ociety.
On folio I, of this ancient "Record" it is stated, that on Sunday, June 15, 1 85 1, the organization of the First Congregational church was effected by choos- ing Rev. H. Lyman as pastor; and among others, who "manifested by rising, their willingness to become members and form the church," are found the names of Mr, and Mrs. W. P. Abrams, and D. K. Abrams. W. P. Abrams was chosen clerk pro tempore and the minutes are signed by him. At a meeting of the "male members," Saturday evening, July 5, 1851, W. P. Abrams and N. C. Sturtevant were chosen deacons. These being the first deacons of the First Congregational church.
And now, in this old "Record" (folios 29 and 30) appear these minutes bear- ing directly upon the organization of the First Presbyterian church, viz : —
"Portland, January i, 1854. This being the regular Sabbath for a season of communion, and as a prep- aratory lecture having been given last evening the ordinance was this morning celebrated according to arrangement. The number present was fewer than usual, owing to the absence of some, who were this day dismissed, according to their own request, to aid in forming an Old School Presbyterian church today in this city. The members dismissed were Brother James McKeown, Dea. W. P. Abrams, and Mrs. Sarah L. Abrams. It was unanimously voted that they should receive letters, showing their good and regular standing in this church, and also recommending them to the watch and fellowship of any evangelical church with which they may become connected. The season though saddened by the departure and absence of esteemed members was yet one of much interest.
H. Lyman,
Pastor."
A meeting of the Presbytery of Oregon was held, October 3, 1853, ^^ ^^e hall of the Canton House, in this city, then a village of 400 or 500 inhabitants. The following members of the Presbytery were present, viz : — Rev. J. L. Yantis, D. D., Rev. Ed. R. Geary, D. D., Rev. Lewis Thompson, Rev. Robert Robe, Rev. J. A. Hanna, and Elder Alva Condit. On the morning of this day Rev. J. L. Yantis preached in the First Congregation church, northwest corner of Second and Jefferson streets, and Rev. J. A. Hanna occupied the pulpit of the First Methodist church, then on Taylor street, between Second and Third. Of the members of this old Presbytery, but two are alive today, viz : Rev. Robert Robe, residing at Brownsville, Oregon, and Rev. J. A. Hanna, who resides at Los An- geles, California.
In the afternoon of the same day (Oct. 3, 1853) those interested met at the home of William P. Abrams, northwest corner of First and Jefferson streets, and a petition to the Presbytery was prepared asking authority to organize a church. The request was granted and Dr. J. L. Yantis appointed to carry the same into effect. A few weeks later Rev. Geo. P. Whitworth and family arrived in the ter- ritory and Dr. Whitworth was invited to assist Dr. Yantis in the work.
Previous to the organization of the church Dr. Whitworth preached for sev- eral weeks in the hall of the old Canton House. And in the same building, on the morning of January i, 1854, Dr. Yantis preached from Luke 12:32 ("Fear not little flock") and in the afternoon of this day a preliminary meeting was held at the residence of W. P. Abrams, First and Jefferson streets, and steps were taken to organize the church. Messrs. Wm. P. Abrams and James McKeown, were elected elders. The following entry was made by Dr. Whitworth in his diary at the time : "In the afternoon met at Mr. Abrams' and organized church with ten members."
The installation of the elders and the organization of the church was com- pleted on Sunday evening, January i, 1854, in this old historic structure, i. e., the hall in the Canton House. At this meeting there were no other ministers present but Dr. Yantis and Dr.
