History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon.
Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 1886
Data furnished by Mrs. J.W. Ingalls and J.L. Hershner.

     This church was organized in Hood River valley in the year 1886 under the supervision of State Superintendent Rev. George H. Atkinson, with Frederick Homer Balch as pastor.
     The list of charter members is incomplete but the following names have been preserved: Mr. P.G. Barrett, Mrs. P.G. Barrett, Mrs. Newton Clark, Mrs. Nancy Monroe and Mrs. Rose Fletcher.
     The church building was erected in 1887 at a cost of $2,000.
     Mr. Balch began preaching in the Barrett School House in 1885 and when the church was organized a year later he was chosen as pastor, He continued as pastor until 1889 when he entered the Theological School at Oakland, California.
     E.D. Howells was his successor and Frank H. Aunks took charge in 1890. Henry F. Gilt was the last pastor.
     The removal of many of the members and the organization of another Congregational Church in the town of Hood River, caused this church to disband in 1894.
     The building was sold to the Valley Christian Church.
     The pulpit for this church was built by Mr. Hodge (Mrs. Barrett's father) when nearly ninety years of age. His death occurred a few years later, and when the church was sold the pulpit was given to Mrs. Barrett. Before she moved away from Hood River she presented it to the Union Church at Odell where it is still in service.

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