The First 100 Years
ORGANIZATION
From Mount Hebo Baptist Church minutes:
January 28, 1897
"The church passed an act to extend an arm of the church to the other side of the river for the purpose of receiving members into the church."
February 27, 1897
"The fruits of the labors from across the river after four weeks work:
Jan 31, Sister Isabel Wilson was received by letter. February 5, received by experience and Baptism Sister Rosalia Buoy, Lee Oliver Nelson, Jim Henry Dawson, Drury Edward Dawson, William Creed Hudson, Webster Lafayette Hudson, John Henry Redwine. Feb 14, received by experience and Baptism Viola Ellen Hogen, Kittie May Hogen, Irene Mable Hushbeck, William Glick. Feb 21, by experience and Baptism Sister Elizabeth Nelson, brothers George Nelson and Charles W. Hogen and Sister Elizabeth Hogen."
March 27, 1897
"After a few remarks, Brother Webster Hudson requested the letters of twelve of the members from that side of the river to be organized into a church on the other side of the river. The request was granted. The names were Brothers Charles W. Hogen, William Glick, John Henry Redwine, Jim Henry Dawson, Drury E. Dawson, Webster Lafayette Hudson, William Creed Hudson, George S. Nelson, Lee Oliver Nelson and Sisters Elizabeth Hogan, Elizabeth Nelson, Kittie May Hogan. The brother also asked the ordained Minister and Deacons to organize them into a church when called on. The request granted...."
"On Saturday before the 2nd Sunday, Apr. 10, 1897, The First Nestucca Bay Baptist Church of Christ was organized by a Presbytery, consisting of Eld. Wm. Bailey, Deacons David Bailey, W. C. Pewtherer and J. A. Dawson, with twenty constituent members, viz: Charles Hogan, Elizabeth Hogan, Kittie Hogan, Wm. Glick, W. L. Hudson, W. C. Hudson, J. H. Redwine, J. H. Dawson, D. E. Dawson, G. S. Nelson, Elizabeth Nelson, Lee O. Nelson, all lettered from Hebo Baptist Church. W. C. Pewtherer, Lydia Pewtherer, J. W. M and S. M. Bailey lettered from First Baptist Church, Ballston, Oregon. J. J. Hudson, Clay Creek Church, Tenn. J. A. and N. M. F. Dawson, E. J. Redwine by relation.
"Presentation of the Bible, Charge to the church, and prayer by Eld. Wm. Bailey, after which the church elected W. C. Pewtherer and J. A. Dawson Deacons, W. L. Hudson Clerk, and organized a Sunday School, electing officers and teachers.
"Pendleton's Articles of Faith were read and adopted,
-- Rule of decorum --
That all business be done by a majority vote, except the receiving and dismission of members, that shall be unanimous."
Meetings were held the second Saturday and Sunday of each month either at school house District 22, or Dannel's School House. On May 9, 1897 the Articles of Faith were read and accepted. On July 9, 1897 John Oliver was chosen as the first pastor. A series of meetings were held by the Association Missionary In February of 1898. "Meeting moved to school house, district 22, to be held from Tuesday till Sunday."
BEGINNING YEARS 1897-1907
The second pastor, R. Y. Blalock, came in August 1898 and, although he resigned April 1900, he preached at the church until 1905 when Bro. Turner took the pastorate from June to December 1905.
The first missionary supported by the church was J. V. Dawes in Chin Kiang, China, February 1899. The first man licensed to preach was J. A. Dawson, August 1900.
In April 1899 a "Committee, Bro. David Bailey and Sister Hushbeck from our Sister church at Hebo, received and heard. Said committee wished to ascertain place of building site, and kind of building to be erected in case of a union of the two churches. A point on Lester Ray's place and a house 30 x 40 ft. was suggested. A committee consisting of Bros. Dawson and Nelson of this church and David Bailey of Hebo Church were appointed to see Mr. Ray in regard to said site."
On May 13, 1899 ten people from the disbanded Mt. Hebo Baptist Church joined the First Nestucca Bay Baptist Church by relation, and the name of the church was changed to Cloverdale Baptist Church. In September 1899 a committee obtained "a deed for a tract of land, 28 rods by 11 rods of Lester Ray tract...." This deed was returned in April 1900 and a "lot south of school house on Brother Nelson's place..." was chosen for the church site.
The church held the first Roll Call in May 1901. 24 members answered the call either in person or by letter. The second Roll Call was held May 7, 1904 with 26 members responding.
Missions was an emphasis of Cloverdale Baptist Church from its beginning. In February 1900 Bro. Pewtherer reported to the church on missionary work in the northern end of the county. "Owing to everybody seeming to be busy not many attended meetings but a vast amount of work needed." In March 1901 "Bro. and Sister Blalock were elected foreign missionary to China." In August of the same year the church told the deacons to assist Mr. & Mrs. Brown, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Mr. & Mrs. Blalock to organize a Baptist Church at Brown's School House. By December 1901 Mr. & Mrs. R. Y. Blalock, Mr. & Mrs. S. T. Moore, and Mr. & Mrs. C. A. Smith joined New Hope Baptist Church. Two other missionaries were supported in the first ten years of the church's life: Bro. Osborn (December 1901), and Bro. Caps to the Pacific Coast (April 1905).
In June 1901, after selecting property, the church began a building program. While meeting alternately at the Butt, Knifong, and Union School houses, they voted to make the new church building 24 x 36 ft. By August 1903 they chose to buy chairs until seats could be obtained. The church building was completed by September 1905 and painted by Sister and Brother Burke by December 1905. Jack Ollis erected a building on the property and moved it in 1907. Then Jack Jenkins built a fence halfway across the lot's north side.
1908-1917
To begin the second era of Cloverdale Baptist Church a "series of meetings' were held by J. T. Moore. The results were two people "restored" and one baptism. The church had been without a pastor since December 1905. In June 1908 they requested Bro. Moore to be their pastor. He declined "sadly." The church voted to support C. R. Chase as Home Missionary. 1913 saw dramatic changes in the membership. After R. Y. Blalock was called as a half-time pastor in April, J. H. Miller of The Dalles, Oregon held a revival meeting. As a result of these meetings, 16 people were baptized; 19 people in all were added to the church.
