Thirty-eight years have passed away, and with them nearly all those who made the beginnings of the West Medford churches. Any differences or unpleasantness that may have been then are outgrown.
After the organization of the Congregational Church, on June 12, 1872, it was expected that a church edifice would be erected at once, and that Mystic Hall would soon be at our disposal. Many and anxious were our plans in relation thereto. During the winter one of our energetic laymen, Brother N. D. Ripley, died, and we felt his loss keenly. Another removed from town. Spring opened and the new house of worship seemed farther in the future. So with a courage born of desperation we said, ‘Let us arise and build.’ So after much preliminary work the second M. E. Church assembled in Quarterly Conference on June 20, 1873. Presiding Elder Sherman appointed Rev. Francis J. Wagner of the First Church (who was present) ‘preacher in charge.’
A new board of stewards was chosen, also trustees and a building committee.
