 Churches of Christ & Christian Churches in the Pacific Northwest ASOTIN COUNTY, WASHINGTON |
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Asotin comes from an Indian word meaning "eel creek." Clarkston was named for Captain William Clark, while across the Snake River in Idaho, Lewiston was named for Captain Meriwether Lewis. See the Clarkston map.Asotin Map
The town was first a Nez Perce winter camp. White settlers came in 1875. Early in the story, there was Asotin and Asotin City. Rivals, as one might surmise. In 1883 Asotin became the county seat and then merged with Asotin City.
The Church of Christ that was once located here has left little history. The Disciples of Christ Year Book reports 25 members in 1892. Orval Peterson lists them among the active churches of 1897.
The small building was located on Madison between 2nd and 3rd, an address no longer available because of the development of Washington Street.
Evangelist Samuel W. Jackson conducted a meeting for the group in 1910. He writes:
Closed at Asotin, Wash., May 2. Total additions, 143; baptisms, 113. Only 15 children among them. Bible School increased from fifty-four to 200.... O. G. Shanklin, of Montana, is now located as minister.
-- Christian Standard, June 4, 1910.By 1936 the church had ceased to meet and the property was sold. It is very probably that remaining members drove to either Clarkston or Lewiston.
Clarkston Map
The town was originally named Concord, but was changed to Clarkston in 1900 to honor explorer William Clark.
Church of Christ The Church of Christ was established by pioneer evangelist George F. Stivers in 1899. There were just 16 original members. Among these were probably James and Sadie Forgey.
The first meetings were held in public school buildings, and the church built it's first building in 1900. This is the one pictured here.
The second building was built in 1913 and incorporated this earlier building. The congregation is afiliated with the Disciples of Christ.
Among the early ministers was D. Loyd Morgan, son of Thomas McBride Morgan.
Orval D. Peterson Several men have gone in to the ministry from this congregation including historian Orval Peterson, author of Washington-Northern Idaho Disciples.
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