J. H. Miller accepted pastorate of the church August 1914. On the same date three deacons were elected: J. H. Hudson, J. L. Gay, and William Glick. Bro. Miller held another series of meetings in December 1914; three people came for baptism. The pastor resigned May 1916. During that same meeting, two matters were voted on. One was "to not take any hand in the Fossil and Fox church trouble with Elder C. A. Waterhouse." The other was "to not represent at the Association this year."
The church building program had progressed during these years. In 1908 Brothers Bailey and Smith were asked to dispose of the remnants of lumber and nails from construction of the church house. The members started to finish the inside of the church at the beginning of 1914 when they also ordered song books. By the end of that year they chose a committee to see about building a shed.
R. Y. Blalock again took pastorate of Cloverdale Baptist Church from July 1917 through February 1918. While he was away preaching revivals, George Eades acted as pastor and was authorized to perform two baptisms.
1918-1927
The church called J. T. Moore unanimously to be their pastor. He began his pastorate March 1919 and resigned effective July 1923 after spending time visiting Mexico. The church felt "sorrow at his leaving." Fred Reusser, who was licensed to preach March 11, 1922, filled the pulpit during Brother Moore's absence. In September 1923 Fred C. Reusser was called as pastor. He was ordained March 4, 1924. At this time the church voted yearly on their pastor. Brother Reusser was called each year to stay as pastor. After Fred. C. Reusser resigned as pastor in October 1926, the church called two men to fill the pulpit, but both declined. They then called A. S. Simmons who took charge of the pulpit August 1927.
During this era several missionaries were endorsed. G. W. Reynolds, Association Missionary; W. A. Heard, Association (Field) Missionary; C. R. Chase, Field Missionary; J. T. Moore, Missionary; T. E. Griffith, Association Missionary; and J. L. Samples, Missionary. The church unanimously elected Sister Goldie Wilson as a missionary to China. After hearing T. L. Blalock, Missionary to China, speak at the church, Sister Wilson stated "that she felt called of God to mission work in China."
Several revivals were held during these ten years; and, although some were excluded from the church, many were saved then baptized to be members of Cloverdale Baptist Church. In 1921 a revival was held with J. L. Samples of Talent, Oregon. Services lasted January 4-22. There were 14 additions, 12 of which were baptisms. In 1923 a revival was held with Ben J. Smith from Sheridan, Arkansas, May 12 through June 3. Four people came forward to join the church: two by baptism, one by relation, and one by letter. In July 1926 L. L. Shok(p)taw, general evangelist of the American Baptist Association, was asked to come and hold a meeting.
One of the major doctrinal issues presented to the church in this era was McPhersonism (four-square gospel pentecostalism). In April 1927 "a resolution regarding McPersonism was presented to the church...{it was} unanimously adopted as read." Several church members left the Baptist faith to embrace this movement and the hand of fellowship was withdrawn from them.
Five other events of note occurred during this time period. L. J. Redberg was licensed to preach August 7, 1926. A short testimony meeting was held in August 1924. First Sunday evening services were held at Oretown each month from August to December 1925. In March 1926 the Sunday School paper, "Young People" was discontinued "because they teach heresy." And, in September 1926 the "clerk and two others appointed by the moderator write to the nonresident members at least one a year."
The church building became the focus of attention during 1919-1923. At one time the Presbyterian church wanted to unite with the Baptist church but could give no scriptural grounds for federation. A committee was appointed July 1919 to move the church. These men, J. J. Hudson, J. L. Gay, C. W. Hatfield, R. Y. Blalock, and C. A. Smith secured a lot in Cloverdale and had a deed. They then became a building committee "having full authority to go ahead and act in building, soliciting, buying, and selling in regard to a church." In August 1919 Pastor Moore showed the church a plan for the church building. Disagreement arose during the meeting of September 19, 1919. The building committee "laid the matter of building on the table for the present." A motion was made to build. Elder Moore offered his resignation. The next month the pastor withdrew his resignation and a new building committee was appointed. However, there were still several members who felt the original building committee overstepped their power and did not have the right to move the place of meeting. While the pastor and a large portion of the church body began to meet at the Cloverdale Grange Hall, the other part of the church body stayed at the church building.
The year of 1920 revealed the schism in the church body to the point many had the hand of fellowship withdrawn from them. On April 10, 1920 the whole body met at the church house. The church made clear moving was a church, not a committee, decision.
"After expunging all charges against certain Brethren the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
"Whereas, at the preaching services of the Cloverdale Baptist Church held on Sunday the 19th day of October, 1919, the Building committee of the church announced that the place of holding church services and business meeting would be moved, and that such services and business meetings would be thereafter held at Cloverdale, Oregon instead of in the church building about one mile therefrom, and it was publicly announced at the service held on that date that the church services and business meetings would thereafter be held at Cloverdale, and in pursuance of such action and announcement church services and business meetings have been since held at Cloverdale Oregon, first at the School House and later at the Grange Hall, by the pastor and members of the church, and at the regular business meeting of the church held in Cloverdale, Oregon, at the School House, on the 8th day of November, 1919, the action so taken by the Building committee in changing the place for holding church services and business meetings was ratified, and
"Whereas, minutes have been kept of the business meetings of the church so held at Cloverdale, Oregon since said changes and said minutes except November 8, 1919 minute which former clerk holds and says he did not bring to this meeting have been read at this regular business meeting, which is held at the former place of meeting, that is at the church house of the Cloverdale Baptist Church on this 10th day of April, 1920, at 2 o'clock p.m., and it is desired that the action taken as aforesaid and shown by said minutes be ratified.
"Now Therefore Be It Resolved by the Cloverdale Baptist Church of Cloverdale, Oregon, in regular business meeting assembled as aforesaid, that the action heretofore taken by the building committee in changing the place of holding the services of the church and for holding business meetings of the church, and moving the same to Cloverdale, Oregon, and of the transactions had by the members of the church meeting at Cloverdale, Oregon, in pursuance thereof, and the minutes of said meetings, be and the same are hereby in all things ratified and confirmed, except that portion of the minutes of the meeting held at Cloverdale, Oregon on the 13th day of March 1920, relating to the preferring of charges against any of the members of the church, be and the same is hereby expunged from the records of said meeting.
"And Be It Further Resolved that all of the business meetings and services of this the Cloverdale Baptist Church, as such be hereafter held at the Town of Cloverdale, Oregon, in the Grange Hall, until otherwise ordered by this church."
