Coast Fork

From Lane Co Oregon

The community of Coast Fork is gone from modern maps, but Lewis L. McArthur, writing in Oregon Geographics Names, knew of Coast Fork. The ancient town earned two pages in the history of the nearby Walker Community Church. A Wells Fargo stop and a post office were opened here in 1867. There was also a blacksmith shop, Howe's Trading Post and, in 1878, a stop for the Oregon-California Railroad Line. One historical source locates the town at 81618 Davidson Road. It was named for the body of water near it -- the Coast Fork of the Willamette River.

Christian Church historian C. F. Swander says the church began in 1863.

Special Gospel Meetings:

About 9 out of 10 additions were by immersion, the rest were by transfer from another congregation.

1861 John Alkire Powell

Gilmore Callison

Joseph H. Sharp 42 added

1869 John M. Harris

John Burris Smith 29 added

1870 John M. Harris 2 added

Dr. Jerry Rushford, writing in Christians on the Oregon Trail, says of this congregation,

The Coast Fork Church in Lane County was the site for an exciting ten-day meeting in October-November (1861) that resulted in 42 additions, including 31 immersions. John Alkire Powell, Gilmore Callison, and Joseph H. Sharp were the three evangelists who shared the preaching responsibilities.

Another meeting is recorded in the August, 1869 issue of The Christian Record (page 367). It states:

"Brother John M. Harris, of Oregon, under date of May 20th, reports the result of a good meeting, held by him and Bro. J. B. Smith, on the Coast Fork of the Willamett river, 24 by immersion, 1 from the Baptists, 1 reclaimed, and 3 by letters - in all 29." (Spelling retained from the source.)

The Township of Coast Fork remains and we can see it on the 1870 census. Nearly all of the residents are listed as farm families that year.