The History and Lineage of the

First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Springfield, OR.

"Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set." Proverbs 22:28

We believe that Jesus Christ established His church during His ministry on earth and that it always is a local, visible assembly of scripturally baptized believers meeting together in covenant relationship to carry out the commission of the Lord Jesus Christ and each church is an independent self-governing body, and no other ecclesiastical body may exercise authority over her. She is not to be confused with the family of God consisting of all the saved (Ephesians 3:15). We believe that Jesus Christ gave the Great Commission to New Testament churches only, and that He promised the perpetuity of His churches. (Matthew 4:18-22; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 18:15-18; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:14-20; John 1:35-51; Ephesians 3:21)

50 Years of Service to our Lord

Bro. Elmore Harty came to Eugene, Oregon, in March of 1959. He was a member of the Duke Street Missionary Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon. (Later known as Hillcrest Missionary Baptist Church of Oregon City, Oregon.)

Bro. Harty was sent out from Duke Street to do scriptural mission work where he felt lead to work in and around the Lane County area. Bro. Harty was also endorsed by the American Baptist Association as interstate missionary so this allowed him to be on the field full-time.

Bro. Harty first started holding services at Finn Rock. After only two services, he was rejected here because of his Biblical stand on baptism. In his own words, he was rejected “because of those who love what we call alien baptism”.

One service was held in Walterville. The next meeting was held in Cottage Grove. Bro. and Sis. J. R. Cole, a family of Missionary Baptists, and several of their friends had been meeting there and asked Bro. Harty to meet with them. After a few services, Bro. Harty states that a certain woman “belonging to one of the old California Association churches, caused much trouble over the associational question. The next weekend, two of their preachers came from Central California, and of course, this ended the work at Cottage Grove for me”.

This only left one reliable Missionary Baptist in the area to work with that Bro. Harty knew of, Sis. Ruby White of Walterville. However, the next week the Lord directed them to Bro. and Sis. Taylor, Bro. and Sis. Keoppel, and a building at 524 N. “A” Street in Springfield.

Services were good with good attendance until the first of June. Bro. Harty left to go to the association meeting in Shreveport, Louisiana. At the same time, the building they had been meeting in was scheduled to be destroyed so they could not use it any longer.

The next meeting place was in the Eugene Labor Temple. During Bro. Harty’s absence in the month of June, they did not have another preacher to fill the pulpit. Consequently, attendance dropped very low.

In August, Bro. Harty was able to hold services in a theater building in Blue River. However, due to finances, they could not hold that building for very long. The Lord knew what He was doing because He directed Bro. Harty to Bro. and Sis. Bierman. They opened their home on Tuesday evenings for Bible studies. God blessed this study of His Word, and it was very profitable to the work.

In October, the opportunity was presented for them move back to 524 N. “A” Street, in Springfield, where a new union building had been built to replace the one that was destroyed. This was offered free of charge as long as liability insurance was carried privately for the group meeting. They also helped to “chip” in for the expense of the heating. Bro. Harty writes, “We believe this building is a gift from our Lord and praise Him for it.”

Services improved and plans were made to organize a church in Springfield. All the members that went into the organization of the Springfield Missionary Baptist Church had lettered into the Duke Street Missionary Baptist Church. The Duke Street Church investigated the churches from where all these members had been baptized as to their “scripturalness” and finding them to be so, received their letters.

Bro. Harty concludes his introduction in this way: “We know that God has been our Guide and although we were buffeted by Satan, as you can see, we had many discouragements. We praise our God for this victory. I pray that the church shall stand the many hard trials which are ahead. Encourage each other that you may stand through the short time until Jesus our Lord comes.”

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the lord.” I Corinthians 15:58

On January 9th, 1960, the Hillcrest Missionary Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon, with the Winston Missionary Baptist Church of Winston, Oregon, and the Union Gap Missionary Baptist Church of Sutherlin, Oregon, answered the call to send their ordained ministers and deacons to assist in these named as charter members in the organization of a Missionary Baptist Church.

The following are charter members: Bro. James Nix, Bro. David Bierman, Sis. Pauline Bierman, Bro. Michael Keoppel, Sis. Effie Keoppel, Bro. Albert Keoppel, Bro. Bud Taylor, Sis. Nola Taylor, Sis. Ruby White, Bro. Elmore Harty, and Sis. Eva Harty all having letters of good standing from the Hillcrest Missionary Baptist Church.

The following were sent by the previously listed churches to sit in the council: Elder Wayne Ross, pastor of the Hillcrest Missionary Baptist Church, Elder Frank Harty of Hillcrest, Elder Frank Bryant, pastor of the Union Gap Missionary Baptist Church, Elder Vernon Welliver, Bro. Leif Maddox, Bro. Charles Cox, and Bro. Eli Sarratt, all of Union Gap, and Elder James McCool, pastor of the Winston Church, and Elder Johnny Buie of the same church, Bro. Dud G. Poyner, missionary working at Roseburg from the Bakersfield Missionary Baptist Church of Bakersfield, California, and Bro. Reader of the Winston Church.

Bro. Wayne Ross was elected as moderator and to preach the organizational sermon. Bro. Frank Harty was elected as organizational clerk, Bro. Vernon Welliver to read the Articles of Faith from the Baptist Way Book, Bro. Johnny Buie read the church covenant, Bro. Frank Bryant prayed the organizational prayer, and Brother Dud Poyner prayed the dedication prayer.

Bro. Elmore Harty made a motion to adopt the Articles of Faith as read from the Baptist Way Book, except article 18 to clarify the fact that we believe in two resurrections: one of the just and one of the unjust (Revelation 20:4-6) and that the new church cooperate with the Oregon State Cooperative Association and the American Baptist Association. Bro. Michael Keoppel seconded the motion and it carried with a unanimous vote.

An invitation was then given and Bro. Joe Carr came on profession of faith desiring baptism. He was received as a candidate for baptism. On January 10th, 1960, the church held regular Sunday services. During this time they voted on officers and teachers. Bro. Harty was voted as pastor. The name of “The First Missionary Baptist Church of Springfield, Oregon,” was voted on and passed. They had baptismal services at the McKenzie River for Bro. Joe Carr following their regular service. The first member coming through baptism was accepted into the new church.

The church held its first youth rally on April 30, 1960. (four months after the organization) There were six churches present and seven preachers. Bro. Frank Harty was elected to bring the message. There was a total of 38 present. There were special presentations by each church present and special singing as well. The churches present were the Mitchell Church, the Coos Bay Church, the Hillcrest Church, the Winston Church, the Union Gap Church, and also there were those present from the mission work in Roseburg, Oregon. The next youth rally was to be hosted by the Winston Church on May 27, 1960, but would be held in the Springfield Church’s facilities.

In May of 1960, the church voted to begin its first building fund. Each member would try to give at least $1 each month toward the building fund. Even though the union building was a blessing to use, the church was very diligent about trying to raise money to obtain their own building.

During the following months the church stayed busy organizing a ladies’ auxiliary, visiting those members that were weak, and Bro. Harty spent a lot of time traveling to other churches and sharing about mission work. On Sunday, June 18th, 1961, the church had its first young preacher accept the call to the ministry. Bro. Bill Dotson preached his first message on June 25th, 1961.