While at the Grange Hall, plans for a new church building were developed. The organ and some chairs were moved from the church house to the Hall and the pastor's home. Electric lights were put into the Hall by the church. On January 31, 1920 "the building committee had Mr. Hamlin, the house mover of Tillamook, come and estimate the cost of moving the old church building to Cloverdale, and to advise us as to the best way of moving. He advised the tearing down of the building and using the material." By October 9, 1920 the old church property was sold and the money used for moving the church house onto the Cloverdale site.
On November 21, 1920 the first business meeting was held in the church building at its present location. Four days later, on Thanksgiving Day, the first sermon in the new building was preached. "The pastors text was Psalms 126:3. After a bountiful basket dinner, we held a thanksgiving meeting, in which we expressed our thanks for the Lords mercy and kindness on us in the past year."
The following January during the revival by J. L. Samples, 14 people were added to the church. The church house was dedicated with a sermon preached by J. H. Miller on June 12, 1921, the same day three men (P. O. Light, Alexander Reusser, and C. W. Hatfield) were ordained as deacons.
The finishing of the church building was accomplished. Money was collected for a bell. New song books were bought. A piano was purchased from the George C. Will, Co. in Salem for $225 in 1927 and the organ was sold. A building committee was selected to finish the inside of the church and paint the outside. Sister Miller donated a Communion Set to the church. The steps in front of the church were built by Brothers Hatfield and Reusser. And, a name plate was attached to the building. Also began the task of removing the dirt from around the walls of the church. By October 1926, six years after the building began to be used, a committee of three was appointed "to confer with Mr. Coffey in regards to securing the Baptist church from spreading at the eaves."
After dedicating the new church building, the church members decided to buy land and build a parsonage. The pastor, who was also the Postmaster for Cloverdale, chose the site across the street from the church. He was given permission to build a post office on the N. E. corner of the parsonage lot with the provision he could remove or sell the building. In 1925 a five-foot wide strip of land at the N.E. corner of the parsonage lot was sold with the understanding Charles Ray would build a concrete wall as a divider.
When the church and parsonage were complete, Pastor Moore led the church to make a far-reaching decision on August 25, 1923.
"It having been found that the deed to the lot upon which has been built the Pastorium had not been recorded, and in view of the fact that there is in certain quarters so great a departure from the true Baptist Faith by those who wear the name Baptist, and are causing division and in many cases where the property is involved and no provisions have been made in the deed against such a heretical party holding the property the true Baptists have had trouble in establishing their rights to the property and dispossessing those who had departed from Baptist faith, our pastor had a deed written with certain Bible principles included that our church covenanted never to knowingly employ nor retain as pastor anyone who did not believe and subscribe to these principles, that if the church did violate this covenant then it had forfeited its legal right to the property and it should be sold and the money received given to a Baptist church that did believe and subscribe to those Bible principles written in the deed.
"The church by unanimous vote accepted and adopted the deed.
"Looking forward to legally securing to this church the church house and the lot upon which it is built, by writing in to its deed the Bible principles the same as the deed to the Pastorium property the church by unanimous vote sold to J. T. Moore the church house and lot upon which it is built for the consideration of $1.00."
On August 29, 1923 the church voted that the deed to the pastorium be recorded. "Mr. Ray would not sign the deed to the lot on which the pastorium is built with the Bible principals written in it." Following are the Bible principles from the deed recorded by Bro. J. T. and Dellas A. Moore:
"1, - The whole Bible, as originally written, is the very Word of God.
2, - Jesus Christ was begotten of the Holy Spirit in a miraculous manner: born of Mary, a virgin, as no other man was ever born or can ever be born of woman; that he was God manifest in the flesh, and that he is Divine, the Son of God.
3, - The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, the third person in the Godhead.
4, - The blood of Christ is the only thing that atones for sin.
5, - Salvation is by grace and not by works.
6, - In order to be saved the sinner must be "born again," a spiritual birth.
7, - The Genesis account of creation is the literal and exact truth, and must not be considered as allegorical or figurative. Man was created directly in God's own image and after his likeness. Man's creation was not a matter of evolution or evolutionary change of species, or development through interminable periods of time from lower to higher forms. All animal and vegetable life was made directly, and God's established law was they should bring forth "after their kind."
8, - Satan, the Devil, is a person, man's tempter, the enemy of all good.
9, - Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, upon the approval and authority of a Baptist Church. An immersion not authorized or administered by a Baptist church is not Scriptural, but is alien, and such an immersion should not be accepted by any Baptist church, and this church of Cloverdale covenants to never receive or accept it into its fellowship.
10,- Christ's body rose from the grave; ascended to Heaven; He interceded for His people, and He will personally and visibly return to this earth, and will personally reign with His saints as He has promised.
11,- All the dead are in a conscious state, between death and the resurrection.
12,- The final destiny of the believer is eternal life and peace with God. But the impenitent will suffer endless punishment in Hell.
"If the Cloverdale Baptist Church shall ever knowingly employ or retain as pastor one who does not believe nor subscribe to the above Bible principles, then it will have forfeited its legal right to occupy the above described property, and the said property shall then be sold and the amount received for it shall be delivered to some Baptist church that does believe the above principles, to be used by that church in the way it may deem wise in maintaining these principles."
Thus, the church sold the property to J. T. Moore who then sold it back to the church for $1.00. They voted to borrow money from Mrs. Glick to pay off the mortgage on the pastorium. In 1924 "Bro. Hatfield given permission to fill in with dirt back of garage and woodshed on pastorium lot." And in October 1925 the pastorium was rented to Mr. T. B. Davis.
1928 - 1937
A. S. Simmons' ministry lasted nine years, ending June 1936. Fred. C. Reusser was called as a supply preacher for two months and called as pastor September 1936.
Missions was a strong focus of the church. Early in 1928 the church voted to take a collection once a month for Home Mission work. Missionaries endorsed during these years were W. Z. A. Wright, Association Missionary (1928); G. W. Reynolds, Home Missionary (1929-30); W. M. McCart, Home Missionary (1930); Bro. Gilbert (1931); R. Y. Blalock, Home Missionary, and support of the Direct Chinese Mission (1932); J. W. Black, Association Missionary (1933); Leonard B. Sigle, Association Missionary (1936); Woodrow Young (1937); and, Bro. and Mrs. Goulding, Costa Rica (1937). Collections were also taken for Portland Bible School. In 1935 J. E. Hatfield and F. C. Reusser were granted permission to speak to people at Pacific City once a month. F. C. Reusser also reported Tillamook was a needy field.
