366 REVEREND EZRA FISHER diately on the close of the meeting of the association, which takes place next week. As ever yours in Christ Jesus, EZRA FISHER. N. B. I sent you a bill for goods to be filled by you* I think in the month of February. I have heard nothing from you on that subject yet and am becoming somewhat anxious, as the first bill forwarded in October was lost and my family sup- plies are becoming pretty well exhausted. I think I shall hear from you however by the next mail on that subject. If my second bill has not been received please inform me imme- diately. Yours, EZRA FISHER. Received July 24. Oregon City, Ore. Ter., July 8th, 1854. Rev. Benjamin M. Hill, Cor. Sec. A. B. H. M. Soc. Dear Brother: The Willamette Baptist Association closed its session last week on Monday. The sessions were harmonious in the main and exhibited strong evidence that the churches are becoming more impressed with the importance of a devoted ministry and of united Christian effort for the suppression of vice and the diffusion of the gospel of Christ. During the last associa- tional year most of our older churches have enjoyed pleasing revivals and the account of the Christian character of the young members is truly pleasing. The churches have received by baptism since the last anniversary 106. 347 Four small churches were received into the association this year. Our net increase is 197, and our total number 442. The association raised a subscription of $165 to employ a man to travel and preach in Lane County, which lies at the head of the Willamette Valley and north of the Calapooia Mountains. $60.50 was paid on the spot. On Sabbath a collection of $13.10 was taken up 347 At least one of these men, Rev. A. J. Hunsaker, became a. minister. Another, C. C. Sperry, who had been previously baptized, but who was aroused in i853> was la-ter ordained. Mattoon, Bapt. An. of Ore., I:io6, 108.