On August 20th, 1961, Bro. Elmore Harty resigned as pastor. The church voted to call Bro. Bob Dotson as pastor. On August 27th, Bro. Bob accepted the pastorate. Bro. Bob was ordained on September 22nd in a joint ordination service with the Springfield Church, and the Hillcrest Church ordaining a deacon. Regretfully, there must have been some turmoil because on October 8th, there was a motion made to “declare the pulpit vacant due to the pastor and his wife and called Bro. Harty as temporary pastor, because what went on here last Sunday night was a disgrace”. Letters were granted for this Dotson family on November 5th. There are no other details mentioned in the minutes.

On January 14th, 1962, the church called Bro. Johnny Buie of Roseburg, Oregon, as pastor. On January 28th, Bro. Buie accepted the pastorate of the church. The church voted to hold its first revival services starting on June 24th with Bro. James Buie as evangelist. They voted to advertise the revival in the Register Guard Newspaper and also to have 50 bumper stickers made with the dates and times. This had to be postponed because the building was not available. Bro. Johnny Buie resigned as pastor due to his poor health effective on August 1st, 1962.

Bro. James Buie was called as pastor on July 29th, 1962. He accepted the pastorate on August 2nd, 1962, but he and his family had to leave to go to Tucson, Arizona. The minutes do not elaborate on the circumstances, but on August 26th, he informed the church via a phone call that he would be unable to return to the church as pastor. The church tried to call a pastor, but the one man that responded favorably, said that “his home and work were in Winston,” so he could only be with the church on Sundays. Of course, this did not work out.

October 7th, 1962, the church calls Bro. Richard James Daniels to be the pastor. October 14th, Bro. Daniels accepts the call. The church sends a request to the Santiam Missionary Baptist Church asking for his ordination. Bro. Daniels was ordained at a fellowship meeting in Coos Bay, Oregon, on October 27th, 1962, by the authority of the Santiam Missionary Baptist Church. He and his family unite with this church on Sunday, October 28th, by letters from the Santiam Missionary Baptist Church.

During this time the church was diligently searching for property, investigating many places that came to their attention. In December, the church voted to have prayer meeting services on Wednesdays instead of Fridays. The church was very desirous of having revival services, but they could not find a suitable place to host it because they could only use the building on Sundays. Their numbers were small, and several were unemployed, but they still continued to support mission work as much as possible, as well as supporting the building fund. They also were continuing their work in the cooperative fellowship work in Oregon and the national work of the American Baptist Association. In June of 1963, Bro. Daniels resigned as pastor.

The church continued looking for a pastor with several members and families moving to other churches. Finally, on February 9th, 1964, the church voted to call Bro. Don Matthews as pastor. He accepted the pastorate on March 8th, 1964. He only remained as pastor for one month because of his “working conditions”. The church called Bro. Umhult as pastor in May of 1965. He remained as pastor until September of 1965.

“And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered.” Ezekiel 34:5 On June 19th, 1966, the church votes to call Bro. John Halsell of the Eastside Missionary Baptist Church of Stockton, California, to be pastor. On June 26th, Bro. Halsell and his family unite with the church by letters from the church in Stockton. On August 7th, 1966, the church votes to “put a phone in Bro. Halsell’s house”. The church also voted to ordain Bro. Mike Keoppel as a deacon as soon as they can use the building.

On August 14th, 1966, the church votes to change the name of the church to “First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church”. Bro. Mike Keoppel was ordained as deacon on August 27th, 1966. On November 27th, 1966, the church voted to host the State Youth Rally and combine a Homecoming Service with it on January 14th, 1967. On March 12th, 1967, the church hears reports on different properties found. They vote to draw up a 30’X65’ plan to present to the city council. They also vote to write to the sister churches of the American Baptist Association to ask for help in their building program.

On August 6th, 1967, the church votes to start having Sunday evening services at 6:30 p.m. with B.T.C. classes. On October 1st, 1967, a letter from Bro. Fred Miller, missionary, was read concerning the organization of a new church in Eddyville, Oregon. Bro. John Halsell, pastor, and Bro. Mike Keoppel, deacon, went to sit on the organizational council. On October 29th, 1967, the church votes to change the time of Sunday evening services to 6:00 p.m.

On December 17th, 1967, the church votes to have another homecoming service on January 13th and 14th, 1968, and Bro. John Halsell, pastor, will give a brief history. Bro. James McCool and Bro. Bill Taylor were to preach the messages. On December 24th, 1967, the church votes to postpone the Homecoming Service until a later date.

On February 4th, 1968, the church receives correspondence from Bro. Orvil West concerning an encampment at Glendale Fir Point for a Bible Camp. Bro. Halsell offers his resignation. He said he would stay with the church until she was able to get another pastor.

Several men were called in view of a call for pastor. The church voted on April 21st,1968, to call Bro. Lawrence, from Nyssa, as pastor. On May 11th, 1968, the church voted to send another letter to Bro. Lawrence concerning the call to be pastor in case he didn’t receive the first one. In June, Bro. Lawrence wrote informing the church that he didn’t feel lead by the Lord to be the pastor of the church.

On June 22nd, 1968, the church voted to buy the property on 40th Street in Springfield. (currently 421 South 40th Street) On June 30th, the church votes to reschedule Homecoming Services for July 20th, 1968, with Bro. Denny and Bro. Cram preaching the messages. On July 28th, 1968, the church voted to call Bro. Cram of the Hillcrest Missionary Baptist Church of Oregon City, Oregon, for pastor. Bro. Cram meets with the church on July 28th, 1968, and gives his “views and opinions on church cooperation and etc., as to give the members better understanding as to accepting his call for pastor”.

On August 4th, 1968, the church votes to write to sister churches for help in their church property. Men of the church were to meet with city engineers on Monday, August 5th, 1968, for the purpose of obtaining the property for the church. The church also votes to reject Bro. Cram’s proposition as pastor, because of “too much personal burden on Bro. Cram”. They also voted to thank him anyway.

On September 1st, 1968, the church votes to accept the contract for the two acre property at 40th Street in Springfield for $6,000. They also made a motion to pay preachers $10 for filling the pulpit, unless they were out of state. The church votes to have Bro. Bill Taylor come in view of a call for pastor on the following Sunday.

On September 8th, 1968, the church votes unanimously to call Bro. Bill Taylor as pastor. He accepts. The church gives Bro. John Halsell the hand of church fellowship and thanks. On October 6th, 1968, the church votes to pay Bro. Taylor $100 a month and to give him a back salary of $80 for the last three weeks he had preached. On October 27th, 1968, Bro. Taylor presents himself on promise of a letter from Lost Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, Arkansas. His wife, Sis. Bertha Taylor, and daughter, Sis. Wanda Taylor, present themselves upon promise of a letter from the Coos Bay Missionary Baptist Church.

On November 3rd, 1968, the church votes to send out Bro. John Halsell as a missionary to do mission work wherever he feels the need in Oregon. Bro. Halsell reported back to the church monthly or bimonthly concerning his work.

On March 2nd, 1969, the church voted to raise the pastor’s salary by $50. In May, the church takes out liability insurance on the property. In November, 1969, the church votes for the pastor and deacons to go and talk with Bro. John Halsell concerning his obligations as “our missionary”. On December 7th, 1969, the church resends the motion of endorsement for Bro. John Halsell as missionary. At a later date, he has to be excluded from the church.

In May of 1970, the church votes to accept the building plans that Bro. Taylor presented to the church.

On July 5th, 1970, the church votes to give the city 10 feet frontage across the church property. On

July 16th, 1970, the church breaks ground at its new property. The building, 23’X72’ with a sanctuary and four classrooms was an approximate investment of $30,000. (including the land purchase price)

On January 3rd, 1971, the first service was held in the building at South 40th Street in Springfield. The message text was from Matthew 28:18-20 with the subject being “Go Teach” preached by Pastor W. B. Taylor.