During Brother Simmons' pastorate, many people were saved and baptized "about 1000 ft. down river from Cloverdale" in the Nestucca River. A revival with J. W. Black was planned in February 1927; however, it was postponed due to a small pox scare. A revival was in the hearts of the members, though, as expressed in their vote on April 7, 1928 to send their pastor "to call on members who were previously excluded from this church, and invite them to attend our church services."
In April 1930 a revival was held with W. M. McBart of Antioch Baptist Church of Portland. Within the next two months 18 people joined the church, 13 were baptized in the river at one baptismal service. Another revival occurred July 23 through August 1, 1934 with J. W. Black and F. C. Reusser which resulted in three professions. A series of meetings with Earnest H. Brown was held in April 1935. The meetings lasted three weeks resulting in one profession. In 1936 a series of meetings was held January 26 through February 23 with Bro. McLiam. Seven came forward with testimonies who wanted baptism.
In 1937, from January 3 through January 31, a series of meetings was held with Leonard B. Sigle as the evangelist and Bro. and Mrs. A. S. Simmons as the singers. Later that same year, October 24 through November 14, a revival was held with Woodrow Young preaching.
The church experienced a growth in activities during these ten years. The Ladies Mission Circle was organized in April 1928. On March 31, 1929 two men, C. L. Masterson and John Hatfield, were ordained as deacons. The youth were attending Suttle Lake young people's encampment. In March 1936 a Junior B.Y.P.U. was organized.
The church's relationship with sister churches centered in its involvement with Associations, revivals, and special services. From its organization Cloverdale Baptist Church had participated in the Middle Oregon Baptist Association. The church hosted the association meeting at the Cloverdale Grange Hall on different occasions.
On May 11, 1927 the church voted to be represented in the forming of a "coast association" called for by the Klamath Falls church. A year later, February 11, 1928, there was a "motion that we fill out the blank letter and send it to the American Baptist Association that we be a member of this Association, and be known as co-workers in the Association."
The pastors were invited to several churches to hold revivals and the ordained members were invited to sit on ordination councils, including the 1936 meeting at Antioch Baptist Church in Portland to ordain John Blalock.
Some highlights of church life included meeting times and doctrinal issues. In March 1928 the midweek services were changed from Thursday to Wednesday evening. Two months later they voted to "change the business and covenant meeting from Saturday 2 p.m. to Wednesday evening 8 p.m. before second Sunday in each month." Roll Call meetings were held in 1929, 1931, 1932, 1933.
A major decision was made by the church in 1937. A vote of 13 for and 8 against was made to use grape juice instead of wine for the Lord's Supper.
While upholding Bible doctrines, the church was also busy upgrading its physical facilities. New song books were purchased. The church was still heated with wood; however, the church insurer said they would not pay if a fire occurred because of the terra cotta flue. So, a brick flue was built. The church building was further enhanced by tying the sides together, shingling, putting gravel in front, new lights, and purchasing a tract holder for the church entrance. In 1927 the Cloverdale School District sent a bill for "the connecting of the parsonage sewer with the school sewer." The parsonage was also painted, and fencing was considered. Also in 1937 the church voted to build a garage at the parsonage with a concrete floor. And, they dug out the dirt behind the church.
1938 - 1947
In this time period the Cloverdale Baptist church had five pastors: Fred C. Reusser,
J. Chester Cox, Raymond Atkinson, L. C. DesVoigne, and Arthur D. Vaughan.
Fred C. Reusser's second term as pastor of Cloverdale Baptist Church began and lasted through August 1939. There were 32 additions to the church; all but six of them were by baptism. When Elder Reusser was absent preaching revivals, John Hatfield filled the pulpit.
Missionaries the church supported were Lee Hall, Association Missionary (1939); E. T. Larsen, Home Missionary (1941); W. P. Griffin, Alaska/Canada (1942-1946); Bro. Payton (1946); Bro. Gage (1946); and Bro. Harvey, Home Missionary (1947).
A revival was held March 6 through March 20, 1938 with C. C. Brown. During this revival, the church hired Howard Owens School Bus to cover the area from Pacific City to Woods Loop Road.
In March 1938 a note of thanks was written to Georgia Glick for "kindness and allowances" while the church paid off the note on the parsonage. The Daugherty family rented the parsonage from 1937- 1940. Work was done on all the church doors, the church and parsonage were shingled, the rooms in the church were papered, and chairs were bought for the classrooms.
J. Chester Cox began his ministry at Cloverdale Baptist Church December 1939. He was ordained as a minister January 28, 1940 and resigned the church effective September 1941. While pastoring, Brother Cox attended the Pacific Coast Baptist Bible Institute of Portland. Bro. Payton was the supply preacher when the pastor went east for a visit. E. T. Larsen, Home Missionary, became the supply preacher while the church waited for their next pastor. Brother Larsen baptized two people who came forward with professions of salvation. Two more joined by letter.
The church had an Annual Roll Call Meeting in June 1940. Under Brother Larsen's leadership, there was a push for reconciliations with the Hudsons and others in the community. And, the church adopted a resolution recommended by the Association:
"...do not invite into our pulpits any man who believes in alien immersion, open communion or the invisible church theory. We further recommend that our churches do not receive members from churches that practice such errors unless they can produce evidence that they were baptized before the church practiced such errors."
Three missionaries were supported by the church: E. T. Larson, John Blalock (China), and Elder Griffin (Alaska). The church also helped other churches in their building efforts.
The next pastor, Raymond Atkinson, came August 1942 and stayed until May 1944. The church held a revival with Elder Nixon, November 15-24, 1943.
The church made several plans for improvements to the church. They voted to put a sidewalk in front of the parsonage and refinish the house. They also made plans for a church sign.
After Elder Atkinson resigned, L. C. DesVoigne was the supply preacher, then took the pastorate from September 1944 until September 1945.
