Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 23.djvu/404

354 in the moral heavens of Oregon, to shed abroad the lights of science and knowledge, to dispel the surrounding darkness, long after its founders have ceased to live. If it dies, our sun is set, and it is impossible to tell what will succeed. Perhaps others more worthy of the honor than ourselves will come forth to mold the moral mass according to their own liking, and give direction to the literature of Oregon.

"Be that as it may, Oregon, as a field of operations for the friends of science and religion, is daily rising in importance, as far as the increase of population is concerned. The original inhabitants are vanishing like the dew of the morning; and far and near may be seen the marks of civilization; villages are starting into being, and "Onward" is the motto of all. In short, with the enjoyment which the religion of Christ affords, Oregon is one of the most delightful countries in the world, and unless some sad reverse befalls her, one generation will not pass away before she will assume a rank of high importance in the scale of nations."

Twenty-eighth Anniversary,

Greene Street Church,

May 17, 1847.

"OREGON MISSION

George Gary, Superintendent, residence, Oregon City

Willamette, David Leslie, with two local preachers, employed by the Superintendent

Dalls Station, Alvin F. Waller, Missionary, H. B. Brewer, farmer."

In our last report we gave a condensed history of this mission in its origin and progress, with its then present condition and needs. Since then, so far as we are able to gather from the intelligence we have received, no material change has taken place in its general aspects.