Most of the pioneers who wrote
the Butler Family letters were members of the Disciples of Christ church
(often called the Christian Church). They had come to Polk County with
the express purpose of founding a university where their children and
those of other Disciples could gain an education. The church and the University
were for many years together in the same building, until the first portion
of Campbell Hall was built in 1871.
While Monmouth University was
established through the generous donations of land and money from individuals
affiliated with the Christian Church, and ministers like Rev. John E.
Murphy rode throughout Polk and nearby counties to raise money for the
church and Monmouth University, it was never formally administered by
the Church. The Administration of Monmouth University (later Christian
College) was in the hands of the Board of Trustees until 1882 when the
institution was turned over the the State of Oregon.
Church Street, which runs east
west from Stadium street to Monmouth Avenue, was so named because the
first Christian Church erected in Monmouth stood on the corner of Church
and Monmouth Avenue where Todd Hall stands today. The church was relocated
several blocks to the south in 1893.
Internet Links
The Disciples established many
churches, colleges and universities in Oregon. Check these links for additional
historical information about the Disciples of Christ:
Bibliography
Rushford, Jerry. Christians
on the Oregon Trail: Churches of Christ and Christian Churches in Early
Oregon, 1842-1882. Joplin: College Press, 1997.
Swander, Clarence F. Making
Disciples in Oregon. St. Louis, 1928.
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