After his leaving, the church was without a pastor for about a year; men and women divided the morning and evening services. The moderator was Victor E. Huson. In June 1946 a letter was written to the Middle Oregon Baptist Association concerning a missionary who had joined the "I.B.M." "We do not positively know which churches co-operate with the I.B.M. and feel it unscriptural and unfair to exclude those churches from the fellowship of the M.O.B.A. without first giving them a hearing." Mission support was taken from Bro. Sigle and given to Bro. Blalock. A mission effort was undertaken to support the mission at the Church of the Wild Wood. The youth still went to the Suttle Lake encampment.
A restroom was planned for the church, registers were put in for heating the church, and the Broadman Hynmal songbooks were bought. A spiritual issue was considered also. The minutes read,
"Since time heals many wounds and since many years ago there was a division in our church over moving the building and since we feel the whole matter should be healed and forgotten, we hereby rescind the act of exclusion of the members involved and invite them back to the fellowship of the church."
The next pastor, Arthur D. Vaughan, came September 1946 and stayed until October 1947. During his pastorate, mission support was shifted from Bro. Griffin to Bro. Goulding. Bro. Harvey was the Home Missionary. Bro. Payton and Bro. Gage were also supported. The church helped organize a church at a mission in Portland. The pastor asked Bro. Opsund to hold special meetings in a trailer camp in Portland.
There was a change in literature used for Sunday School during Pastor Vaughan's ministry. Instead of Association literature, the church ordered literature from "Christian Life." The young people were active during this year with meetings somewhere monthly. The membership roll was studied and letters sent to members about faithfulness to church services. The county decided to move dirt on the lot and level it.
1948 - 1957
After Pastor Vaughan resigned and moved to Prineville, J. E. Tooke became pastor (July 1948). Bro. Tooke died in January 1949. Gilbert Tooke accepted the pastorate June 1949 and left August 1952 after the church had issued a call to F. C. Reusser in July. Fred C. Reusser was pastor for his third term from September 1952 until his death April 1955. Then, Emerson W. White was called as pastor and stayed from September 1955 until June 1957.
This era witnessed a strong mission effort in organizing and supporting missions and churches. Miss Leola Woodley was supported as missionary to Manilla from March 1951 to December 1952. Home Mission money was designated to John Blalock while he did Home Mission work. Bro. Wallace was sent to Beaverton to establish a church; eight members from Cloverdale Baptist Church helped organize the Calvary Baptist Church in Beaverton. Bro. Bean became its pastor.
The Women Mission Society was organized in March 1953. Sunday School literature used in 1953 was by "Regular Baptist Press." All literature was discontinued in 1955.
Baptisms during this time were held at the auditorium and baptistery of the Tillamook Christian Church and the Assembly of God church at Hebo. Ten people were baptized and added to the church along with eleven people joining by letter or relation. One new member, George Dawson, became a Deacon as the church accepted his ordination.
In February 1948 the church clerk wrote a letter to a church member in California explaining the three ways members are removed from the church roll and how finances are gathered.
"There are only the following ways your membership will be removed by us. First- by your request, either by letter to another church of like faith and order or by your request to be removed for non-fellowship. Second- Because of misconduct. Third- by Death.
"Finances have no bearing whatsoever on your membership....
"I might further explain that we never ask financial aid in any way to maintain our church activities. All such offerings are voluntary on the part of the membership.
"There is one exception to this. In case of repairs to buildings of either of the church properties where a considerable some of money may be needed, then we go to our membership only (we do not solicit outside aid) and explain what is needed and what we plan to do. Then it is left to each individual to give as they choose or feel led. No stipulated amounts are ever asked nor does it ever affect your membership."
Another letter in 1954 was written to the Methodist church of Cottage Grove explaining that "we do not issue letters to any church except of like faith and order."
The church was active during the early 1950s. An ordination service was held April 26, 1953 for three men set aside to be Deacons: Victor Learned, Sr., Robert Hatfield, and Victor Huson. In July 1951 the first Vacation Bible School was planned; this practice was continued through the years. The Sunday School classes combined for skating and Christian film events. The Lord's Supper was observed again in October 1952. Fellowship meetings were held regularly with the Association churches. Cloverdale Baptist Church hosted a meeting at the Odd Fellows' Dining Room in 1956. Bibles and song books were bought as well as flannelgraph sets.
A major decision was reached by the church in 1954 when a committee was appointed to "see a lawyer about incorporating this church." In 1955 the church voted to take 10% of offerings for missions and divide it in half between home and foreign missions. It was also determined that Home Mission funds would be used to start New Testament churches. Beaverton and Siletz were mentioned as possible sites. (The church in Beaverton was a result of this decision.) Another vote was taken in 1956 that "only regular offering of church be tythed for missions and no tythe be taken from special offering."
A revival was conducted April 1956 with Leslie Tomberlin preaching. In March 1957 the church began holding a banquet program for high school students who did not wish to attend the prom; and the first Saturday night meeting was set for the Sunday School children.
Improvements to the church building and parsonage were accomplished during this era. In May 1954 the trustees installed water in the "church basin." There were plans to paint the church and to build a wood shed for the parsonage. The church also dealt with trouble with water draining onto Mr. Fleck's property from the parsonage. Mr. Owens made a donation of tile for draining the back of the parsonage lot. Monies were given toward town lighting.
From 1950 through 1953 a small piano was bought for a Sunday School class; a new sign was made for the front of the church; the church benches were refinished. Extra electrical wiring for the buildings, linoleum for the parsonage, repair of the parsonage back porch, blinds for the church, remodeling of the Sunday School rooms including a partition, fixing the church roof, and an addition to the church building (8 ft. wide x 15 ft. long) on the side of the building were all projects undertaken between 1948 and 1956.
When Emerson White resigned as pastor June 1957, the church called Harley C. Pennington. His ministry began July 1957.
The church voted in June 1957 to divide the mission fund monies with two-thirds going to foreign missions and one-third to home missions. In October 1957 the church contacted Bro. Larsen to contact Bro. Keinig about starting a mission work in Salem.
The incorporation of Cloverdale Baptist Church occurred in October 1957. The Rules of Order were set into the incorporation papers as well as the official name of the church.
"RULES OF ORDER
Article ONE - NAME This church shall be called Cloverdale Baptist Church.
Article TWO - OFFICERS Section ONE - The officers of this church shall be Pastor, Deacons, Trustees, a Church Clerk, A Church Treasurer, a Church Pianist, A Sunday School Superintendent, and Teachers. Section TWO - All officers of this church shall be elected annually with the exception {of the deacons}."
