footprint.html

"Footprints Through the Years"
A History of the Bickleton First Presbyterian Church 1903-2003
submitted by Judy Naught

In the sanctuary of the Bickleton First Presbyterian Church it is written on one of the stained glass windows that the First Presbyterian Church of Bickleton was founded in 1903 by Lysander Coleman, and so it was. But its roots go back to the first sermon preached in the Bickleton area in 1876 by Methodist minister, Rev. J.H. Allyn at the R.M. Graham ranch on Alder Creek. In the fall of 1880, Mr. Allyn became the first pastor of the Methodist Society organized that year in Bickleton. The records show that the first church service held was the quarterly meeting on September 19, 1880 in a school house. Rev. G.C. Roe was the presiding elder, Robert M. Graham was class leader, Simeon Bolton and H.C. Clark, stewards. Rev. Allyn was succeeded in 1882 by Rev. Richard Barrett, and the latter's place on the circuit was taken in 1884 by Rev. John Ostrander, under whose pastorate a church was built in 1884 on a building site of four lots in the heart of Bickleton. The lots were donated by Mr. Bickle. Rev. J.W. Helm came to the Bickleton circuit in 1885, and he and Rev. F.R. Spalding held the first revival services that year which resulted in 20 additions to the church. The next year Rev. H.F. Williams came, and in 1887, Mr. Helm returned for two years. In 1889 the society built a parsonage which was the house behind the current H.O. Wilson shop on the southeast corner of East 1st Street and Madison Street. This was the original Methodist Episcopal Manse. Rev. A.S. Mulligan came to the church in 1889, Rev. T.W. Atkinson in 1892, Rev. Brannon in 1893, Rev. J.W. Regby in 1894, Rev. G.R. Moorhead in 1895, succeeded for a short time by J.W. Helm, then Rev. C. Ellery in 1897, Rev. H. Moys in 1898, Rev. F.L. Johns in 1900, Rev. G.W. White in 1901, and last, Rev. S.E. Hornibrook in September 1903. Many of these ministers had charge of services at Bickleton, the Glade, Enterprise, and Pleasant Ridge.
Our roots grew still more from the influence of the Cleveland Presbyterian Church organized in 1884, through the efforts of Rev. L.J. Thompson.
Mrs. Nettie Twitchell, Mrs. A.A. Faulkner, Mrs. Isaac Clark, Mrs. Mary Baker, Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Purviance, and one or two others whose names could not be found. A manse was immediately built, and two years later a church was erected at the cost of around $800. Ripley Dodge donated a block to the society for building purposes. Some of the pastors were Rev. Samuel Meyer, B.F. Harper, A.J. Adams, J.C. Templeton, John Day, R.B. Hodge, J.G. Hodges and Rev. William Douglas who came April 1, 1904. There were 18 members in the church and at the time Rev. Douglas was minister he also presided over the Bickleton and Dot churches. The son of Rev. Douglas, William O. Douglas, later became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
The Dot church began as a community church, built in 1889 through the efforts of Charlie, Samuel and William Wherey and their brother-in-law James Hardison. They and other old-timers including Frank Powers, Frank Vincent, John Lund, John Rasmussen, Joe Gadeberg, and others, canvassed the Rock Creek area for funds. Lumber was hauled by team from Goldendale. The building itself was put up by William G. Faulkner and his father, A.A. Faulkner, with Jim Moffitt as the stone mason. Services were held twice a month. After being a community church it became a Presbyterian, then later a Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Anderson, Rev. Wann, and Rev. Douglas were circuit ministers who supplied this church and others in the area. The Dot church later became the White Creek Grange building.