On May 5th, 1971, the church votes to have a revival service with Bro. Don Reynolds as evangelist.

On August 5th, 1972, ordination services were held for Bro. Bill Dotson. He was ordained to the full Gospel ministry. The ordination council was as follows: Gerald Kelso, Fred Miller, Charles Warren, Raymond Greene, Richard Crawford, Austin Russell, C.H. Denney, Henry French, Macel Jefferson, Glenn T. Russell, Orthel Cram, Michael Keoppel, William Taylor, and Ed Keady. Guests for observing the council were young preachers Houston Kelley and Roger Crabtree. Upon examination, the church voted to proceed in ordaining Bro. Bill.

In October of 1972, the church voted to buy carpet for the church building. After investigation, the church had carpet installers lay carpeting. (the job was completed 2/73) The cost was $1,075. In

December, 1972, the church voted to have a pulpit made. In February, 1973, the church incorporates. In March, the church votes to buy 22 new pews, a pulpit, a prayer bench, and preacher benches. Currently, these same pews and benches are being used in the new sanctuary having been reupholstered. The pulpit and prayer bench have been donated to the Salem Missionary Baptist Church.

All throughout the time Bro. Taylor is pastor, the church is busy trying to reach out into the community. It is growing with additions by letter and following baptism. Bro. Taylor labored tirelessly on the field here for five years, until his health dictated that he resign in September of 1973.

In November of 1973, the church raises the pastor’s salary to $200 a month. They call Bro. Richard Crawford as pastor. On December 2nd, 1973, Bro. Richard accepts the pastorate. He and his family join on promise of a letter from the Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church of Lebanon, Oregon. On December 5th, 1973, the church votes to pay the pastor’s rent, in addition to his monthly salary, if there is money left over to do so after the church’s monthly bills are paid.

January 30th, 1974, the church voted to give each new member that comes by baptism a copy of the “Trail of Blood” and “The Baptist Way Book”. This is a practice that the church still carries on today to help new members have a direction to begin their studies as a New Testament church member. During this time, the church added steps to the baptistery and had a mural painted for the baptistery by Bro. Mike Woodall’s sister, Peggy.

Throughout the time that Bro. Richard Crawford was pastor, the church was looking toward expanding the building. They had plans drawn up by Bro. Doug Perdue and considered looking into receiving funds from the Northwest Land Development Program sponsored by the Bend Missionary Baptist Church in Bend, OR. They were growing steadily with additions by letters or following baptism.

On February 6th, 1974, the church voted to hold a revival July 28th through August 4th, 1974. Bro. Roger Crabtree, pastor of the Albany Missionary Baptist Church, was elected as evangelist. On September 4th, 1974, the church was preparing for the Oregon State Associational meeting. They made a motion that the “messengers have the authority to vote not to be seated at the association if the Talent Church is seated”. There was a doctrinal problem with the Talent church, but the minutes do not specify what it was.

The church continues to work in the community, as well as cooperating together with her sister churches. The church participates in fellowship meetings and admonishing that the doctrines be upheld and contended for, both in the local body as well as in the churches she fellowships with.

On March 5th, 1975, Bro. Richard Crawford announced his resignation as pastor. The church accepts his resignation. He is leaving to pastor a church in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. The church votes for Bro. Roger Crabtree to fill the pulpit on March 9th, Bro. Dearl Smith on March 16th, and Bro. Doug Perdue on March 23rd.

On March 19th, 1975, the church voted unanimously to call Bro. Roger Crabtree as pastor. On March 23rd, 1975, Bro. Crabtree announces his decision to accept the call as pastor and he and Sis. Joyce present themselves on promise of a letter from the Albany Missionary Baptist Church. On March 30th, 1975, their letters were received and they were given the right hand of church fellowship. The church voted to pay $400 per month for the pastor’s salary, this included the price for their insurance as well.

On May 7th, 1975, the church voted to increase the pastor’s salary by $25. The church hosted its first State Youth Rally on May 9th and 10th, 1975, at the Willamalane Cafeteria and Gymnasium. On May 28th, 1975, the church writes a letter to city hall stating that “at the end of three years, if we have not completed our building, we will at that time pave our parking lot”.

On June 4th, 1975, the church receives a letter from the Trinity Baptist Church in Newport, OR, stating that they desire to fellowship with the associated churches in Oregon. The church votes to accept the letter and notify the Newport Church that we do want to fellowship with them. The church also votes to go forward with a building program.

On September 10th, 1975, the church votes to increase the pastor’s salary by $100 per month. The church has many new additions by letter or following baptism and continues to be involved in the fellowship work in the state through youth rallies and fellowship meetings.

On March 3rd, 1976, the church votes to send the ordained help to assist in the organization of the church in Redmond, Oregon. The church is trying to get the city to go forward in paving the street in front of the church building. In April, 1976, the church votes to begin a “New Converts’ Class” with Bro. Crabtree as the teacher. The addition onto the building is completed and a dedication service held on June 5th, 1976. On May 26th, 1976, the church votes to send Bro. Crabtree to sit in on the ordination of Bro. Donald Lloyd at the Bend Church.

In August, 1976, the church votes to observe the Lord’s Supper quarterly if she feels she is in a position to do so. The church votes to raise the pastor’s salary to $600 per month. It was discussed to begin a parsonage building project. The church prepares to host the State Association meeting and votes to not invite the Corvallis Church because of the “questionable doctrine” they are teaching. In September of 1976, the church voted to have an “active” youth group with regularly scheduled meetings and to begin home Bible studies again. The church has continued to have an active youth group down through the years. In October of 1976, the church voted to pay double the payments on the property until it is paid off.

In January of 1977, the church votes to sponsor the youth encampment at the Lane Youth Camp facilities. The church votes in February to adopt the rules and officers’ names as presented to the church. The price of the summer camp was to be raised from $10 to $20. In May, the church decides to show the movie, “Thief in the Night”, to the young people.

Bro. Ernest E. Crawford preaches a revival in July, 1977. He and his wife travel from Mira Loma, California, to be with this church in revival services. During this week, there were souls saved and laborers added. Some of those saved and baptized, as a result of this effort, are pictured below.

In September of 1977, the church votes to have Bro. Perdue draw up plans for an “L” shaped, 3 bedroom, bath, double-car garage, 1,600 sq. ft. parsonage. (dimensions to include garage) Later it was changed to 4 bedrooms with an additional 200 sq. feet. The church decides to go forward with these plans starting January, 1978. The church also pays off the balance owing on the property.

The church continues to grow with additions by letter and following baptism. She continues to sponsor the youth encampment work and to be involved in the youth rallies as well as the associational meetings, both state and national. Bro. Crabtree begins teaching at Northwest Baptist Institute at the Bend Missionary Baptist Church in the fall of 1978. He teaches two classes and is away Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings teaching there to help young preachers better prepare for the ministry. The church also continues to increase her support of missionaries and other outreaches.

In January, 1979, the church had to take action against a large number of church members because of some contention in the church. It was a difficult time, but the Lord blessed and the church was able to carry on and grow. They were even able to increase the pastor’s salary by 100 dollars a month. The church votes to have its first Vacation Bible School and has continued to have VBS every summer since then. The parsonage is completed in the summer of 1979.

In 1979, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Corvallis, Oregon, writes a letter stating that they will no longer be fellowshipping in the Oregon Association because they disagree with the Articles of Faith. The church votes to take up a monthly offering for the youth group. The church votes to help the Albany Missionary Baptist Church in any way possible because they are without a pastor and in great spiritual and financial need.