1958 - 1967
Harley C. Pennington's ministry last through July 2, 1961 although he resigned October 1960. His ordination was held on the last day of the revival with E. P. Smith, July 26, 1960. Twenty-four people joined the church between July 1957 and July 1961, seventeen additions were by baptism performed either at the Hebo church or in the Nestucca River.
An emphasis was placed on youth with activities such as skating parties, rallies with films shown. A Christian Fun Time with chalk artist, Mr. Penner, was held May 1961. Vacation Bible School was organized in 1957 and held each year through 1961.
The improvements to the church facilities continued. Plans were made to enlarge the youth Sunday School room. The church and parsonage were painted. Also, the inside walls of the church were finished with firtex and plywood. In 1959 the road in front of the church was blacktopped by the County.
In March 1962, Wayne Harding accepted the call to pastor the church. A very active ministry began with the church helping many families in the community. B.T.U. was begun with teacher training classes every Monday evening. The church continued to support the Evangelical Youth Banquet with funds and youth. The church hosted youth camp at Crystal Springs near Prineville the summer of 1967 with Wendell McHargue as the camp speaker.
Two church policies were settled in 1962: Cloverdale Baptist Church is not affiliated with any earthly organization; and, there were to be no Christmas trees in the church house. In 1965 the church rolls were reviewed. Vacation Bible School was regularly held through these years.
Many special offerings were taken for mission efforts in the United States and around the world. Home missions included Gene Seay ,Alaska; Harold Blalock, Boise, Idaho; and Eugene B. Barrow, Portland. Bro. Barrow received regular support beginning August 1965. In 1966 the church assisted the Agate Beach Mission. Mission support for Bro. Goulding was discontinued in March 1963. Some Home Mission funds were used to send children to summer camp.
Revivals, special meetings, and fellowships were held often. Eugene Barrow was the evangelist March 18-24, 1963. Church fellowships were August 23-25, 1963; August 28-30, 1964. On January 27-28, 1964 a special meeting was held with Harold Blalock. Also in 1964, April 20-26, a revival meeting was held with Gordon Harris as the preacher. Bro. Barrow was again the speaker at a revival January 4-16, 1965. A revival with Ralph A. Doty occurred January 31 to February 9, 1966. The church hosted a fifth Sunday fellowship meeting November 25-29, 1966. Fourteen baptisms were performed from 1962 to 1966 at the mouth of Three rivers or at Lake Wi-ne-ma. Twenty others joined the church either by letter from another church or by statement. Some were removed from the rolls for unscriptural baptism, non-fellowship, or by moving their letter.
In April 1967 the church called L. I. "Tex" Poppino to work at the Agate Beach Mission when the church became its sponsor. Tex Poppino was officially sent from Cloverdale Baptist Church August 1967. On October 21, 1967 Bro. Poppino was ordained as a minister. He worked in the Agate Beach Mission until its close in September 1968.
At the same ordination service with Bro. Poppino, Doyle Clifton was ordained as a deacon. The church also voted to recognize Orin Burke's ordination as a deacon. On August 9, 1967 Edwin Williams was licensed to preach. When he became a student at the Independent School of the Bible in Dallas, Texas, the church supported him financially until 1970.
From 1962 to 1966 the church focused on advertising and building. Signs were constructed and located at each end of Cloverdale. The building had a new tile floor laid in the auditorium; the front of the church was terraced with the parking area paved; and, the church was painted. Shortly after an oil heater was given to the church in 1964, a fire took place in the auditorium. Much cleaning had to be done; a fire extinguisher was purchased. 1965 was the year to install bathrooms in the church "in the area of the old entrance (N.W. corner)." A buzzer system was installed. The belfry was shingled. Dirt behind the church was removed and a cement foundation was put down. And, in 1966, a removable partition was built in the fellowship hall.
In July 1963 a baby grand piano was purchased for $500 from Day Music Co. An organ was donated to the church in December 1964. New song books (Broadman Hymnals and Modern Hymnals) as well as pew Bibles were bought. Thirty metal folding chairs were purchased.
Much work was also done on the parsonage. Construction included plumbing for the bathrooms, electrical fuse box, roofing, and new tile and linoleum. The partition between the dining and living rooms was removed. In 1965 the church purchased "tile to drain the parsonage lot." After the pastor moved to his own home in 1966, electric heat was installed in the parsonage and was rented to the Heath family.
1968 - 1977
Although some work was done on the physical facilities during this ten- year period, the church's focus was more on missions, weddings, revivals, and aiding families. The church sponsored summer youth camp in 1969 with Gene Seay as the teacher.
In 1973 Edwin Williams asked that his preaching license be revoked. A license to preach was issued in 1974 to Frank Michael. The license was revoked in 1976.
There were three mission efforts in this era: Dallas (1973), Klamath Falls (1975), and Sweet Home (1977). The mission in Klamath Falls, under the leadership of Norman Wells, was formed into the Independent Landmark Baptist Church in 1976.
Mission support to Eugene B. Barrow was discontinued in 1968 and the church then supported Pharris Hughey, in Prineville, Oregon. In September 1969 it was decided to divide 10% of the monthly offerings equally between Gene Seay, John Blalock, and Pharris Hughey. In 1969 David Pickel, Japan/Hawaii, was added to the missionary list as well as Bill Russell, Redmond, Oregon, with the monies later given to the Redmond Mission (1972). The Independent Baptist College, Dallas, Texas, was supported from 1969 through 1971, and again beginning in 1975.
The church decided in 1972 to send 20% of the general receipts, divided equally, to these missionaries: John Blalock, Pharris Hughey, Gene Seay, Norman Wells, Mark McCool (Congo), and David Pickel. Support was given to Roy Dearmore from 1972 to 1973, then Art Davison, Rhodesia/Brazil, was taken on as a missionary. In 1973 support was moved from Bro. Pharris Hughey to Edgar Sullivan. Two more missionaries were added in 1977: Gene Humphrey, W. Virginia, and Edgar Sullivan, Japan.
