Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1908-04-10

O'Clock. The program was held in-
side the building, which Is now un-
der roof and plastered, and was as
follows; Invocation; hymn; scrip
ture reading by Rev. G. G. Bell: Sc
lection by male quartet; prayer by
Rev. o. @. Wright; brief address by
Rev. w. r. Coburn, ID. D., of New
York; Offering: laying the corner
stone by Mayor Matlock, and the
prayer of conservation by the pas
tor: hymn; benediction, Rev. G. A.
Wooley
The Central Presbyterian church
"a the result of the union OF the
First Presbyterian and Cumberland
Presbyterian churches OF this city.
The First Presbyterian church was
organized by the Rev. Robert Robe
on May s, 1855, who served as first
pastor until his death January 81,
1856. Rev. Joseph Hanna. brother
OF our fellow townsman, Elder Cal
vim Hanna. supplied the church un-
til 1870. when he was giccee led by
Rv. J. d. Wilson, whose labors
were ended by death January 2,
1873. The next pastorate, that OF
the sainted Edward II. Geary, d. D.,
was one OF the mostusefu as well as
tho longest In the history OF the
church. continuing from January s,
1873, until October. 1886 He was
followed by the Rev. George A. Nc
Kinley, ID. D.. who continued TO
serve tho church until 1890: then
Rev. M. s. Riddle supplied the
church for brief interim. on Sep
tember 10th. 1898. Rev William s.
Gilbert entered upon his pastoral
duties and continued as pastor un-
I'll October II, 1899. when he re-
signed TO accept the pastorato OF 4,
Calvary Presbyterian church. OF
Portland. About year and a half
OF Mr.. Gllberts pastorate was spent
In the Philippine Islands as chap /,
lain OF the Second Oregon volunteer
regiment. and In this capacity. as
also In the pastoral activities, he !,
greatly endeared himself not only ,
to the church. but TO the whole COM
munity During his absence the
pulpit was supplied by the Rev. J.
II. McJunkin. OF Mlssoula, Mont
Following the pastorate OF Mr. Gil
bert came Rows. J. A. Cleland, VIII
liam x. henderson. d. d., and
Charles r. Woodward on May lst.
1904. the present pastor. Rev. II.
N. Mount, began his labors with this
church
The church has had long and
useful care in the community.
Among those who have served the
church as elders are some OF the
leading men OF the community. pio-
noers and their sons. The old First !
Presbyterian ehnreh was erected In
the fifties on February 4. 1882.
the building was slightly damaged |
by fire II was then remodeled and |
enlarged aud rededicated, Febru-
airy 2. 1854, This church. like all
other Presbyterian churches In Or |
egon save one. was made possible |
by the fostering care OF the board OF
home missions. But February 4,
1893. the church decided to be-
como self-sustalning. since which
time Il has received no aid from out
side sources.
The CumbSrland Pa sbyterian
church was organized Ia the Bogart |
school house In the forks OF the
Willamette, on the third Sunday In
JHne, 1883. The charter members
were Rev, Jacob E. Gillespie, Ame- |
Tia Gillespie, W. A, Masterson, Eliza
Masterson. A. A. King. p. y. w.
Young. A. l.. Day. p. Gillespie, NJ.
:. Gillespie ana verlinda Alexander.
Rev. Jacob Gillespie was the first
pastor, aud w. A. Masterson was
chosen first clerk Of the session.
The mlnutest OF the session from
the date Of organization 70 Deeem-
her, ASIA. have unfortunately been
lost. hence no account OF the church
In that time can be recorded Those
who have served as pastors are the
Reys, J. h. Cornwall, J. w. sneed.
c. A. Wooley. n. p. Henderson, ".
V. Niece. w y. Sparks. @. Il.
Blair. J. A. I.Ongbottom. l. r. Clay
comb aud Others who temporarily
supplied the pulpit from time 70
time. Rev. q. A. wooley frequently
mlnistered TO the church. aud twice
was les regular pastor. the last pas
toratc extending for some six years