P. M. Holst

    Mr. P. M. Holst was the first of three brothers to come to Portland and to have an important part in the development of the church.  He came to the United States in 1879 and was baptized at Grove city, Minnesota, in 1880.  Two years later he left for Portland accompanied by another Baptist brother named Magnus Johnson.  They used the railroad, then under construction, as far as possible into Montana.   From there they continued on foot over the old covered wagon trails, until they reached the Columbia River on which boats operated.
    Brother Holst's daughter, Judith, now Mrs. John Nordell, has been and is active in all department of the church.  (As of this writing)  Mr. Holst had two brothers, viz., (namely), Charles. M. Anderson and John M. Anderson, who came to Portland a few years later.  C. M. Anderson was active in the church as treasurer and other wise for many year.  John M. Anderson moved to Deep Creek and has through the years been one of the leaders in the Swedish Baptist work in that community.  P. M. Holst, Magnus Johnson and Charles M. Anderson served on the Deacon Board of the church.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 
        Casting all your care upon him: for he careth for you."                         1Peter 5:6,7