While the pastor was asked to preach many revivals during this time, Cloverdale Baptist Church had several revivals. Preachers called on to hold revivals here included: Charles Whaley, Empire Missionary Baptist Church, (March 10-16, 1968); Bro. Bagley (January 9 - February 2, 1969); Harvey Bynum, (February 1-12, 1971); Bro. Walker, (February 6-18, 1972) resulting in six additions; Norman Wells (August 9-11 and 13-18, 1972); Edgar Sullivan (March 1973 and April 1977); Harvey Bynum (November 7-16, 1973). There was a church fellowship July 30 through August 1, 1971. A fellowship was planned for December 6-8, 1974 with youth beach activities. Revivals were also planned for May 1974 and January 1975. David Stuart held a revival in November 1975. And, two revivals were held in 1976: Bro. Ross (May), and Frank Wood of Arvada, Colorado (October 25-31).
A special fellowship meeting was held October 20-22, 1977 to observe the church's 80th Anniversary. Eight preachers and one missionary preached. Meals were served at the V.F.W. Hall. The teenage girls stayed in the church with a chaperon. Another event that year was the Enriched Living Seminar workshop held for the ladies of the church in November.
Vacation Bible School was held almost every year. The Christian Banquet Club was supported. The last mention of this was in 1971. A "release time" for school children began in 1972. Sunday School materials included literature from Gospel Light Bible School. In 1977 "Happy Hour" was instituted once a month on Mt. Hebo for children. A Christian school was discussed, but there was not enough interest to continue with plans.
Other church happenings included observance of the Lord's Supper at least once a year. The church roll was reviewed extensively and some members removed for non-fellowship. The church decided in 1971 to pay camp costs for the pastor and his family. In 1973 the clerk's position was divided into two separate positions: secretary and treasurer.
A telephone was installed in the church in 1968. In 1970 the church voted to buy 12 new pews and venetian blinds for the front church windows. Plans were made for a new church addition in the back of the church. August 22, 1971 Katherine Staehly and Lorilyn Clifton were the first ones baptized in the new church baptistery. A speaker system was placed in the nursery. More Bibles and hymnals were purchased in 1971. Planning began for putting a heating system in the church building. Workdays were held on a regular basis with remodeling done inside classrooms and the parsonage. Insulation was put into the church in 1972 and 1973. Letters were purchased in 1972 for the name to be placed on the front of the church. In 1975 the state said the church would have to remove their signs on Highway 101. Florescent lights were put in the auditorium, and the big covenant poster was mounted on the wall of the auditorium. The briars behind the church were cut and the water pipes were buried. Repairs were done on the roofs of both buildings. The parsonage sewer system was connected in 1976.
1978 - 1987
After a fruitful ministry, Wayne Harding resigned the church effective August 1979. Before a new pastor came, Normal Wells supplied in the pulpit. Bob Ward became pastor June 1980 after a unanimous call and stayed until August 1984. Don Daugherty was pastor from September 1984 until dismissed by the church November 1986 for not upholding Baptist doctrines. In July 1987 Charles R. Winesburgh took the pastorate after a unanimous call (secret ballot) by the church and is the present pastor.
Missionaries supported during this time were Norman Wells (until 1986), Melin; Edgar Sullivan Japan; Gary Stuard (until November 1978); Gene Seay, Alaska (until 1980); Gene Humphrey (until 1980 and again from 1981-1984); Dan Roten, Mexico (discontinued in 1987 for teaching Calvinism); John Blalock; Independent Baptist College; Edgar Sullivan, Japan; David Pickel Midlothian, Texas; Art Davison, Brazil; and Edgar Carlisle, Bible Outreach Ministries (1983).
In 1978 a mission was started in Tillamook, Oregon. Bro. Payton worked in the mission until December 1979 when John Shuffield took charge of the work. It was organized into the Sonlight Independent Baptist Church April 1981.
Other missionaries supported were Russell Woolbright; Larry Potts, Arkansas, (until 1984; Clyde Jones, student (1983-1984/1984-1988); Robert Fisher, Eugene (1983); and Keith Daugherty, Home Missions (1986-1987).
Several men were licensed or ordained. Clyde Jones was licensed to preach September 1981. Robert Fisher was licensed July 1979 and ordained June 16, 1983. However his papers were recalled October 1983 for "heresy." Dick Albertson was licensed to preach May 1987. A Roll Call meeting was held in February 1978 with 48 members responding. The church roll was read again in 1982. Joe Hocking held a Family Life Seminar April 30-May 16, 1979. The next month "a motion was made to accept the apologies of those who came forward with an apology to the church" and the Lord's Supper was observed that same month. During this time, some members' requests for church letters were denied because of churches accepting infant baptisms, interdenominational affiliation, affiliation with Baptist Bible Fellowship, and churches accepting G.A.R.B.C. baptism. In 1980 the church voted to accept new member on a 100% vote. The church voted in 1985 to have a 51% majority rule on all votes.
A policy was set by the church in 1978 when they denied a woman to teach tabernacle lessons to the church because of "Biblical teaching of women in the church not teaching men."
In 1981 the church voted to designate who the special offering was for before taking it each first Sunday. A letter was written from the church in 1981 to Cloverdale Grade School stating the church is against holding programs at the school on Wednesday nights. A letter from the school in response stated they agreed not to have activities on those nights.
A revival was held April 10-21, 1978 with Joe Hocking. It resulted in eight additions to the church. Bro. Payton held a revival October 30-November 5, 1978. Carl Naas preached a revival September 28-October 4, 1980. A fellowship was planned during the revival with Charles Thomas, Garland, Texas, February 1981. One came forward for baptism in a revival with Gerald Ward January 11-17, 1981. Edgar Carlisle preached a revival February 7-13, 1983 and again in June 1984. Special meetings were held February 7-11, 1987 with Carl Naas.
Many youth activities were organized in this era. There was a "teen scene," Vacation Bible School, a zoo trip, Christmas caroling, outings, and a "lock-in." The Rainbow Club was held every Wednesday afternoon from 3:00 to 4:00 for children kindergarten through second grade in 1982.
Clyde Hudson approached the church about taking responsibility of the Union Pioneer Cemetery. Cloverdale Baptist Church officially took over the cemetery from the Union Cemetery Association June 1978. Frequent workdays were scheduled to keep the cemetery mowed and clean.
Trustees were elected in 1984: Alvin Harding, Terry Learned, and Bill Gault. Also in 1984 the church sponsored Family Camp at Crystal Springs.
