Rev. Dr. Cushing Eells - Famous 19th Century Congregational Missionary in the Pacific Northwest The following article appeared in the September 27, 1907 edition of “The Colfax Gazette” in Colfax, Washington. [DS note: In contrast to the following article, apparently his surname has more commonly been spelled as Eells.] ++++++ Landmark Obliterated House Built by Father Eels in 1877 Torn Down Pioneer Missionary Who Crossed the Plains With Whitman and Was Well Known Here Workmen have been engaged for several days in pulling down one of the pioneer buildings in Colfax standing on the right-of-way of the Spokane & Inland on north Main street, near the new sub station under course of erection. The building was erected in 1877 by Rev. Cushing Eels, better known as Father Eels, one of the pioneer missionaries of the Pacific Northwest, and originally stood on the corner of Lake and North streets, where the parsonage of the Congregational church now stands. As originally put up by Father Eels it was a box house, but had been added to and inclosed with rustic, which changed its ancient appearance somewhat. Pulling it to pieces discloses the fact that the boards nailed together by the famous preacher are not the least decayed, and can be used again to advantage for other purposes. The Inland sold it to Ed Davis for $50, with the understanding that he was to remove it forthwith, as the ground on which it stood is needed for other purposes. In consequence it has been torn asunder and the lumber carted away to Mr. Davis farm five miles north of town. Father Eels at the time he built the house was an itinerant minister traveling from place to place in what is now known as the Inland Empire, preaching the gospel without charge and entirely on his own responsibility. He then made Colfax his headquarters and with his family occupied this house. In 1879,when the Congregational church was built, he was the first pastor and turned the dwelling over to the church for a parsonage. It was used as such up to five years ago, when it was sold and moved to the spot where it was torn down, the present parsonage occupied by Rev. J. Herbert Bainton taking its place. The needs of trade and commerce standing above everything else it was apparent the pioneer structure must go. Father Eels was one of the most remarkable characters that entered this region when it was a wilderness, inhabited only by Indians. He, with Rev. Elnor Walker, crossed the plains with Whitman the second trip made by that famous missionary. At the time of the Whitman massacre they were engaged in preaching to the Indians at a point where the town of Chewelah in the Colville valley now stands, and were escorted out of the country by friendly Indians, who feared for their safety if they came in contact with the warlike bands which swarmed in every direction. Rev. Spalding, another noted missionary, who founded Spalding, Idaho, came to the Pacific slope at the same time and with the same party. Father Eels was said to be the most unselfish of men. His aim in life was to preach the gospel and do good. He lived in the most frugal manner that he might give and upbuild. Scarcely a spot in Eastern Washington but what was visited by him and felt the influence of his presence. The sweet-sounding bell in the Congregational church in Colfax, which peals forth a glad welcome to all every Sabbath, was given by him. Likewise he started Congregational churches and donated bells at Uitzville, Sprague, Medical Lake, Cheney and perhaps other places. Whitman College at Walla Walla was founded by him, which he nursed through its infancy and saw it rise to be one of the great educational institutions of the state. He died at Tacoma on the day previous to the 83d anniversary of his birth, happy in the thought of a life well spent. Peace to his ashes! ++++++
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 22:04:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015