Rev. Charles Asplund

1897 - 1901

      In April of 1897 Rev. Charles Asplund arrived from Iowa.  He was an enthusiastic and faith-filled preacher, and was the moving force in organizing the Oregon Conference (later joined with Washington to become the Columbia Conference). 

     Rev. Asplund writes. "In response to a call from the Swedish Baptist Church of Portland, Oregon, I arrived here April 3, 1897.  I found that I was the only (Swedish) Baptist preacher in this state.  When Missions Secretary, Dr. O. C. Wright, of the Oregon American Baptist State Convention saw our zeal, he advised that we form a Swedish Baptist Conference for carrying on work, but this was not an easy thing, for our churches were small and few in number.   However, we called together a little group to discuss the matter, and the delegates were interested.  Delegates were present from  Astoria, Deep Creek, Nehalem Valley, La Center, Washington and Portland.  We decided to call G. A. Osbrink, who became the first missionary of the Oregon Conference.  As soon as he arrived he began arranging open air meetings.  Many people attended these meetings and became blessed."  

     In January, 1902, Rev. Asplund left to become pastor of a church in Bellingham, Washington.  When Rev. Asplund left, the church was without a pastor for nine months.

   Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not be dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; 
 yea, I will help thee; 
yea, I will uphold thee 
with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isaiah 41:10