There was also at one time a Catholic congregation in the Bickleton area. They held services in different homes, never having a church building. Some of these homes were the Bill Stegeman, the M.A. Collins, and the J.P. Kuhn residences. The J.P. Kuhn home was later owned by the Clarence McBrides and they donated it to the Bickleton Church in 1955 to house the Sunday School. An excerpt from the Bickleton News May 15, 1908 states that "there will be Catholic Services at the J.P. Kuhn residence of Sixprong on Thursday, May 21, 1908 with the Rev. H.J. Kelley of Heppner, Oregon presiding."
There was a Sunday School at the Fairview School located in the Northwest corner of land that is still known as "the Larsen Place" where Larry and Robin Goodnight currently live. In the spring of 1902 this Sunday School was organized with Mrs. Lysander Coleman as superintendent, and Mrs. Milton Embree from the Christian Church as one of the teachers. This was a convenient place for the local farmers and their families to meet.
Another school, the Enterprise School, was the site of worship services. The school was located nine miles South of Bickleton past what is known as the Chamberlain Place now owned by Doug and Helen Grabner. This church was served at one time by M.E. Church and when a preacher was there, both morning and evening services were held.
A number of German families settled a few miles north and east of Bickleton. One of the first things they did was build a church. It was located in the northeast corner of the land where Dub and Orpha Naught lived, now owned by their descendants. The Bickleton News for January 1, 1904 stated that "a Christmas program was held in the German Lutheran Church east of Bickleton and was well-attended and the children did their part to satisfy every Christmas-loving person present. The ladies of the congregation all did their share and the tree was loaded with many beautiful presents."
A Danish Lutheran Church also provided roots that have fed our church. A Rev. Plambeck preached in the Danish language in the German Lutheran Church as they had no building of their own. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Matsen (she was known as Aunt Mary to many) were leaders in this venture. She was Ellwood Brown's grandmother. A minister by the name of Pastor Jens Jessen came and made his home with them for a couple of years. They met in the homes of members once a month. The first confirmation class under the tutelage of Pastor Jessen was held in June 1909 in the German Lutheran Church. The mothers and daughters came by team with cream cans full of water and cleaned the church until it shone so it would be presentable for the day when young people would be giving their hearts to Christ. They also filled the church with lilacs whose smell was so strong that Alfred Jensen fainted during the ceremony. In this class was Sophia Larsen Matsen. The second confirmation class was under the new leadership of Pastor Pedersen who came to replace Pastor Jessen who moved to Wilbur, Washington.
It was held in the home that became the James Spalding residence. Later the original home burned down and the rebuilt home is the home of Mat and Julie Spalding. Pastor Pedersen developed throat trouble and had to give up preaching. These members began to attend the Methodist Episcopal and Presbyterian churches, and some members had, in fact, by this time already joined these churches.
So it is that when God seeks to draw His people to Him, He always lays a foundation for man to build on. Our church is not the result of any one person or group, but grew from a vision the Lord gave to a group of those who loved Him, and truly wanted to worship and serve Him. As we tell the history, let's remember that it was His hand that guided and provided every step of the way.

