It was held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.   Karen accompanies June Peretti on the pipe organ with a flute during the Sunday morning services. 
           September 27, See You at the Pole - 6:30-8:30 PM
           September 30, Elder Retreat at the Church - 9:00 AM
           October 6, Junior High Game/Parent Night - 7:00 PM
           October 6-8, High School Fall Tally
           October 13-14, Women of Faith conference was held at the Rose Garden Arena.
           October 18, Sydney G. Larson died and went to be with the Lord.  A memorial service was held at the First Baptist Church in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.  Pastor Larson was the father of Marilyn Reynolds of Temple.
           October 26-28, 117th Columbia Baptist Conference Annual Meeting is held in Tacoma, Washington.
           October 27, Junior High Harvest All-Nighter-5:30 PM
           October 29, Daylight Savings time end.
           October,  The Keenagers -- Have an informal coffee clutch at McDonald's Restaurant near Temple every week during the month
           November 3, Junior High Game Night
           November 11, Veteran's Day
           November 12, Annual Meeting/Dinner - 5:30 PM
           November 17, Movie Night,  Dinner at 6:30PM -- Movie at 7:00 PM -- The movie, "End of the Spear," is based on the true story of a boy and his family growing up with the Ecuadorian tribe that murdered his father and several other missionaries. Directed by Jim Hanon and based on the book by Steve Saint.
           November 22, Thanksgiving Festival - 7:00 PM
           November 23, Thanksgiving Day
           November 25, All Church Decorating for Christmas
           November 26, Dickens Carolers Concert - 4:00 PM
           November,  The Keenagers -- Have an informal coffee clutch at McDonald's Restaurant near Temple every week during the month
           December 1, Bethel Christmas Event - 7:30
           December 3, Sunday Advent 1 Lighting of the Peace Candle by the Fessenden Family.
           December 3, 6.00 PM A-Sing-a-long Messiah.
           December 8, Junior High Christmas Party - 5:00 PM
           December 9, Christmas Program Practice - 9:00 AM 
           December 9, The Keenagers -- Portland Christian Center for their Christmas Program.
           December 10, Sunday Advent II  Lighting of the Joy Candle by Ken Marx.  
           December 10, 6:00 PM Children's Christmas Program 
           December 11, Church Staff Christmas Dinner - 6:00 PM