Through the years, God has truly shown His mercy on us here in Springfield. To go from meeting in a union hall, to purchasing property and building a small sanctuary with four classrooms . . . to a sanctuary with capacity for 250+, with seven classrooms, a fellowship hall, and a school room is only possible with God. He has brought us from a small congregation . . . to an increasing congregation . . . to a body strong of over 100 members and an increasing zeal to go forward and allow the Lord to use us to accomplish even more for Him in this place The Lord continues to bless even in our internet outreach. We have recently been working with a lady in New Jersey who was saved several years ago as a result of Bible studies with one of our church members via the phone and email. The nearest Scriptural New Testament Church to her location is almost 300 miles away. She has been watching our services on line and working with people in her area to have them view services with her. We are praying that perhaps the Lord will open doors of opportunity for a work there in New Jersey as well. We are also blessed to share the Word with people all over the world via the internet. The Lord has given this church great opportunities in her 50 years, and we look forward to the remaining opportunities from the Lord until He returns. We pray that we will be found faithfully striving to serve the Lord here in this area and contending for the truths of God’s Word until that day. As Jesus shed His blood for His New Testament Church, and our forefathers have stood and sacrificed for the opportunities that we have today, may we ever be willing to share the light of the glorious Gospel and the beautiful doctrines of the Lord’s New Testament Church to those in this community and around the world. In 1980, the church buys its first church van. A previous van was donated. This is to help with the bus ministry and youth activities. The church begins to look into getting our own camp facilities. We cease using the Camp Lane facilities and begin renting the facilities at Camp Turner in Turner, Oregon, just south of Salem.

The church also begins a fund for sponsoring lost young people to camp by alternating the youth group offering, and has continued to do so every year through the present. Bro. Doug Barnett answers the call to preach and begins preparing himself for the ministry.

In 1981, the church votes to begin paying for the pastor’s medical insurance. They also decide to pay visiting preachers $25 when they are filling in for Bro. Crabtree’s absence. The church votes to look into plans for a new auditorium. The church continues to have souls saved and laborers added regularly. In August of 1981, the church votes to send a resolution to the State Association meeting concerning Southern Baptist Churches and not accepting their baptism.

The church votes to have revival with Bro. H.C. Payton as evangelist on November 4th - November 8th, 1981. In November of 1981, we are presented with an opportunity to purchase a youth encampment on the Rogue River for $240,000. The churches were not able to raise the money to purchase the facilities at this time.

Plans for the new auditorium were presented in March of 1982. The church purchases its first P.A. system. The church begins supporting the Salem Missionary Baptist Church to help with their building.

In July of 1982, our church voted to send our ordained help to the ordination of Bro. Dan Wheeler by the Bend Missionary Baptist Church. The church sent its ordained help to state the oppositions to him meeting the qualifications because he has been divorced and remarried. The Bend Church proceeded with the ordination, against objections.

In August of 1982, this church voted not to sit in fellowship with the Bend Church at the State Association meeting in Winston. The messengers were instructed that if the Bend Church was seated, that they were not to be seated. The church also voted that in light of so much compromising happening among the Lord’s churches, that they would send a questionnaire to be answered by churches that we are going to exchange letters with as to their origin and doctrinal practices. Recent questionnaires on file would suffice when exchanging letters with churches we fellowship with, when we are familiar with their current doctrinal stands.

After much admonition and prayer by this church, with no regard for the Scriptures by the Bend Church, on September 8th, 1982, the church voted to withdraw fellowship from the Bend Missionary Baptist Church until such time as they rescind the act of ordaining a man with two living wives. This letter was sent out to all the sister churches in our fellowship.

The church then received a letter from the Heritage Missionary Baptist Church in Bend, Oregon, desiring to have more information on exactly what our stand was concerning the Bend Missionary Baptist Church. The church sent a letter to the Heritage Church explaining that the previous letter “we sent out clearly states our position and doesn’t need any clarification”.

As a result of the Bend Church being seated at the August Association meeting, several churches walked out of that meeting. There was discussion and plans made to form a new association with the following churches: Albany, Ashland, Lebanon, Reedsport, Salem, Springfield, St. Helens, Klamath Falls, Redmond, Union Gap, Newport, and any others that wished to abide by the Scriptures.

During the December youth rally of 1982, in Oregon City, Oregon, they voted to have a man preach that had Southern Baptist baptism. After confrontation from Bro. Crabtree and others, they would not change the speaker. Bro. Crabtree stated that he could not allow the young people from his church to sit under preaching from a doctrinally unsound man. The youth from our church then quietly dismissed themselves and left.

Later in February of 1983, the Oregon City Church sent a letter and wanted to know why we left and also accused Bro. Crabtree of “disrupting” their services. The church then sent a letter back to them in full support of the decision of those present at the youth rally and further stated that there was not a “disruption” made except when they allowed an unqualified man to preach in their pulpit. Bro. Crabtree apologized if they were offended by how he said something, but that he did not apologize for the stand that was taken. The Oregon City Church later said they accepted Bro. Crabtree’s apology and would welcome the church at their functions and would attend the church’s functions here.

Also in 1983, the church begins Springfield School of the Bible seminary classes on the first and third Fridays and Saturdays beginning in September until May. These classes were to help indoctrinate young preachers preparing for the ministry in the Word of God and to help others that may want to learn more about God’s Word. The church also votes to start a newspaper called “The Baptist Observer”.

In August, 1983, the church votes to send its messengers to the association meeting. They were instructed not to be seated with the Bend Church or the Meridian, Idaho Church because of the heresies of these churches. Ultimately, in January of 1984, this led to the final dissolution with those churches that remained in fellowship with the Bend Church because they refused to separate from the heresy of the Bend Church. Those previously named churches began having their own fellowship meetings and cooperation together.

Also, in 1983, the churches have opportunity to purchase the camp on the Rogue River, previously looked into. Bro. Crabtree goes to meet with the owners. It is now offered for $3,000 if they can put money down right then. Bro. Crabtree has $50 in his pocket and they accept it. Those churches work together to buy the Union Rogue Baptist Camp, so named, for two installments of $1,500 and $1,450 respectively. The church here has been leading out in the weekly camp there throughout the years and to the present. The churches in our fellowship continue to help support and maintain the camp facilities.

Presently, this church camp remains to be a great blessing to the Lord’s work here in the Pacific Northwest. It is a great highlight of the year to go and get away from the world and its influences and to concentrate on the Word of God. Each year the Lord blesses with hearts becoming closer to God and souls being saved through this effort.

In February of 1984, the church votes to accept the Articles of Faith and Articles of Agreement by the new fellowship of churches that have removed themselves from the Bend Church and the churches that have continued to fellowship with her. In May of 1984, the church withdraws fellowship from the Union Gap Missionary Baptist Church for “sowing discord, gossiping, backbiting, and undermining the authority of the offices of a local church”. The Union Gap Church had a pastor that was trying to hide sin and was manipulating the church.

In October, 1984, the church votes to ordain three deacons, Bro. Mike Woodall, Bro. Tim Robertson, and Bro. Michael Cooper. They are examined and ordained on October 13th, 1984. Bro. Michael Cooper and Bro. Tim Robertson are both currently serving faithfully in the office of deacon here at the church.

