Westminster Congregational Church (Spokane, Wash.)

Biographical notes:

Westminster Congregational Church, originally known as First Congregational Church, is the oldest established church in the city of Spokane. H.T. Cowley served as lay minister over a congregation that included Indian converts as well as Whites. The earliest church records were destroyed along with the church in the fire of 1889. Enduring financial struggles, the congregation purchased property on which to rebuild and built a sanctuary that had been added on to in successive decades.

The church has been served by some well-known clergy, including Rev. Jonathan Edwards, 1886-1890; Dr. Elwin L. House; and two brothers, Thomas and Joel Harper. At one time membership numbered more than 2,000; however a significant division caused by the merger of the congregation with the United Church of Christ in 1965, split the church. More than 300 members transferred to other congregations, most notably the Plymouth Congregational Church.

From the guide to the Westminster Congregational Church Records, 1892-1980, (Eastern Washington State Historical Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Joel E. Ferris Research Library and Archives)