Circuit Rider, John E. Murphy started the Christian Church in Harrisburg in 1863. Elder Murphy came to Oregon leading a wagon tram. This wagon train did not travel on Sunday. The first meetings were held in homes. They met most frequently in the home of George J. Morris and later in the school house at Alford. In the beginning the group was of all denominations. John D. Love gave the land where the Christian Church stands today. The land was to be used by all denominations. A number of the group were Campbellites. They wanted a building so this group was the first to organize for that purpose. They decided to purchase the land from John and Mary Love. They paid $100.00 for the land. Those present at the organization meeting were Willoughby Churchill, Martha Ann Churchill, Mary Jane Churchill, Catherine McCully, Samuel McCully, George Leeper and Sara Leeper. Other charter members were Joseph H. Morris, Elezanna Morris, Thomas Roach, Maraetta Roach, Charles Roth, Indiana Lane, A.W. Lane, Salena Martin, Alfred Humphrey, Mary Humphrey, William Allingham and Sarah Allingham. We also find the names of Mary A. Grisby, J.R. Cunningham and Nancy Cunningham, H.W. Murphy, R.H. Murphy, Henry Davidson, Sarah Davidson, Win. Davidson and Mary Ann Smith.
The main sanctuary of this first building is still in use today as classrooms and the child care center. The building was begun in 1869 and finished in March 1870. Some of the huge timbers were donated by Charles Roth, an elder. The others were hauled from Crawfordsville. This was a two days trip each way. The carpenters were Alford Simmons and John Martin. The hand hewn timbers were drilled and pegged. These were used for the rafters and beams. The building was dedicated the first Sunday in April 1870.
The church went on record in 1872 with a resolution that reads 'To Whom It May Concern. We the members and trustees of the Christian Church at Harrisburg do hereby resolve hereafter this church shall not be used for any purpose other than religious worship. Other denominations may have the use of the church when not occupied, by taking proper care of the church, keeping it clean, etc. But no revelry of any kind will or shall be allowed during the use of the building.' This was signed by Samuel Nixon trustee and Thomas Turner, Elder.
Text excerpt and photo from Historic Harrisburg -- A Little Town on the Willamette River, by Bess Tweedt (12)
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