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 pastors 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 pastors 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. (Historians 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.