During the years of 1984 and 1985 the church was trying to start a work in Roseburg, but they could not find a man that was burdened to do the work. They tried several times to get a man, but no one was willing to come to do the work. The church continues to grow with souls saved and laborers added. The church had a series of lectures by Bro. Ben Crawford, Bro. E. E. Crawford’s brother, on the endtime events as they relate to the Temple in the Old Testament December 4th—8th, 1985.

The church continues on with her ministries and outreaches: visitation, ladies’ meetings, youth meetings, Springfield School of the Bible, Vacation Bible Schools, The Baptist Observer, the church camp work, and Bible studies. The church continues to grow with laborers added and young preachers answering the call.

In 1986, the church receives a questionnaire from the Meridian, Idaho Church. The doctrinal issues had been corrected and the church approves their answered questionnaire. Springfield School of the Bible is continuing to grow with new students and certificates are given out based on the merit of those students individually. The church is running two vans for Sunday School bus ministry. The church votes to use our sound system at camp to help during the services there. Bro. E. E. Crawford dies and the church sends flowers.

In October of 1986, the church votes for Bro. Crabtree and other members to visit the Union Gap Missionary Baptist Church to see if fellowship can be restored at this time. The previous pastor has now left the state, so he is no longer influencing the church there. In December, a letter is sent to Union Gap to ask if they still hold to the practices for which fellowship was broken.

In January of 1987, the church has Bro. Albert Garner preach messages while he was in town. The Union Gap Church sends a letter of response to our church asking some questions and they also send an answered questionnaire. The church votes to accept their response and send our pastor to their services with a response from this church. In March, the church votes to restore fellowship with the Union Gap Missionary Baptist Church because the heresies have be corrected. Thank God for His goodness and fellowship being restored!

In April, Bro. Doug Barnett announces his call to pastor in Homedale, Idaho. The church sets aside May 23rd, 1987, as a date for his ordination and asks her sister churches to send their ordained help to assist us in this service. Bro. Doug was examined and found to be qualified for ordination. He was ordained by this church on May 23rd, 1987. He and Sis. Dianna were then granted letters to the Owyhee Baptist Church of Homedale, Idaho. That same year, the Barnetts were chosen for our Vacation Bible School missionary support offering.

The church continues her work and support of the camp and other missionary efforts, including seeking a foreign missionary to support by sending out questionnaires. Souls are continuing to be saved and laborers added. The church has a new sign made for the front of the building. The church votes to send Bro. Crabtree to see what help we can give to the LaGrande Church.

In 1988, Bro. and Sis. Keoppel, charter members and he was the first deacon ordained by this church, renew their 50th year wedding vows. The church votes to allow them to use the building to do so. In February of 1988, the State Board of Education informs the church that we can no longer offer degrees bearing the names “Bachelors” or “Masters” because of state accreditation standards. The church votes to replace these with certificates. In May, the church votes to discontinue help for the LaGrande Church because of their refusal to carry out church discipline. Very shortly following, the church at LaGrande was disbanded.

The church continues her work with the young people through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Youth Camp, Youth Rallies, and Youth Group Activities. As you can see, they are definitely faces “a mother would love”! The Lord has continued to bless this church greatly to be able to work with so many young people through the Word of God.

“and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” II Timothy 3:15

In 1989, the church continues her growth spiritually and physically. Sadly, through the years, we have had to discipline a lot of members because of their choices of moving away from God and His Word. However, the Lord has blessed by allowing us to continue to have new additions and laborers added.

The church purchases a new van to use to replace the two old vans. On December 31st, 1989, Bro. Mike Dixon announces his call to the ministry and begins preparing himself for the ministry.

On May 22nd, 1994, the church votes to start a school this fall that teaches “Biblical principles as well as an educational base”. In June, the church votes to have Bro. Dale Shrum to be the principal of the church school. In September, the church buys a new sound system for the new auditorium and donates the old system to the church camp.

First year of FLMBC School. (Pictured from bottom left to right) Breanna Dahlquist (Welch), Matthew Kitchens, Kadee Shrum, Brandy Chase, Tiffany Clifton, Kelsey Shrum, Joe Hafich, Ryan Sams, Steven McGregor, Amanda Dahlquist (Durgeloh), Ryan McGregor, Amanda Sams, Llauni McGregor (Boler), Bradley Clifton, Brentley Clifton, Kyle Chase, Bo Shrum, R.J. (Richard) McCauley, Daniel Kitchens, Kristy Lang, Ryan Koehler, Jason Kitchens, Bobby McGregor, Sis. Angie Templeton, Sis. Charlene Newton, Sis. Sandy Shrum, Bro. Dale Shrum (with more hair and it’s brown), Sis. Shasta Classen, and Sis. Rhonda Shrum

The Lord has richly blessed the efforts in the ministry of the church school. Currently, our enrollment is 30 students. There have been many souls saved and laborers added as a direct result of the church school. It has also been an invaluable tool for helping to teach and train our children in the Word of God. There are those that labor tirelessly in this ministry to teach the Word of God to the students.

In January, 1990, Bro. Dale Lang announces his call to the ministry. He begins preparing himself for the ministry. In August, the church votes to have a celebration for the pastor being the undershepherd here for 15 years. Preparations are made for these special services on October 27th.

The church continues to grow and progress forward in its ministries throughout 1990 and 1991. The youth are working together in activities and singing at Christmas time to share the Word of God.

There was a problem with the city saying that we could not go forward with permits to build unless we were granted permission from the planning commission. Bro. Crabtree and Bro. Cooper met with them. Upon that meeting, we receive the “ok” and begin preparations for construction for the new auditorium. In February of 1991, the church votes to go forward with the building of a new auditorium. They set a goal date of May 1st, 1991, to begin construction.

In 1992, the church implements a “retirement benefit” package for the pastor. This is in preparation for the future if his health incapacitates him from pastoring, or in the event of his death, his family would have some provisions for their care. They have continued this even to the present time. She has continued through the years to support her pastor and increase his salary and benefits periodically. God has mightily blessed this church because of her efforts to take care of her pastor financially so that he can be free for the ministry.

“Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” I Corinthians 9:13-14

In June, 1992, the pastor of the Redmond Missionary Baptist Church was visiting in our services. The church voted to have him preach. He informed the church that the Redmond Church had reinstated fellowship with the Bend Church.

On June 21st, letters were read from the Bend and Redmond Churches concerning fellowship being reinstated between these churches. The letters stated that the Bend Church had decided not to ordain a twice married preacher again. The Redmond Church stated that they were out of fellowship with the Bend Church for not allowing them to speak at their meeting. (the ordination of Bro. Dan Wheeler)

The church votes to send letters of correspondence to the Bend Church along with our standard questionnaire. The Bend Church responds that they just decided not to do this again. We sent another letter asking for more clarification concerning some of their answers.

In August, letters and questionnaires were answered such that they did not rescind the act of ordaining Bro. Dan, they just weren’t going to do it again because the congregation there was split concerning the issue. They also answered the questionnaire that anyone the church voted for could administer baptism. We tried to continue correspondence, but the Bend Church sent a letter stating that they would not hear anymore about this issue and that they were not going to answer anymore questions.

At this point, the church voted to maintain the original motion of 9-18-82 of withdrawing fellowship from the Bend Church because they had not rescinded the act of ordaining a twice married preacher, and were holding to other doctrinal errors.

In April of 1993, the church has concerns because the Klamath Falls Church will be hosting the state youth rally in May. There are concerns that they may be inviting the Bend Church. Bro. Crabtree phones the pastor of the Klamath Falls Church, and he says that they will not be inviting the Bend Church. However, the Redmond Church ceases to fellowship with this church and the others in our fellowship because they desire to fellowship with the Bend Church.

