Note: As Easter approaches, Eagle staff writer Cheryl Hoefler devotes her occasional history column to items about local churches, from the Blue Mountain Eagle archives.

97 years ago

Nov. 19, 1915

Evangelist couple to lead meetings at Long Creeks M.E. Church

Capt. C.O. Branson and his wife of Troutdale, will conduct evangelistic meetings beginning Sunday, Nov. 7, at the M.E. Church in Long Creek. Capt. Branson is a man of wide experience, having spent four years in the Civil War, and for the past 30 years has been a successful evangelistic worker. Mrs. Branson will sing each evening.

85 years ago

April 15, 1927

Dayville Presbyterian Church forms

On Feb. 1, 1913, 31 people of adult age met in the Dayville School house. After a devotional meeting, it was decided to organize a Presbyterian Church. In 1915, the present church on the hill was built on ground donated by Uncle Billy Stewart. Rev. David Oastler is the present minister. After a long period without preaching, conditions were at a low ebb, but for over two years regular services have been maintained, and with mutual cooperation and community spirit, a much better congregation has been built up to send the light of Gods truth into many homes at this end of the John Day Valley.

85 years ago

Aug. 12, 1927

John Day Methodist Church rededicated

For 45 years, since its 1882 dedication at John Day, the Methodist Episcopal church has served the needs of this community. This year, Rev. S.E. Yaggy, sensing the growth of the community, deemed it wise to meet the demands and began plans to build. Although the new building was not entirely finished, rededication services were held last Sunday morning. Rites of baptism were also administered to the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas A. Trowbridge. About 150 gathered for the service and noon picnic which followed at the Tourist Camp Grounds, the Hayes Auto Park.

73 years ago

April 14, 1939

New St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church dedicated

Exercises for the dedication of the new St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, John Day, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 30. The formal Dedication Mass will be held with an address by the Most Reverend Joseph F. McGrath, bishop of the Baker Diocese, followed by Holy Mass. The church building is a high compliment to the membership and a valuable asset to the community and county. Arrangements for the dedication are being made by Father Geo. A. Murphy. The church was named in honor of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Oliver.

48 years ago

Jan. 2, 1964

Open house held for new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building

The new Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, John Day branch, located on the east highway just outside John Day, was shown to the public during an open house session Saturday and Sunday. The new structure will replace the old building used as a meeting place by the Mormons on North Canyon Boulevard for the past several years.

43 years ago

Sept. 11, 1969

Prairie Baptist Church opens its doors

The congregation of the Bible Baptist Church of Prairie City occupied their new church building Sunday morning, and has announced plans for a week-long revival meeting. There will be special music nightly. The Rev. Leo Thompson of Selah, Wash., will bring the revival messages. The congregation formerly met at the adjacent grange hall building.

42 years ago

May 7, 1970

John Day Assembly of God Church dedicated

The John Day Assembly of God Church was dedicated Monday at evening services led by the Rev. N.D. Davidson, district superintendent. The dedication climaxes two years of building efforts by the congregation, headed by the Rev. L.P. Furman. The handsome new structure is located on the east highway in John Day.