Did you know George Henry Atkinson...

The Reverend George Henry Atkinson took Congregationalism to the Oregon territory. He grew up in New England and studied for the ministry at Andover Seminary. He and his wife worked for the American Home Missionary Society throughout their lives.

In 1848 they chose the Pacific Northwest as their lifelong mission field and worked tirelessly to establish institutions of higher learning and public school systems in the Oregon and Washington territories. Until his death Atkinson remained a community leader in the area of education. He frequently spoke to businessmen and civic groups, raising money and recruiting teachers for Oregon schools. And he visited churches to recruit missionaries and to promote Congregationalism in the Pacific Northwest. He helped found Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, and Whitman College in Washington.

In Oregon City, Atkinson served as pastor of the First Congregational Church of Oregon City from 1848 until 1865, and then the First Congregational Church of Portland from 1865 through 1872. Atkinson remained a missionary for Congregationalism his whole life. The presence of Congregational churches increased from two in1848 when he arrived to 110 in 1889 when he died. Atkinson Memorial Church in Oregon City and a public park bear his name as a tribute to his dedication and accomplishments as a minister and community leader.

                                                                                 .  . . was a Congregationalist?

Historical story by:Rev. Norm Erlendson
Celebrating 400 Years of American Congregationalism

Learn more about our Congregational History at naccc.org