PASTORS AND PROJECTS
1903-1920 "All the earth will worship Thee, and will sing praises to Thee," Psalm 66:4

We begin our history on April 18, 1903, when a meeting was called at the Clanton-Mitty and Co. Hall for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church in Bickleton. All who were interested in church work were invited. The Rev. James Thompson of North Yakima was moderator of this meeting. The Presbyterian Society was organized with the following charter members present: Mr. and Mrs. Lysander I. Coleman, Mrs. Emma McCredy, Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Trenner, H.I. Coleman, Mrs. Lavelle Coleman, Mrs. Florena Coleman, W.T. Mitty and W.T. Lingo. The vision for a church was that of Lysander and his wife, Frances S. Coleman.
After the congregation had been officially organized on April 19, 1903 by the Rev. James Thompson, a missionary under the Board of Home Missions, it became a member of the Presbytery of Central Washington, although it was still waiting for a name, a home, and a minister. In June of 1903 Rev. W.O. Forbes, a Presbyterian missionary and evangelist of Portland, assisted by Rev. J.G. Hodges of the Cleveland Presbyterian Church held special revival services in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
They had permission to hold their meetings there so long as they did not interfere with the Methodist services. Evening services continued for about two weeks. On the closing Saturday afternoon, Rev. Forbes gave an illustrated sermon for children and young people, and on Sunday afternoon a special service was held with the baptism of children, the public reception of members and the communion of the Lord's Supper the special features. In the evening Rev. Forbes held his farewell service with a good cheer meeting and a thank offering was taken for the privileges and blessings of the meetings. Mrs. R.M. Ferguson was one of those who united with the church in July 1903 following these special meetings. She celebrated the church's 50th anniversary in 1953, and her son Ranald was a church member all of his life.
Definite plans were being made to erect a church building. In the spring of 1903 Mrs. McCredy, accompanied by her son Clarence, canvassed the country soliciting funds for a building. They first went through the Dot area with a horse and cart, but Mr. McCredy thought this was too hard for his wife so he bought a covered wagon for her to use to finish her job. When she had raised $1,200 in cash and subscriptions, the work on the building began. George McCredy donated the ground for the building site and also lumber and other material. Much of the material was hauled from The Dalles and Yakima with six-horse teams and wagons.
On November 20, 1903, the congregation formed a corporation and was henceforth known as the First Presbyterian Church of Bickleton. A constitution and bylaws were adopted in May of 1905.
By the spring of 1904 the Presbyterian Society had become an incorporated church. The first elders at Bickleton were Arthur Trenner, W.L. Lingo and Lysander Coleman. The church had a membership of 33.
It was not until February 1905 that the congregation invited the Rev. A.G. Boyd to come to Bickleton and conduct services. He served for two years and it was said, "put forth a determined effort to acquaint the people with the methods and ways of the Presbyterian church." During his stay the new church building was dedicated in April 1905 with the assistance of the Rev. W.O. Forbes and Dr. F.L. Hayden. Financial aid was received from the Board of Home Missions to supplement what the congregation offered toward the salary of the minister. Somewhat later an agreement was reached with the session of the church of Cleveland "to give this church more services on the Sabbath" thereby alternating with services held in Cleveland.
For obvious reasons this was a policy followed for some time, and whenever possible a minister served the two congregations. In later years a similar arrangement was made with the Mabton Church, allowing its minister to serve Bickleton part-time. In 1906 the congregation petitioned Presbytery, requesting that the minister live in Bickleton rather than Cleveland. At that time a membership of 49 was reported. The congregation raised $456 toward the minister's salary, and $15.00 for benevolences which would indicate these were small, but brave, beginnings.
A few years later the young men of the community decided to purchase a bell for the church. Mr. V.W. Harshberger, a Bickleton grocer, bought the bell in Portland and brought it to Bickleton. It was installed and dedicated in May 1908, and still is used today. During this period the congregation purchased a new piano, installed electric lights, and enjoyed their new hymnals.
In May 1909 Mr. and Mrs. W.G. Faulkner sought membership in the Bickleton Church, he being the last elder of the Cleveland Church when it disbanded.
The following are ministers who served the congregation either full-time or as temporary supplies for the next few years.
Rev. F.H. Newton - September 1907 to May 1909
Rev. J.A. Longbottom - February 1910 to April 1911
Rev. P.M. Ford - November 1911 to June 1912
Rev. A.E. Nutting - May 1913 to March 1916
Rev. A.J. Adams - March 1917 to April 1919

There was a long interim from 1919 to 1926 when no minister was stationed at the Bickleton Church and only occasional services were held, a situation no doubt influenced by the war. The Methodist Episcopal Church membership was also low. With so few Christian workers, could two churches maintain themselves and remain true to their tradition and calling? The Methodist Episcopal Church had been the first church in Bickleton and it was on the lot where the H.O. Wilson machine shop stands today. The old building was bought by H.O. Wilson when it was no longer in use, and he moved it across from his shop to become a part of the hardware store. It was often referred to as "the Cathedral" for many years.
In the fall of 1919 the Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal Sunday schools united, and later the two churches became a Community Church. The Rev. H.A. Wann from the Methodist Episcopal Church was pastor with services and Sunday School held at the Presbyterian Church and recreation at the Methodist Episcopal Church. The period following 1919 was difficult, no doubt partly due to the war. Many of the farmers had sold out and moved away, the circuit work had come to a close, and the Presbyterian congregation was without a pastor.