August 1st, 1993, Bro. Dolan Classen answers the call to preach. He begins to prepare himself for the ministry. Bro. Dolan has grown up in this church. He certainly has “grown up”, or we hope!

The church votes to officially begin investigating looking into starting a private school through the church. The church votes for Bro. Dale Shrum to lead out in researching the possibilities. Much research and investigation goes into the church deciding about starting a church school. There are trips made to California, Southern Oregon, and Salem to see if this would be feasible.

On February 23rd, 1994, the church votes to have a dual ordination service for Bro. Mike Dixon and Bro. Dale Lang. They both have been observed and examined by the church. Bro. Mike is being lead to pastor the Albany Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, Oregon, and Bro. Dale is being lead to do mission work in Burlington, Washington, at the hands of the Trinity Baptist Church, in Newport, Oregon. The services were March 19th, 1994. Both candidates were found fit to be ordained and the church voted to proceed with their ordinations. Currently, Bro. Mike is still the pastor of the Albany Church.

During the years of 1991—1994, the church remains busy with all her ministries while maintaining construction on the new auditorium . In 1994, the auditorium building project is completed. The fellowship hall and existing sanctuary were not remodeled until later.

Thank God for his blessings and for all our brethren from sister churches coming to support us in this new phase of growth. The remodeling of the old sanctuary came later the next year. This is the demolition of the old baptistery. This was to make room for more classrooms for Sunday School and B.T.C. This also would better equip our school for the following years.

After all was said and done, the church had built a new auditorium and it was all paid for in cash. Upon completion, the building project was debt free!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20

On May 22nd, 1994, the church votes to start a school this fall that teaches “Biblical principles as well as an educational base”. In June, the church votes to have Bro. Dale Shrum to be the principal of the church school. In September, the church buys a new sound system for the new auditorium and donates the old system to the church camp.

In November of 1994, there was a council meeting called for by the Tillamook Church. The church here voted to send her ordained help and any others to the meeting to help establish the truths concerning the problems there. Our church votes to send our ordained help and any other church members that wish to attend. The council determined, after hearing all the facts, in light of the teachings of the Scriptures that the ones that assembled in the appointed time and place constituted the church and were then in a position to conduct business. The ones that met in an undesignated place and at an undesignated time were not the church and were therefore not able to carry out church business.

In 1995, the church continues her growth both physically and spiritually. The remodeling on the old sanctuary is being completed. On July 5th, 1995, Bro. Shaun Templeton announces his call to the ministry and begins to prepare himself for the ministry. Bro. Ronnie Hall joins this church by letter from the Albany Missionary Baptist Church. He is already a licensed preacher from there, and he continues to prepare himself as a member of this church. The church votes to begin reimbursing the teachers of the Springfield School of the Bible for their gasoline by mileage if they are not having their gasoline provided by their churches.

In 1996, the church stayed busy with her ministries and commitments. She also voted to move forwardwith doing mission work in the Portland area with Bro. Dale Lang as the missionary. During this time, there was a group of church members that left because they would not accept the doctrines and teachings that the Bible shows forth. They were showing open contempt and rebellion and left the church no other choice than to exclude them. However, this did not hinder the church in her work going forward. The devil tried, but God gave the victory. The church was able to continue on with all of her ministries and to abound in them.

On September 17th, 1997, the church was faced with an issue concerning the Trinity Baptist Church in Newport, Oregon. We had a member from that church come and want to join this church. It came to our knowledge that there were members in the Newport Church that were baptized by a church organized using fermented wine for the Lord’s Supper and with no apparent authority to organize. The church voted to have Bro. Crabtree contact the pastor of the Newport Church to allow their pastor the opportunity to work with these members concerning their baptism, because of its sensitivity, so that they could be won.

The pastor of the Newport Church then informed the church there, that the Springfield Church was saying they were unscriptural. Our church writes informing them that we were only concerned that they would be able to work with these members and teach them about Scriptural baptism. We also enclosed the material that we had found upon the investigation of the Roseville Baptist Church in Roseville, California, where these members had been baptized.

The Newport Church then begins a dialogue with us how that a church being organized using fermented wine was not a “test of fellowship”. Of course, this church tried to show them their doctrinal error with the Scriptures. Ultimately, they were not willing to teach and correct this error. This left us with no other option than to withdraw fellowship from the Trinity Baptist Church in Newport, Oregon, on October 8th, 1997, and accept the previously mentioned member on statement of her faith and baptism years prior to this incident. Several of our sister churches had to formally withdraw fellowship from the Newport Church because they maintained their view that using fermented wine for the Lord’s Supper was not a test of fellowship. There was a large split in the Newport Church over this issue.

In 1998, the church was faced with another issue concerning a member from the Klamath Falls Missionary Baptist Church desiring to unite with our church on promise of a letter. It had recently come to the attention of this church that there were members in the Klamath Falls Church that had been baptized by a church started by the previously mentioned Roseville Church. When it was called to the attention of the Klamath Falls Church by a letter from this church, their pastor wrote an article entitled “Voices From the Past” to our church.

This article was trying to justify error in Baptist Churches down through the ages. It specifically tries to justify fermented wine being used in the Lord’s Supper and that it was not a test of fellowship. Upon further investigation, this church sent back a letter with enclosures showing historical proof and Scriptural proof to the contrary. Consequently, this church withdrew fellowship from the Klamath Falls Church on May 6th, 1998, for having members that were baptized by the Hagginwood Church in California, that was organized by the Roseville Church, having been organized with fermented wine for the Lord’s Supper and with no apparent authority for organization.

Also, in 1998, the church was forced to withdraw fellowship from the Badger Road Missionary Baptist Church in Fairbanks, Alaska. One of our members moved to that area. Upon investigation, we learned that they were recognizing a group of excluded church members from the Tillamook Church and also holding the deed to the Tillamook Church’s property. Upon admonition, they were not willing to get this right so we were forced to this position Biblically.

Throughout 1999, the church continues her work in Portland with souls saved. Doors of opportunity seem to be open and the church works to go through them. Bro. Lang and his family continue to work there seeking the Lord’s direction. The church also maintains her ministries here and continues to see growth spiritually and physically.

On December 15th, 1999, the church voted to hold an ordination service for Bro. Shaun Templeton on January 15th, 2000. Bro. Shaun is going to be the Albany Church’s missionary to the Toledo, Oregon, area. Upon examination by the church and the presbytery, Bro. Shaun was ordained to the ministry. Bro. Shaun continues to pastor the Toledo Landmark Missionary Baptist Church that was organized by the authority coming through the Albany Missionary Baptist Church.

On April 19th, 2000, the church here had to withdraw fellowship from the Chugiak Baptist Church in Alaska because they accepted an excluded church memberfrom our church into their membership. However, praise God for His truth enduring forever, because upon admonition, this member made things right with this church. Consequently, the Chugiak Church made things right as well, and fellowship was restored on May 10th, 2000.

In August of 2000, one of our excluded church members was desiring to get things right and then join the St. Helens Missionary Baptist Church by letter. It had recently come to our church’s knowledge that there were some questionable practices going on in that church. Our church voted to address these questions to the St. Helens Church. Upon investigation, we found that the St. Helens Church was guilty of the false practices. With admonition, they were unwilling to repent, so our church withdrew fellowship from the First Missionary Baptist Church of St. Helens, Oregon, on August 27th, 2000, for fellowship and acceptance of Protestants and apostates.

