First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, Springfield, OR
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1959 - 1984 FLMBC History
History of the First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Springfield
Bro. Elmore Harty came to the Eugene area in March 29, 1959, from Duke Street Missionary Baptist Church which is now Hillcrest Missionary Baptist Church in Oregon City. After meeting in several different locations, from Cottage Grove to Blue River, the Labor Union Building at 524 N. 'A' St. in Springfield was obtained and used on Sundays until the present building was built.
January 9, 1960, the church was organized with eleven charter members. Of these eleven Bro. Mike and Sis. Effie Keoppel are still members. Hillcrest, Winston, and Union Gap Missionary Baptist Churches participated in the organization.
The first baptismal service was held the next day, January 10, 1960, at the mcKenzie River. Since that time the church has baptized 179 candidates. The first business meeting was also that day and the church voted to name herself the "First Missionary Baptist Church of Springfield". The church showed missionary spirit by voting to give ten percent of all offerings to missions, and has continued to suport missionaries since that time.
The first youth rally was April 30, 1960, with 38 present. The church observed the first Lords' Supper, January 8, 1961. The first ordination service was September 22, 1961, when Bro. Bob Dotson was ordained to the ministry. The first revival service was held in April, 1963, with evangelist, Bro. Hack Dane.
In August, 1966, the church changed her name the the "First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Springfield." Also, Bro. Mike Keoppel was ordained as a deacon.
In September, 1968, the land was purchased. In July, 1970, the church celebrated groundbreaking, and six months later, under the direction of Bro. Bill Taylor, the church held her first Sunday service in the new building, January 3, 1971, with several visitors from the neighborhood.
The second revival meeting for the church and the first in the building was held June, 1971, with Bro. Don Reynolds as evangelist.
In June, 1975, the addition for the addition was started on the building under the leadership of Bro. Roger Crabtree. The dedication service for the completed building was held on May 29,1976.
In July, 1977, the church sponsored and organized the youth camp at Camp Lane. Camp has been an annual duty since that time. In August, 1983, the church, cooperating with other churches, joined in the purchase of property for camp at the Rogue River.
In November, 1977, the plans fo the parsonage were accepted, and the Crabtree family moved in one and a half years later in June, 1979. In December, 1977, the land was paid off, and the church celebrated a mortgage burning.
In June, 1979, the church offered her first Vacation Bible School, and has continued this practise every summer.
The church voted to cooperate with other churches to publish a monthly paper, the first edition of which was March, 1983. Springfield school of the Bible opened in the fall of 1983, offering classes on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. Future plans include paving the parking lot, a bus garage and a new auditorium with a seating capacity of 500. Also, the church has a regular Bible study in Roseburg with plans for a church there, and is looking to the future for a work in Eugene.
Former Pastors (1959 - 1984):
Elmore Harty (March 1959 - September 1961)
Bob Dotson (September 1961)
Elmore Harty (October 1961 - January 1962)
John Buie (January 1962 - June 1962)
Richard Daniel (October 1962 - June 1963)
Joe Umhult (June 1965 - September 1965)
John Halsell (August 1966 - February 1968)
Bill Taylor (September 1968 - January 1974)
Richard Crawford (January 1974 - February 1975)
Roger Crabtree (March 1975 - Present Time )
Preachers and Deacons Ordained by the First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Springfield:
Preachers:
Bob Dotson (September 22, 1961)
Bill Dotson (August 5, 1972)
Wayne Parker (July 7, 1984)
Michael Pedder Sr. (October 13, 1984)
Deacons:
Michael Keoppel (August 27, 1966)
Michael Woodall (October 13, 1984)
Tim Robertson (October 13, 1984)
Michael Cooper (October 13, 1984)
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