1921-1931 "Great are the works of the Lord…" Psalm 111:2

In September 1921, the Rev. M.H. Stanes, also a Methodist minister, came and served the Community Church for three years. But the time had come when the community congregation thought the ministers should alternate. Since Methodist ministers had served for five years, it was thought that a Presbyterian Minister should be called. The Methodist Conference, not understanding that the Methodist people were willing to relinquish the field to a Presbyterian minister, sent Rev. Soper to take over the work in September 1924. Rev. Soper preached in the Presbyterian Church Sunday morning and evening on September 28, 1924, and the following Tuesday evening a congregational meeting was held to settle the matter. The Presiding Elder, Rev. Forsythe, was moderator of the meeting and a vote was taken to the effect that the Presbyterian people secure a pastor for the Community Church. Rev. Soper regretted leaving the community, but respected the decision. There was no Presbyterian minister available at the time so the pulpit was supplied irregularly by Rev. W.A. Funk, Chairman of the Home Mission Board and the Rev. Healey of Naches until a regular pastor could be secured.
The Rev. G. A. Snyder served sometime during 1926, and in March 1927 the congregation was able to secure the services of the Rev. Aaron Wolfe. He was a scholarly, sedate gentleman, and a pulpit orator. The church began to get on its feet again and the membership of 18 swelled in his five year tenure to 89. At that time because of a new General Assembly ruling that congregations could elect women to the office of church elder, the first such honor in Bickleton fell to Mrs. George W. McCredy, Mrs. B.H. Faulkner, and Mrs. A.M. Matsen in March of 1931.
In October of 1931 Rev. Wolfe offered his resignation and left in November. During the summer of 1932 the church was served by Mr. C.O. Springer, who had just finished college and was ready to enter seminary in the fall. During his stay the Sunday School conducted one of its first Daily Vacation Bible Schools.

1932-1942 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth," Psalm 34:1

Beginning in November 1932, and for about one year, the Rev. P.M. Ford from Mabton supplied the pulpit every other Sunday. He had served before for a short time.
He was followed in November 1933 by the Rev. A.J. Morton who served as stated supply minister. He made a strong and eloquent appeal for bringing all church groups in and near Bickleton into one united church, and according to the records he succeeded considerably in his effort. Membership of the church in March 1936 stood at 74. The minister's salary was $40 a month. He left Bickleton in October 1936 but did return as a visitor on special occasions.
During this time a note of interest is the resignation of W.G. Faulkner as Clerk of the Session. He had held the office from April 1910 to September 1935. Mr. Faulkner had attended the Presbyterian General Assembly in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1929. Mrs. Sophia Matsen assumed the office and served until 1972. She attended the Presbyterian General Assembly in 1951 at Cincinnati, Ohio. On Sunday, January 21, 1972 Mrs. Matsen was honored by the church for her years of service.
The Rev. J.D. Otter came to Bickleton and was installed as the regular pastor in May 1937. He endeavored to improve the spiritual life of the congregation in Sunday morning and evening services, Sunday School and Christian Endeavor Society, Daily Vacation Bible School and School of Missions.
The need for a new manse in Bickleton had been felt for some time. When the opportunity presented itself the congregation, after much discussion, decided to purchase the L.U. McCredy property for $550. In January 1938 the Rev. Otter tendered his resignation and left Bickleton presenting the church with two beautiful pictures.
The Rev. J.F. Vernon was called in September 1938 for one year. Later he was asked to extend his stay and was installed as pastor in March 1939. A former pastor, Rev. Wolfe conducted special services that week. The record states that 21 persons made decisions for Christ and united with the church. Under Rev. Vernon the rotating system for elders was instituted. Two were elected every year for a three-year term. There were six active elders, as there are today. The pastor received a salary of $1,030 plus a supplement of $120 from the Board of National Missions. Thirty-five dollars was contributed toward missionary causes of the church at large. The membership now stood at 104, rising to 117 a few years later. The Presbytery of Walla Walla held its annual spring meeting in Bickleton in 1941, the church evidently having transferred to that Presbytery at some time in the past (it would later go back to the Central Washington Presbytery) and it elected the Rev. Vernon as moderator. An active youth group also made itself known at this time. At the close of the congregational meeting in April 1942, Rev. Vernon asked to be released from serving the congregation, stating ill health as the reason. His request was accepted with regret.
After the departure of Rev. Vernon, Dr. Charles Hayes came to Bickleton to help out during the summer months of 1942, encouraging the members of the session as well as the people to carry on to the best of their ability. He was followed in October 1942 by the Rev. G. H. Wilbur, who came to supply the pulpit for about ten months.

