The Hood River Glacier, Hood River, OR., June 19, 1924, page 6
HISTORY OF EARLY ODELL CHURCH LIFE
(By Mrs. L.A.E. Clark)
The Methodist Episcopal church, of Odell, was built in
the summer of 1911. Plans for the structure as it now stands were drawn by
the late J.E. Ferguson and while those interested had expected to build along
lines of calling for less outlay in cash and labor the wisdom of Mr. Ferguson's
plan has long since been proven and enlarging the building has been seriously
considered.
Rev. T.W. Atkinson gave a lot and this was exchanged
for one fronting the main street and owned by Chas. T. Early. Mr. Early also
donated one half a lot, the lot and one half being the site upon which the
building stands. Finances were provided by popular subscription of cash and
labor, to which was added a donation and loan from the Board of Church Extension.
J.E. Ferguson, L.A.E. Clark and M. Hawthorne were chosen as the board of
trustees and also as a building committee.
Although not completed the building was dedicated in
September, 1911, and from that date has served continuously as a center of
religious life in the community. At the time of dedication this church formed
a part of the Pine Grove charge of The Dalles district, Columbia River
conference. Rev. Walton Skipworth was district superintendent.
Rev. Chas. Carson was the first pastor assigned. He was
followed in turn by Rev. G.E. Heinrick, Rev. E.C. Newham and the present
pastor, Rev. W.S. Gleiser, who has been returned to this charge for the fourth
consecutive year. Mrs. L.A.E. Clark was the first Sunday school superintendent,
J.C. Duckwall second, and the present superintendent, Allison Fletcher, third.
Since the organization of the church the Ladies' Aid
society has always been an active and important branch of the work. To this
society much credit is due for material assistance in property improvement
and finance. The society has also ranked high as a social factor.
The following members have served as president of this
society: Mrs. E.G. Hagey, Mrs. W.L. Sheirbon, Mrs. Henry Rodamar, Mrs. M.
Hawthorne, Mrs. G.A. Weber, Mrs. Allison Fletcher, Mrs. W.O. Mills, Mrs.
J.E. Ferguson is now president of the society.
The steady growth of the church was such that it became
evident the interests of the work could best be advanced by setting Odell
apart as a separate charge, thus securing a resident pastor whose full-time
could be devoted to Odell.
In September, 1919, this action was taken and the parsonage
property purchased.
A history of this church would be incomplete without
mention of the Ferguson Bible class organized soon after the organization
of the Sunday school and taught by Mrs. J.E. Ferguson, a class known throughout
rural classes of the Northwest for members and activities. To this class
must be credited a long list of achievements in the way of liberal contributions
toward completion of building, purchase of needed furniture and fixtures
and pastor's salary, not forgetting social activities promoted.
There is also an active and flourishing Epworth League
chapter with Lloyd Cameron president.
While Methodist Episcopal in government this church has
followed and now stands for a policy of real community service. This fact
has been recognized by its membership which comprises those of at least seven
denominations who have become affiliated with this church and are working
harmoniously together in true community spirit.
The following are members of the official board now serving:
Trustees, A.H. Weinheimer, J.H. Fletcher, Henry Rodamar, F.E. Gilkerson,
W.W. Gilkerson; stewards, J.C. Duckwall, Allison Fletcher, A.H. Weimheimer,
Clayton Fletcher, Mrs. J.E. Ferguson, H.C. Johnson, Horace Gilkerson, Mrs.
G.A. Weber and Mrs. Algie Weinheimer.
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© Jeffrey L. Elmer