Lancaster

From Lane Co Oregon

The earlier name for this farming village southwest of Harrisburg was Freedom. The post office was opened in 1858. A few years later, the name was changed to Lancaster. One story has it that Freedom was purchased by Johnson Mulkey from Philomath. He was Luke's brother, and changed the name of the town, the story goes. The problem is that Johnson Mulkey died before the supposed name change in 1866. Never-the-less, he was somehow involved in the early days of the town and the sawmill.

Historian Swander says the congregation was launched in 1893. The present building shows signs of being built in the early 1900s. The church is a capella and has maintained its early values including emphasis on family life and the place of immersion is becoming a Christian.

The group prizes the great teaching hymns and includes them as a conscious part of their teaching. Lydia Sherman, wife of the minister, speaks out boldly for women being feminine.