1943-1949 "O Lord, I love the habitation of Thy House, and the place where Thy glory dwells." Psalm 25:8

Rev. Wilbur left again in August 1943 to accept a call from a church in Portland. Such quick changes and short stays by ministers did not help the congregation grow. But these were again war years, and the church made the most of what they had.
The Rev. Charles Fleming arrived in Bickleton in July 1944 calling many back to the church. He was instrumental in securing a larger financial support for the church, and finances reached a new high. The Board of Missions continued to support the pastor's salary with a contribution of $300. The Presbytery of Walla Walla again was invited to conduct its meeting at the Bickleton church in April 1945. The Rev. Fleming passed away on February 3, 1946 in Bickleton following an accident, much to the sorrow of the congregation.
In June of 1946 Rev. George Graham was invited to become our spiritual shepherd. Living in retirement, the Grahams decided to come "just for two months" to help out. However, the two months became three years of a fruitful and blessed relationship. These were post-war years, but the congregation grew. A special contribution of $633 was raised for the Restoration Fund (now called the Building Fund) over a period of three years. Another large amount was collected for the remodeling of the church building and to equip it for greater usefulness. Contributions for church benevolences reached $150 and the minister's salary was set at $1,500.
In the spring of 1947 at the annual congregational meeting, it was voted to put a full basement under the church and also add to the building on the south side to give more room around the communion table for the choir, and to provide room for the annual Sunday School Christmas program. Prior to this meeting, the officers of the Sunday School and the Rev. George Graham had felt a need for the expanding membership of the Sunday School, and a committee had formed. The committee arrived at the conclusion that a basement would furnish the most room for the least expenditure. The money to pay for the project was collected by a committee, and donations ranged from one dollar to five hundred dollars. Wes Wilson was hired to be in charge of construction at $1.50 per hour, with Milner Larson assisting with the engineering, the dirt removal and concrete work. Milner was paid for three weeks of work. Wes donated one week's work to the project. Most of the rest of the labor was donated by men of the community up until harvest, when the crew became few in number, so Leonard and Jim Ingram and Bob Ferguson helped Wes Wilson and Milner Larson finish the project. The building was raised a little over six feet to accommodate tractor work in the excavation and to allow head room in placing the concrete in the wall forms. It was estimated that the building weighed about eighty tons, judging from the number and size of jacks used. The concrete was poured to ground level and concrete blocks were placed to bring the wall to their full height, after which the building was lowered onto its new foundation.
In July of 1949 the Rev. Graham tendered his resignation due to the illness of Mrs. Graham.
Following in this long line of God's faithful servants, the Rev. Alwin E. Gall with his wife, Ida, and sons, Martin, Bernard, Norman and Charles came to Bickleton in September 1950 when he was installed as regular pastor a month later. He came from Alaska where he had served under the Board of National Missions among the Indians. The Gall family moved into a completely renovated and modernized manse. Previous to Rev. Gall's coming, the membership had been revised downward to 60 members. During his tenure it rose to 75, and the overall church budget rose to around $6,000; there was an active choir, burgeoning Sunday School and active women's Goodwill Society. In 1952 the congregation was able to purchase and dedicate a beautiful communion table set with a legacy from the Fred Billington estate.
By 1955 a building was needed to house the Sunday School . So in January that year a building owned by Mr. and Mrs. Clarence McBride, originally the J.P. Kuhn house at Sixprong, was donated to the church for a Sunday School building. The house for the Sunday School was moved up to be placed where the current Sunday School building sits, and would stay there until it was moved off in 1999. In 1957 the sanctuary had been paneled and new pews purchased. It was during Rev. Gall's service that the church celebrated its 50th anniversary. The congregation was amazed to look back and see what the Lord had accomplished in 50 years.
The 50th celebration was held in the Grange Hall in April 1953 and several past ministers were invited. There was an introduction by Rev. Gall, then the congregation sang "There is Sunshine in My Soul." Following this was a dinner. After dinner a quartet sang and there was a time of recognition of the oldest members. Ranald Ferguson sang "In The Garden" following which Mrs. Chloe Walling, Mrs. Stanton Ganders, and Mrs. H. Shattuck spoke as "voices from the past." Flowers were scarce, so Mrs. Vernice Naught and Mrs. Velma Johnson went to the Mabton flats and collected wild daisies for decorations. A book was published and commemorative plates were sold.
Rev. Gall dissolved his partnership with the church on May 29, 1958 and he and his wife, Ida, moved to Aberdeen, Idaho. One of his sons, Charles (Chuck) remained in Bickleton, marrying Ina Lasley and raising two children, Judy and Larry.
Following Rev. Gall the Rev. Wayne M. Douglas was installed. He had been director of Christian Education at Lake Burien Church in Seattle, Washington, and Bickleton was his first pastorate. He was installed October 5, 1958, and he and his family left Bickleton on January 27, 1963, settling in Parma, Idaho.
During his pastorate in 1959 the church purchased a new organ through the efforts of a committee consisting of Delpha Larsen, Florence VanNostern, Betty Ganders, A.W. Donoho, and Mary Beth Clark. The group made numerous trips to see various types of organs, and the story is told that on one trip the wind was so bad Delpha's car was nearly blown off the road. A Baldwin organ was purchased, and was made possible in part by a donation by A.W. Donoho. The organ was dedicated October 18, 1959.

