London

From Lane Co Oregon

An a capella (non-instrumental) church had been formed four miles further south at London, beyond the tip of the Cottage Grove Lake, 14 miles south of Cottage Grove. The group first met three miles further south on London Road at Amos, then moved to London. The building was built by John Sutherland, Sr. and William T. Jones in 1888 and was originally named the Liberty Church of Christ. John Sutherland was the postmaster at London from 1898 to 1902.

One feature of the building was a long shed built behind with horse and buggy stalls. It has been established that the building was of two entrance-door construction. This was so men could enter and be seated on one side and women on the other. This plan was used in the building where Alexander Campbell preached in Bethany, West Virginia.

Early members included: Levi and Rosa (or Elizabeth) Geer, David Rice Harris and Rebecca Harris, William T. Jones, Phinius and Laura Massey, John and Nancy Sutherland, Emma Sutherland and Maggie Sutherland.

It appears the London church discontinued meeting in 1968, but the property was used by the Hebron church beginning in 1970.

The old building has been expanded with a two-story educational wing. We were particularly taken up with the fire-escape from the second story.