Franklin Christian Church
From Lane Co Oregon
Founding preacher Marion F. Horn, writing in the Christian Standard of October 20, 1900 tells some of the beginnings of this congregation:
In the spring of 1898 we succeeded in organizing a congregation of about forty-five members, mostly baptisms. The church now numbers sixty members. Last summer it became apparent we would have to build a house of worship for ourselves. We had been fortunate enough to secure D. C. Kellems, one of the best preachers in the State, to hold a two weeks meeting. (Charles Dailey: David C. Kellems was a teacher at the new Eugene Divinity School.)
Because of his fearless preaching of the Word, and the hard blows which he gave to sectarianism, he was given to understand by certain ones that that kind of doctrine didn't suit them. Bro. Kellems didn't care whether it did or not. He was not preaching to please men and rejoiced in the fact that he was not creed-bound.
The teacher is Jennie Ivie; standing are Eunice Allen, Tresa Smith and Thella Wooldridge; seated are George Smith, Earl Ivie, Melba Purkerson (or Pierkerson), Nina Bryant and Nellie Wooldridge.
The preacher at this time was Arthur Charles Bates. Notice the damage caused by age on the right
side of this original 1915 photo taken on the steps of the IOOF Hall.
Last winter the congregation began worshiping in the school house in the village. It was decided to build a house of worship. We went to work. Money and material were subscribed freely. The church realized that the only way to build a church was to go to work and build it. They did so. This last spring work was begun and in a short time the building was ready to be dedicated to the worship of God. On the fifth Lord's Day in July the house was dedicated. Brother Kellems conducted the services. A large number of people were in attendance, about one-half being able to get into the house. At the close of the discourse an appeal was made to those who were willing to take their stand on the Bible and the Bible alone. Six came forward and united with the congregation, five being by letter and one by confession and obedience. Over $100 was raised to finish paying for the building. It was, therefore, dedicated free of debt.
It is a beautiful structure and with the lot represents a value of nearly $700. It is very neat inside and outside and the brethren at Franklin are justly proud of it. It will seat about 200 people. In the new building we feel at home, and expect to do much work for the Master. We hope and pray that God will continue to bless his people there as well as elsewhere.
Marion and Nellie Horn are buried in the Inman Cemetery at Elmira.
Historian C.F. Swander notes August, 1897 as the beginning date of the Franklin Christian Church, sometimes known as the Smithfield church because Daniel Smith sold them the property ($50). The Franklin name is from Franklin, Missouri. For many years, the preachers were students at Northwest Christian College in Eugene. It is located just south of the intersection of the Territorial Highway with the Applegate Trail. The congregation meets regularly.