1978 "How great are thy works , O Lord!" Psalm 92:5

Rev. Harry Soloos filled the pulpit until June of 1963 after Rev. Douglas left.
On December 8, 1963 Rev. William R. Meyer was installed as pastor of the Bickleton Presbyterian church. Rev. Meyer came with his wife, Marilyn, and children, Neal, Yvonne, and Karen. He was born and attended school in Outlook, Washington, attending high school in Sunnyside and graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. After an Army stint of 21 months he spent one year at Multnomah School of the Bible and then finished his pastoral studies at Dubuque Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. In 1976 he received his Master of Sacred Theology from Dubuque Theological seminary during a year's leave of absence.
During Rev. Meyer's time the memorial chime-playing system was dedicated on April 6, 1969. The Schulmerich Magnebell chime was purchased from Memorial funds. The friendship room was added to the Southwest corner of the church and dedicated June 14, 1970. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jensen donated the funds for the room and toward carpeting, and Mr. and Mrs. Oris "Hap" Smith donated the curtain.
In 1974 the Sunday School building was given a facelift under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Jensen and a group of volunteers.
In 1974 Martin Copenhefer was a commissioner to General Assembly, and he and his wife Wilma attended the meeting at Louisville, Kentucky.
On February 23, 1975 new, red hymnals were dedicated, having been purchased by gifts from the congregation and from funds in memory of Mr. Viv Donoho.
In the summer of 1976 a memorial garden was planted under the chairmanship of JoAnn Goodnight. In 1977 the evening circle planted a maple tree in the yard in memory of Mr. Howard Coleman.
The church was once again ready to celebrate a milestone in its history. A 75th celebration was planned for April 16, 1978 under a committee of Rev. Meyer, Marilyn Meyer, Sophia Matsen, Freda Powers, Judy Naught, and Chairman Ranald Ferguson, and Ellwood Brown, photographer. The group published the updated history book, the Goodwill sold commemorative plates, and on Saturday evening a dinner was held, and a worship service on Sunday morning completed the weekend. Former pastors were invited and took part in the church service, and the church was rededicated to the Lord's service.

1990 "Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool: Holy is He." Psalm 99:5

The next project the church felt led to tackle was the building of a brand new manse on the lot due west of the sanctuary. A committee was formed and a pledge drive begun in April 1979. The church undertook many money-raising projects, one of which was a box social dinner and auction, with Richard McBride as auctioneer. The committee was made up of Jerry Davis, Chairman, Sam Berk, John Rasmusson, Phyllis Spalding, Delbert Savage, Tom Gray, and Delma Wilson. The finance committee was Ada Ruth Whitmore, Sherman Jensen, Ranald Ferguson, Ken Clark and Rev. Meyer. The result was a wonderful four bedroom home that Rev. Meyer and his wife moved into. The old manse was purchased and renovated by Dave and Debbie Whitmore. The new manse was dedicated in the summer of 1981 at a final cost of $62,078.76.
Rev. Meyer decided it was time to retire and was officially released as pastor January 31, 1990. He became an interim pastor and he and Marilyn returned from time to time to visit Bickleton.

