A Christian Church is Born
On March 18, 1884, a group of believers came together to worship God. They met originally in the Wallula schoolhouse. Rev. Michaels performed the first recorded baptism on September 14, 1884. New converts were baptized in the nearby creek and later in the members' watering tanks. Within six years, the little congregation would build the original Wallula Christian Church building. The land was donated by William H. and Martha E. Ralston. It was said that although throughout the years it was not always possible to have regular preaching services, the doors were always open on Sunday morning.
A Move Down the Road
By the early 1940’s, the original white church building was in
need of repairs. Parking space was no longer adequate. The highway department
was considering widening the road by the church. Miss Jennie Dickey,
a devout Christian, offered to give the Church one and one fourth acres,
a mile north, for the building of a new church building. The original
location was dear to the members, but it was decided to accept Miss Dickey’s
offer. With all of the labor donated, a new church building was dedicated
on March 11, 1951.
The congregation continued to grow and celebrated its 100th Anniversary on March 18, 1984. After the completion of the building in 1951, the elders purchased additional land to complete a five-acre site. In 1984, an additional 1.95 acres were purchased. A new sanctuary was built in 1984.
Wallula Christian Church Today
The Wallula Christian Church of today looks toward its 125th anniversary in 2009. Our members of today have inherited a rich history of faith and dedication. We look to God to allow us to carry forward the faith of our pioneers in a manner worthy of this heritage.
Compiled by Carl L. Surritt