Several money accounts were under the control of the church through these years. John Blalock had travel funds and mission funds from the sale of the Japanese property. These were used to support missions with the remainder sent to him. The Goldie Wilson estate supplied missionary funds. Monies from the Clyde Hudson estate were designated as one-half of 22% was to go to missions with 11% to be used for church needs. New microphones, speakers, and a tape player were purchased with the Gene Knopf Memorial Youth Fund.
1988 - 1997
Under Charles R. Winesburgh's leadership missions, children's ministries, annual fellowships, and remodeling of the church and parsonage were emphasized. Several missionaries were added while others had continued support. Clyde Jones's support was discontinued in 1988 when he graduated from college. Cloverdale Baptist Church licensed him to preach April 16, 1989. When David Pickel died in 1989, his support was given to his wife until after her death. Support was discontinued for Edgar Carlisle in 1992.
Other missionaries were: Gerald Beasley, France (1992-1995); Larry Holder, Oregon (1989-1992); Ken Roberts, Mexico (1993-1995). Independent Baptist College students supported included Dick Albertson (1988-1995); Glen Winesburgh (1994-1995); and Randy Winesburgh (1993-1996). In 1992 two missionaries were added to the list and are still supported: Robert Creech, Panama; and Dan Chase, Brazil. The church began supporting Solomon Rao, India, in 1994. Support was continued for these missionaries: John Blalock, Arthur Davison, Russell Woolbright, Edgar Sullivan, and the Independent Baptist College. The church voted to sponsor by prayer and other support (including literature and Bibles) Mark and Lesley (Learned) Dinkel as they operated a children's ministry in Alaska 1993-1995.
Gary Ellerbroek became a deacon for the church when his ordination by the Sonlight Baptist Church, Tillamook, in 1981 was accepted. The church roll was reviewed in 1994 and updated in 1995. A motion was approved that same year that "people coming forward for membership be accepted as candidates for membership to be taught church beliefs by pastor and asked about salvation." In 1997 the new member Bible studies were renamed "new member's orientation studies."
Carl Naas held a revival with the church January 12-16, 1992. That same year the church celebrated Bro. Winesburgh's fifth anniversary with the church.
Worship time was changed in 1994 with afternoon services beginning at 1:30 p.m. after a meal taken together at the church. In 1995 the service times were adjusted to having a first Sunday of the month potluck dinner after the morning service, followed by an afternoon service. The Sunday evening worship time was changed during the winter months to 3:00 p.m. and meeting at 6:00 p.m. during the summer.
A Fun Night for the youth was begun in 1988 at the Cloverdale Grade School gym on Saturday nights. In 1990 the church approved having Monday Night Children's Time during the school year which continued through 1995. A youth fellowship was held July 15-16, 1993. A bus was bought in 1994 and used for the first time on a trip to youth camp which the church co-sponsored in 1994.
Annual Fellowship meetings were instituted in 1993. The first one was held August 12-13 with four pastors and three missionaries attending. During the 1994 Fellowship, special singing was performed by the John Shuffield family. In 1995 the Fellowship dates were changed from August to the third week in June. Attendance increased with each Fellowship.
A new church sign was painted in 1989 by Solomon Rao. When the weather took its toll on that sign, he painted another one to be used at the Anniversary Fellowship in 1997. A communion table was purchased from the Grace Learned estate (1989). Also in 1989 $1,200 was paid to have the piano rebuilt. The church was painted in 1990. Work was done on the auditorium: Gary Ellerbroek painted the ceiling; wainscoting was added and the woodwork painted. The podium was enlarged and carpet installed in the auditorium and entryway (1994). Terry Learned repaired floors in the auditorium and back room (1995). Work began on enlarging the youth room to make it a fellowship room which involved roofing the adjoining room to make it usable as a kitchen. Other roofs were repaired.
Several purchases were made for the church. They included a 25 gallon hot water heater for the bathrooms and a new furnace was installed at the church in 1991. A new vacuum cleaner and tape duplicator were bought in 1993. Many Bibles were given to children in the various youth programs. In 1995 a sheer curtain replaced the drapes in the Baptistery window.
Extensive remodeling was done on the parsonage beginning in 1988. Some work was accomplished through the weatherization program at Tillamook People's Utility District. Windows were replaced and insulation added. The parsonage was painted in 1990. The church members helped to install a concrete retaining wall around the back lot. Six-foot boards for the fence were donated by Ross Burke. Dirt was removed from the back of the church house to fill in and level the back yard of the parsonage. Fill dirt was also purchased.
One of the major changes that occurred during this era concerned the Union Pioneer Cemetery. In 1988 research began to organize the cemetery according to state law and church proprietyship. A burial deed was designed and prices affirmed: church members are buried free; others are charged $100 for burial rights; there is no charge for stillborn children of indigent families.
In 1989 a cemetery committee was formed consisting of Terry Learned, Bill Gault, Victor Learned, Jr., and Charles Winesburgh. In 1995 the pastor was made the manager. A new certificate denoted there was no perpetual care. With the help of donations and agreement with the adjoining landowner water was installed at the cemetery in 1996. Monies from an estate inheritance were given to the cemetery in 1996 to be used for the care of the cemetery. Planting of arborvitae began to identify the cemetery boundaries.
UPDATE SINCE 1997
In 1999, CBC purchased 66 acres of farmland across from and next to the Cloverdale Elementary School for the purpose of building a new church facility. Roadblocks from the county prohibited this project from moving forward, but the church remained patiently steadfast in the course that God had set before them.
In 2005, Pastor Charles Winesburgh resigned due to health reasons and the church unanimously called his son Randy Winesburgh to be the new pastor. In February 2006 Pastor Randy began his service on the first Sunday of the month.
In November 2008, the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners unanimously accepted the recommendation of the Tillamok County Planning Commission to grant a Goal Exception to permit the building of a church, parsonage and related buildings on what is considered High Value Farmland. This was the largest hurdle to pass, and now we await the coundy to grant a conditional use permit so building can procede.
THE FUTURE
Throughout the last 100 years and continuing to this day Cloverdale Baptist Church has searched the Scriptures to identify the boundaries which define who we are and what we believe. Our life in this world is exemplified through our faith and determination to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. We are determined that no matter what we do, the focus of this church is the salvation of souls and teaching them to observe the Lord's Word. We know this goal can only be reached as He moves our hearts toward Him. As He continues shaping our history until He returns for us, we hope to keep our eyes on His wonderful love for us and what He wants to do through us. "Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he," Proverbs 29:18. |