1991-2003 "My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me;" Psalm 101:6

The congregation formed a search committee and hired James R. Howe, who had just finished Regent Seminary in Canada. Jim and his wife, Kerry, and children, Jeremiah, Alaina, and Micah came to Bickleton August 13, 1990, and he was ordained on February 22, 1991. Rev. Howe stayed with us until receiving a call from Waldport, Oregon in the summer of 1995.
A new organ was purchased and dedicated in February of 1991 after research by Velma Johnson, Julie McBride, JoAnn Goodnight, Barbara Davis, Sherman Jensen, and Greg Wilson. Music has always been a source of blessing to the congregation in Bickleton, and the new instrument has been a wonderful addition to worship services.
In 1993 the Trustees, Judy Naught, Sandra Powers, June Lathrop, John Jensen, Larry Goodnight, and Jerry Davis formed a plan to give the sanctuary and the Sunday school building updates. Both were completely painted, new carpeting was installed in the sanctuary, new pew cushions purchased, and the pews removed and the wood floor refinished. The curtain behind the communion table was removed and a committee made up of Sandra Powers, Judy Naught, June Lathrop, John Jensen, Larry Goodnight and Jerry Davis raised money for three stained glass windows to be installed behind the communion table. The design was drawn by the committee and crafted by Glen and Ruth Cutler of Mosier, Oregon, and the congregation and friends of the church donated the funds in honor or in memory of loved ones. The windows were dedicated on November 6, 1994.
The church was sided with vinyl siding in 1994, and the manse was completely re-painted and repaired by volunteers that summer.
Once again the congregation formed a committee to find a pastor. Bruce Cook, a graduate of Multnomah School of the Bible, was hired in the summer of 1996. He and his wife, Mari, and their children Sarah, Tim, and Christina moved into the manse. He was ordained in September of 2000, having completed studies to become a Presbyterian pastor. Rev. Cook served until January 2002. During Pastor Cook's time the church felt it was time for a new Sunday School building. A committee was formed in 1999 by election of the congregation. Tom Whitmore chaired the financial half of the committee and was joined by Kristi Roberts, Delma Wilson and Barbara Davis. Ben McBride chaired the building portion of the committee which included Judy Naught, Lance Powers, June Lathrop, Jerry Davis, Doug Grabner, and Larry Seaman. A general contractor was hired to oversee the construction, and the men and women of the church and community donated their labor. The finance committee secured pledges, and did several fund-raising projects including a yard sale, and the production of three community plays directed by Jan Brown. The total cost of the building was $158,000 which was completely paid when the building was completed, including furnishings, the acquisition of which was under the direction of Sandra Powers and Kim Clinton. The old building was sold to Dave and Debbie Whitmore, and they moved it several hundred feet to the north where it became a beauty shop. The new building was dedicated in November 2001. Velma Johnson and Sandra Powers headed a project in the fall of 2002 to landscape the grounds around the new building, and have underground sprinklers installed throughout the church and Sunday school yards. This was funded by monies remaining in the new building fund. An interesting note is that this building was built and paid for in cash when Bickleton had suffered the worst two crop years in decades. Through sacrificial giving the congregation raised a building to honor God and His work of teaching His Word. In 2003 a keyboard was purchased from a bequest from Homer Townsend, formerly of Goldendale.
As the church was praying for a new pastor, Mike Clark, a native of Bickleton, became commissioned as a lay pastor by the Central Washington Presbytery, and was hired by the Bickleton Church. He was installed in September 2002, and lived in Prosser until he and his wife, Linda Johnson Clark, also a native of Bickleton, moved into the manse in February 2003. During Mike's tenure the church has grown to average 70 in attendance at worship on Sunday mornings.