Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship
By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford
Bell Rings from Belfry
In January of 1885 a bad snowstorm struck forcing cancellation of church services. During the spring of that year a fund drive resulted in enough cash to finally build the long-awaited belfry at a cost of $187.27. Reverend Greene stated..."I am thankful today that the bell hangs there and my heart feels grateful each time my ear quivers with its sound."
Hattie Greene, daughter of the pastor, taught the children of the community in the one-room school housed in Harry French's cabin. She also substituted frequently for her mother's Sunday School class.
The pastor was a busy man as he noted that he had made 218 pastoral calls, conducted 4 funerals, 2 marriages and helped organize a church in Redmond.
Congregational churches have traditionally sponsored educational institutions having been founders of Yale, Harvard, Oberlin, Smith and Mount Holyoke. In the West, Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon was established.
In February of 1887 Samuel Greene wrote a letter of resignation with regret. He had served over seven years and going to work for the Congregational Sunday School and Publishing Society in Western Washington. The church accepted his resignation and voted "that we tender to Reverend Greene a vote of thanks for his faithful labor amongst us as pastor."
In March, 1887 it was voted to change the name of the church to First Congregational Church of Houghton. A committee of three was appointed to secure a new pastor.
Reverend D. H. Bicknell of Eugene, Oregon was invited to become pastor for the pledge of $150 annually plus the aid granted from AHMS. He accepted and began his work July 10, 1887.
Sparseness of population, lack of wealth and smallness of church membership were noted by the new pastor but he did recognize the opportunity for growth and felt that "the outlook for the next few years can be looked upon as cheering. The railroad is bringing a brighter prospect to the new country just east of us." At this time Rev. Bicknell was also preaching once a month in Bothell and Woodinville and every two weeks in Redmond.
His predictions came true and in 1888 the church as able to meet current expenses, raise the pastor's salary and was not in debt.
The organ fund met its goal with the help of the Ladies Aid and the instrument purchased was "one of the best of its class on the coast." Molly Curtis who had been active in the church was able to use her musical talents and became the church organist. Her husband was the choir director.
Back to History Previous Gleaning Next Gleaning