This brought our fellowship of churches down to ten churches regularly participating together. However, the Lord has continued to bless our stand for truth. Our attendance at youth rallies, even with several churches leaving our fellowship, and only nine participating churches, remains to be well over 200. Praise God!

In the year 2001, the church continues to grow with souls saved and laborers added. She continues her ministries here and outreaches into this community, as well as working in the Portland area through mission work. In November of 2001, the Union Gap First Missionary Baptist Church informs our church that they desire to call Bro. Ronnie Hall to be their pastor and request his ordination by this church. The church sets aside February 16th, 2002, for his ordination. Upon examination by the church and presbytery, Bro. Ronnie Hall was ordained to the full gospel ministry. He remains as pastor at the Union Gap Church.

Continuing in 2002, the church remains busy trying to grow and maintain all her ministries. The church begins services at the Woodside Assisted Living in Springfield on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. This is a continued outreach of the church currently. It has opened many doors of opportunities for Bible studies and even some of the residents visiting our church services. Of course, there have been many that have passed away during these years, but what a blessing it has been to share the Word of God with them. Some have professed salvation as a result of this work, and others have understood the security of their salvation because of the Word of God they have heard.

In September of 2003, Bro. Crabtree had a severe heart attack. The Lord was very merciful and spared him from any permanent damage. His recovery took time, but as a result, the doctors were able to find some other health problems that he had been battling with. The Lord has allowed Bro. Crabtree to come back health wise to a place where he is able to continue pastoring full time. The church continued to labor tirelessly, taking on more responsibilities to help their pastor recover.

In February of 2004, the Salem Missionary Baptist Church informed us that they had called Bro. Dolan Classen as their pastor and he had accepted the call. They requested his ordination. The church held an ordination service on April 3rd, 2004, for Bro. Dolan. Upon examination from the church and the presbytery, Bro. Dolan was ordained to the full gospel ministry. He remains as pastor of the Salem Church.

In February of 2005, it became evident that the door of opportunity was closed to do establish a work in Portland. The church voted to discontinue the work in Portland and to give Bro. Lang three months severance pay and housing to relocate.

In April of 2005, the church had a 30th anniversary for Bro. Crabtree being pastor here at this church. This took place following a revival service. The church continues to see steady growth. The ministries of the church continue. For the first time since starting the church school in 1994, the fees are raised $25.

In April, 2006, Bro. Bo Shrum announced his call to the ministry. He is currently preparing himself for the ministry. The church is continuing her labors here in Springfield through her ministries. She is continuing to support and increase support to missionaries, while still seeking a foreign missionary that is sound in the faith to support. The church is actively working on an internet spot to share the Word of God as well as trying to link a live web cam for our services.

March of 2007, the church begins supporting Bro. Richard Campbell, pastor of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Caldwell, Idaho. This is an “old” church, of which our church lineage comes through. They are down in number and Bro. Campbell is having to work to stay on the field. This church continues to support Bro. Campbell currently.

In September, of 2007, Bro. Nathan Hocker and his family presented themselves on promise of a letter from the Chugiak Baptist Church in Alaska. Bro. Nathan was already licensed to preach. He is currently continuing to prepare himself for the ministry as a member of this church.

In December of 2007, the church has a visiting missionary come to present doing a work in Jerusalem. Bro. Jerry Holliday is from the New Hope Baptist Church in Aurora, Indiana. After questioning Bro. Jerry as to his doctrinal stand, he brings a message on December 5th, 2007. The church votes to send a questionnaire to the sponsoring church. Upon receiving the accepted doctrinal answers to the questionnaire in 2008, the church begins to support a foreign missionary that is Scriptural. This has been a long time coming, but the church has received great blessings by continuing to support this work in Jerusalem. Currently, we are able to participate in having a small part in establishing a New Testament Church there, in the place where the church that Jesus started began to meet.

In 2008, Bro. Crabtree has another health scare. They are concerned that he may have thyroid cancer. However, once again God is not finished with him yet, and it is not cancer! It is a benign growth. Again, the doctors discover more answers to some of his ongoing health problems. The Lord has been so merciful, and continues to improve Bro. Crabtree’s health so that he has remained here in the Lord’s work pastoring this church. Please continue to pray for Bro. Roger and Sis. Joyce as they continue to labor here in this field. In April of 2010, they will have been laboring here for 35 years.

During 2008, the church was busy with the outreaches and ministries of the church. “The Original Baptist Observer” begins to be published again. Much correspondence has been encouraging because we have heard from many that appreciate there are still churches willing to stand and contend for the truth. Thank God that His Word still has a positive effect on people who are willing to allow the Holy Spirit to direct them.

In August of 2008, it was brought to the church’s attention that there were no longer members at the Kelso, Washington Church, therefore, no longer being a church in existence. The last remaining member had let it be known that they wanted to turn over the property to a church in our fellowship. This church voted to look into obtaining the property, and to begin praying about establishing a New Testament Church there.

During 2009, it seemed the opportunity for the Kelso property had fallen through. However, the church was diligently praying and burdened for a place that God would have us to do mission work. The church continues to go forward in her ministries and outreaches. She is greatly burdened to go forward in establishing a New Testament Church in a place that God would lead.

In September of 2009, the church votes to have a homecoming revival week January 3rd - January 10th in celebration of the church’s 50th year of being in existence. There will be a different preacher each night compiled of previous pastors still serving the Lord and ordained preachers that were ordained by this church, still continuing in the ministry.

Through the years, God has truly shown His mercy on us here in Springfield. To go from meeting in a union hall, to purchasing property and building a small sanctuary with four classrooms . . . to a sanctuary with capacity for 250+, with seven classrooms, a fellowship hall, and a school room is only possible with God. He has brought us from a small congregation . . . to an increasing congregation . . . to a body strong of over 100 members and an increasing zeal to go forward and allow the Lord to use us to accomplish even more for Him in this place.

The Lord continues to bless even in our internet outreach. We have recently been working with a lady in New Jersey who was saved several years ago as a result of Bible studies with one of our church members via the phone and email. The nearest Scriptural New Testament Church to her location is almost 300 miles away. She has been watching our services on line and working with people in her area to have them view services with her. We are praying that perhaps the Lord will open doors of opportunity for a work there in New Jersey as well. We are also blessed to share the Word with people all over the world via the internet.

The Lord has given this church great opportunities in her 50 years, and we look forward to the remaining opportunities from the Lord until He returns. We pray that we will be found faithfully striving to serve the Lord here in this area and contending for the truths of God’s Word until that day. As Jesus shed His blood for His New Testament Church, and our forefathers have stood and sacrificed for the opportunities that we have today, may we ever be willing to share the light of the glorious Gospel and the beautiful doctrines of the Lord’s New Testament Church to those in this community and around the world.

FIRST LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH LINEAGE

First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Springfield, Oregon, was organized on January 9th, 1960, by the authority of the Duke Street Missionary Baptist Church, Portland, Oregon. The Duke Street Missionary Baptist Church later changed its name to the Hillcrest Missionary Baptist Church. In 1962, they moved to Oregon City, Oregon. The Duke Street Missionary Baptist Church was organized on May 30th, 1958, by the authority of the Lobster Valley Missionary Baptist Church. Bro. Elmore Harty was the missionary for all three of these works.

The Sacramento Landmark Missionary Baptist Church was organized by the authority of the Woodbridge Missionary Baptist Church of Woodbridge, California, in 1952.

