twoday.html

The Goldendale Sentinel, Goldendale, WA., November 1, 1973, page 10

TWO-DAY HOMECOMING CELEBRATES 50TH YEAR OF WISHRAM CHURCH

The Community Church at Wishram was the setting October 20 and 21 of a celebration in observance of its 50th anniversary.
The occasion was marked with a dinner at the church Saturday evening, followed by services, with Pastor C. Robert Leisey, Arago, Or., and a former pastor at Wishram, as speaker.
On Sunday Pastor Leisey and his wife spoke during the Sunday school hour.
The worship services Sunday were in charge of Rev. H.J. Turnadge, who was the first minister to serve on a regular basis.
Before the church was organized, various religious meetings were held in Wishram homes and the old school house.
In 1913 Carolina Everets, a schoolteacher and now Mrs. George Bunn, and a group of young people organized a Bible Study class which met each week. During the year a group of interested persons met at the old school house in Wishram to organize a church group, which met at the old school for several years. Also in 1913, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes arrived from Ohio and although he was not an ordained minister, he preached for some months.
In 1919 on October 8, the Fallbridge (Wishram's former name) Ladies Aid was organized, and was instrumental in raising funds for the church first church building, erected in 1943 on lots formerly belonging to Mr. George Bunn. The $1371.59 needed for structural expenses and labor, was raised by donations.
Among the women who worked faithfully were Mrs. Pegg, Mrs. Jennie Brace, Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Jack Rabb, Mrs. Allen Garratt, Mrs. Billie Wheaton, Mrs. Glenn, Mrs. Ertle John, Mrs. Ellen Seagraves (who was the first president of the Ladies Aid), Mrs. Mabel Johnston, Mrs. Yoder, Mrs. William Rose and others who names are not available.
Actual building of the church began in December 1923, and the dedication services were held October 25, 1925. Among those attending were Rev. H.J. Turnadge, now living in Salem, Or. and Mrs. Ethel Horne, Wishram. Mrs. Horne remembers the occasion clearly as a day so warm, she left her baby in a carriage outside a church window while she was inside, sitting by the window so she could watch the child.
Among other early preachers were a layman Joe Green, who later became an ordained minister and who, with his brother, organized the Bellevue Christian School in Seattle, where both men are reported to be still in active service. Others recorded as ministers here were Rev. Turnadge, Archie Baum, David James Smithwick, Hugh E. (Rusty) Hudson, James R. Adam, Rev. R.F.C. Schwedler, and Paul (Tex) Yearout all of whom lived elsewhere and came each Sunday for services. Among those who lived here were Robert Seng and Paul Ryan.
In 1965, Village Missions was invited to supply pastoral leadership. Erma Loomer was sent to help organize and prepare for a new pastor, and Mr. and Mrs. Earl McStay were the first missionary workers.
In March of 1966 Rev. and Mrs. Howard Spear arrived and were here until July of 1969.
Mr. and Mrs. McStay again supplied as ministers until the arrival in August of Pastor and Mrs. C. Robert Leisy and family.
During the years of the Leisys were here the church was incorporated, and the parsonage purchased.
In August of 1972, the Leisys moved to Arago, and in October Pastor and Mrs. Jerry Fuller and family came to supply the church.
Additions to the original building were made in 1928, and while Mr. Smithwick was here, he and his father constructed the pulpit for the church.
In 1973 a suitable organ was given to the church.
Among those from a distance attending the anniversary celebration were: Rev. H.J. Turnadge, Salem, Or.; Rev. and Mrs. Leisy and sons; Rev. Bob Reyburn; Mrs. Phil A. Wiles, Teri and Craig, Keith and Randy; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Williams, all of The Dalles; Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Stewart and Becky, Portland; Mr. and Mrs. John J. Southard, Klickitat; Mrs. Bob Ward, Laurie and April, Maupin, Or.; Mr. and Mrs. O.B. Olson, Mr. and Mrs. W. Knosher and Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Rainey, all of Goldendale and Leo Lenders, Beaverton, Or.