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1938 to 1952

1953 to 1967

1968 to 1982

1983 to 2006



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David's Prayer
             In 1923, America was still recovering from the effects of World War One.   And it wouldn't be long before America would be entering into another period of suffering: the "great depression" years.

        The economic depression in the Brookings area began a little bit earlier, in 1925, with the unexpected closure of the C & O lumber mill, largest employer in town.   But there's always hope!   In 1924 the Roosevelt Highway was completed from Crescent City to Brookings, and in 1932 the bridge over the Rogue River was finished.   With this done, you could actually drive from California to Washington...  on a road.

        And some people were discovering that the coast of Oregon had a beautiful little area called Brookings - Harbor...  in the middle of a "banana belt".

        The First Baptist Community Church came together in 1923.   During the first fifteen years of our church history, you can see that God was with us...  then as He is now.   Our Church remains alive, vibrant, and continues to follow the King.   Read on...




1923
Brookings Baptist Church was founded January 18, 1923, with 19 charter members. It met in the Town Hall. There had been a Sunday School as early as nine years before so average Sunday School attendance was 114. Total contributions averaged $5.50 per week. Rev. C.H. Dayton was the first preacher for a few weeks, then Mr. Markem, one of the laymen, took over. Mr. Harrold was the choir director; Mrs. G.D. Wood, the church clerk.

1924
Membership increased to 27. Total giving rose to $1,574.60 for the year. Sunday School average was 89. In September, Rev. W.H. Farris, Baptist State Missionary and his wife, Dr. Feeney Farris, came to serve. W.M.S. work was begun. This year two lots were given and $4,200.00 pledged by the Cal. Ore. Lumber Co. and $2,000.00 by townspeople for a church building to be used by all denominations. It came to be known as "The Community Church". The Baptist WMS gave $250.00 towards this building.

1925
Membership rose to 28; Sunday School attendance to 120. Rev. A.B. Reese was called to become first regular pastor. Evangelistic services were held by Rev. Neil Barnes of Marshfield lasting three weeks. Sixty persons were added. In January the Community Church building was ready for use.

1926
Membership fell to 50; Sunday School attendance to 94. Total budget was $1,762.28. In June of 1925, the Cal. Ore. mill closed and many people moved away from the area. "Those remaining behind persisted with determination", including the pastor, Re. Reese. His name appears on the roll as late as 1947 as a "Deacon for Life".

1927
Membership fell to 47; Sunday School attendance to 68. Budget rose to $1,821.41. "The spirit and the enthusiasm of the young people kept the church alive and inspired."

1928
Membership fell to 45; Sunday School attendance to 50; total budget to $962.27. A revival service with Rev. M.G. Bently ran for three weeks with 18 baptisms. "We lost our beloved friend and pastor’s wife, Mrs. Reese."

1929
Membership fell to 38; Sunday School to 45; total budget $1,020.55. "We feel this has been a period of deepening and testing. The flue epidemic interfered more than usual with our work. However things are looking better for both our town and our church."

1930
Membership fell to 32; Sunday School attendance to 36; total budget to $937.12. "We have been doing much reading and studying the work of our foreign missionaries. We look for a better year next year."

1931
Membership rose to 33; Sunday School attendance to 38; total budget was $775.02. "No significant change from last year."

1932
Membership rose to 40; Sunday School attendance was 30; total budget rose to $1,040.89. "The past year at Brookings has been probably as full of reverses as in the country at large; however our pastor’s sermons, the prayer meetings, and the church have proved to be a welcome source of grace." Miss Marjorie Cable and Mrs. Frances conducted a helpful meeting lasting three weeks after which Rev. Reese baptized six.

1933
Membership rose to 49; Sunday School attendance to 36; total budget was $589.73. Rev. Reese left a pastorate of seven years. On July 1, 1932, Rev. and Mrs. Gerald Dryden arrived and began a strong work with the children, youth, and young people. Mr. Dryden held afternoon meetings. Mrs. Dryden organized a band of "willing workers". Attendance at evening services increased. Parties were given. Drama was initiated. A baptistery was built in the "Community Church" building. During November a revival meeting with Rev. August H. Hinderup was held; three baptisms followed.

1934
Membership fell to 32; Sunday School attendance to 33; budget to $444.63. Increased attendance is reported. A joint Christmas program with the church and the CCC camp 25 miles away cooperating in the local theater entertained over 500 persons. The CCC camp furnished the candy, the church provided the talent, and the whole town attended. A Daily Vacation Bible School was held with 224 attending. A Guild chapter was organized; they presented a pageant for the church.

1935
Membership fell to 31; Sunday School attendance rose to 39; total budget was $446.31. (Historian’s note: Between the years 1935 and 1941 the records are extremely fragmentary. Minutes, Annual Reports, etc., are completely missing. All scraps of information, verbal or otherwise, are most welcome).

1936
Nothing available.

1937
Membership rose to 40; total budget to $1,064.33. A stewardship campaign was held. Rev. Paul Roper was the pastor.




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1938-1952        1953-1967        1968-1982        1983-2006

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