The Woodbridge Missionary Baptist Church was organized by the authority of the Riverbank Missionary Baptist Church of Riverbank, California, on July 27, 1950. The Riverbank Missionary Baptist Church was organized by the authority of the First Missionary Baptist Church of Salinas, California, on May 19th, 1940. The First Missionary Baptist Church of Salinas, organized as the Hebron Heights Missionary Baptist Church, was organized by the authority of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Caldwell, Idaho, on August 11th, 1935. Bro. R. Y. Blalock was the missionary.

The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Caldwell, Idaho, was organized by the Meridian Baptist Church of Meridian, Idaho, on January 30th, 1927. The Meridian Baptist Church was organized in the spring of 1924 by the authority of the Cloverdale Baptist Church in Cloverdale, Oregon. The Cloverdale Church endorsed Bro. Blalock upon him leaving in November of 1923. Letters were later granted from Cloverdale for the Meridian Church. Bro. Blalock continues his correspondence with the Cloverdale Church throughout the 1930’s showing his endorsement for missionary work done through the Cloverdale Church.

The Cloverdale Baptist Church was organized as the First Nestucca Bay Baptist Church of Christ on April 10th, 1897, by the authority of the Mt. Hebo Baptist Church of Hebo, Oregon. (minutes pictured right)

The Mt. Hebo Baptist Church was organized by the authority of the Fairview Baptist Church of Fairview, Oregon, in the spring of 1893. Bro. William Bailey, then pastor of Fairview, led in the organization of Mt. Hebo.

In February, 1891, the First Dallas Baptist Church dismissed several members for the purpose of organizing the church at Fairview. The First Dallas Baptist Church was organized in 1856 by the authority of the LaCreole Baptist Church.

The LaCreole Baptist Church was organized on July 18th, 1846, by the authority of the West Union Baptist Church. In 1845, the West Union Church voted to authorize her pastor, Bro. Vincent Snelling, to baptize and organize churches by the authority coming through that church.

The West Union Church was organized on May 25th, 1844, with Missionary Baptists that had traveled on the Oregon Trail before it was really a “trail”. This was the first wagon train to cross the Rockies. These brethren endured great hardships to come west in 1843. Bro. David T. Lenox, coming from the Todd’s Creek Baptist Church in Missouri, insisted that the wagon train stop on Sunday for prayer, Bible study, and meditation.

As the wagon train captain, he had some pull with the wagon train master. Some did not agree with this, but the wagon train master recognized Bro. Lenox’s dedication to God. He quickly let the opposition know that they would need God on their side if they were going to survive this trip. The wagon train leader followed Bro. Lenox’s wishes and they did not travel on the Lord’s day. Bro. Lenox led in the organization of the West Union Church in his home with authority coming through the Todd’s Creek Baptist Church of Missouri.

The West Union Church lead out in establishing the first association of Baptist churches west of the Rockies. In May of 1848, the West Union Church voted to invite all the other churches of like faith to participate in an association. (actual copy of West Union’s minutes pictured to the right)

This association was formed on June 23rd, 24th, & 25th, 1848, as the Willamette Baptist Association. (An actual copy of the first written association minute book, front & back pages, is located to the left.)

The Todd’s Creek Baptist Church in Missouri was started in 1837 with authority coming through the Mt. Zion Church in Missouri. Mt. Zion Church was organized by the authority of Providence Church in Warren County, Kentucky. This church was in the Warren Association of Baptist Churches in Kentucky.

The churches of the Warren Association of Baptist Churches came directly out of the churches of the Philadelphia Association of churches. The work of New Testament Churches in Kentucky came about as a direct work of Bro. John Gano. He was a Baptist preacher that was forward in presenting Jesus Christ to this world. He was saved as an adult, scripturally baptized, called of God, and then ordained by the Hopewell Baptist Church in May of 1754. John Gano became a “chaplain” in the Revolutionary Army. He witnessed to all, including George Washington. He baptized George Washington and worked tirelessly with other faithful Baptist brethren to see that this United States of America had freedom of religion and separation of church and state. Not to keep “religion” from influencing the “state”, but to keep the state from oppressing the freedom of worshiping God, as they had already experienced for far too long.

Painting hanging in Gano Chapel, William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, Showing baptism By John Gano (William Jewell College was once a Missionary Baptist Seminary)

The Philadelphia Association of churches was formed in 1707. The Philadelphia Association was started by churches that came directly from Wales. It was formed originally by only five churches: Lower Dublin, Piscataway, Middletown, Cohansey, and Welsh Tract. Copied from actual minutes of the Welsh Tract Baptist Church:

“In the year 1701 some of us (who were members of the churches of Jesus Christ in the countys of Pembroke and Caermarthen, South Wales in Great Britain, professing believers baptism; laying- on-of-hands; election; and final perseverance in grace) were moved and encouraged in our own minds to come to these parts, viz. Pennsylvania; and after obtaining leave of the churches it seemed good to the Lord and to us, That we should be formed into church order, as we were a sufficient number: and as one of us was a minister: that was accomplished and, withal letters commendatory were given us, that if we should meet with any congregations or Christian people, who held the same faith with us, we might be received by them as brethren in Christ. Our number was sixteen: and, after bidding farewell to our brethren in Wales, we sailed from Milford-haven in the month of June, the year above mentioned, in a ship named James and Mary; and landed in Philadelphia the eighth of September following:”The Welsh Tract Church being formed in Wales and traveling across the sea as a body, then worked in cooperation with others here on this land. These churches sent forth ministers to travel “to assist in founding and renovating churches as far as Virginia and the Carolinas”, to begin with. Later, they were sent as far as Kentucky. Elder H. Roller came directly from Hill Cliffe Baptist Church, Wales, England, to the Philadelphia Association. (Philadelphia Association, book 3, item 1) There is a founding stone in the cemetery at Hill Cliffe, that the cemetery was founded in 1357. Notice that this well pre-dates the Protestants, once again showing that Baptists are not, nor have they ever been Protestants. The Hill Cliffe Church was organized by Aaron Arlington, A.D. 987. (Alex Munston’s Israel of the Alps, p39) The Lima Piedmont Church ordained Aaron Arlington in 940 and sent him out. (Jones’ Church History, p. 324) Lima Piedmont Church was organized by Balcolao, A.D. 812. (See Neander’s Church History, vol. 2, p.320) Balcolao came from the church at Timto, Asia Minor. Timto church was organized by Archer Flavin, A.D. 738. (Mosheim’s History, vol.1, p.384) Archer Flavin came from the Darethea Church, organized by Adromicus, A.D. 671, in Asia Minor. (Lambert’s Church History, p.47) Andromicus came from Pontifossi Church, at the foot of the Alps in France. (Lambert’s Church History, p.47) Pontifossi Church was organized by Tellestman from Turan, Italy, A.D. 398. (Nowlin’s Church History, vol.2, p.318) Turan Church was organized by Tertullan from Bing Joy, Africa, A.D. 237. (Armitage’s Church History, p.182) Tertullan was a member of the Partus Church at the foot of the Tiber, that was organized by Polycarp, A.D. 150. (Cyrus’ Commentary of Antiquity, p. 924) Polycarp was baptized by John the Beloved or Revelator on the 25th of December, A.D. 95. (Neander’s Church History, p.285) John was called out by Jesus on the Seashores of Galilee and ordained as Apostle. He worked under the authority of Jesus Christ that came through the Jerusalem Church after they were scattered abroad. (Matthew 4:19-25; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:14-18)

Hebrews 11:32-40

Let us walk worthy of the vocation to which we have been called for the sacrifice of Jesus and our forefathers!