Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 7.pdf/275

Rh He established schools to teach the Indians, and whites as well; he laid the foundation of what is now the Willamette University, and built houses and barns to shelter men and beasts. He made provisions to bring cattle from California for the use of the mission and settlers.

He was a man of broad and comprehensive ideas, and saw and provided by every means in his power for the needs of the coming state, and spent his short, earnest and most useful life in laying the foundations of the moral and intellectual structure of this commonwealth.

The period of his active missionary life was short, for he died at his work in his early manhood; but few men in so short a period have accomplished so much for the upbuilding and advancement of Christian civilization. The monuments of his good works are all around us here today, and testify abundantly of his high character, ability and enterprise. The early foundations of this church were laid by him before its worshipers were sheltered by structures made by the hands of men.

But from their teachings and influence has come the elegant meeting house, the schoolhouse and the college, and now instead of the rude music of the congregation we hear the sound of the organ and the refined and cultivated music of the choir.

These early missionaries were brave, unselfish men, who devoted their lives to lighten the burdens and promote the welfare of their fellow-men. They went where duty called—ministered to the sick and the needy, helped by word and deed to found and develop the industries of the country, that their mission might become self-supporting and a moral and thrifty community grow up around them, and it is most fitting that we who enjoy so