Banks Methodist Episcopal History

Banks Community United Methodist Church
Our History Spans the Twentieth Century

This was Banks, Oregon in 1910The story of our church begins with the story of our town.

When it was apparent that a railway from Hillsboro to Tillamook, Oregon was to be routed through here, Montgomery Turner, with the help of his brother, Ewell, built the first store in 1901. The town might have been named "Turner," but there was already a Turner, Oregon near Salem. So the town was named after John Banks who owned land here. The first Banks Post Office was placed in the Turner Store.
Turner Store and Banks Post Office Banks Hotel and Saloon
A few concerned citizens wanted a church in this town and began holding services in a small log cabin which had also been used as a school. Soon they sought larger quarters, so they met in the I.O.O.F. Hall.
The first pastor, supplied by the Methodist Conference, was Rev. Charles L. Creesy.

Rev. C.L. Creesy A Methodist Quarterly Conference was held in nearby Cornelius, Oregon where Charles A. Shipley, J. Parmley and E.F. Willis were named to serve on the building committee for the Banks Church. John Banks, the town's namesake, donated the parcel of land for the new church on Depot Street. As building started, railroad tracks were being laid at the end of the block.

On Sunday, March 21, 1909, the church dedication celebration was an all-day affair.
It was a beautiful day, with about 300 in attendance!

9:00 a.m.
Rev. Warren Clyde Stewart opened the services.
10:00 a.m. Bishop Charles W. Smith, D.D. delivered the morning sermon.

Noon A feast served by the ladies in the I.O.O.F. Hall.

3:00 p.m. B. Lee Paget of Gaston gave an address.

6:30 p.m.
- Epworth League Rally. Led by W.C. Stewart, District President of the Epworth League.
7:30 p.m.
Evening service with a sermon from Rev. B.F. Roland of Salem.

The following day, Rev. W.C. Stewart began a series of revival services at the church.

OUR HISTORY CONTINUED >>

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Banks Community UMC151 Depot Street
Banks, Oregon 97106

9:00 a.m.	Rev. Warren Clyde Stewart opened the services.
10:00 a.m.	Bishop Charles W. Smith, D.D. delivered the morning sermon.
Noon	A feast served by the ladies in the I.O.O.F. Hall.
3:00 p.m.	B. Lee Paget of Gaston gave an address.
6:30 p.m. -	Epworth League Rally. Led by W.C. Stewart, District President of the Epworth League.
7:30 p.m.	Evening service with a sermon from Rev. B.F. Roland of Salem.