They were greeted by a new and powerful land, filled with trees

higher than any building any of them had ever seen, and higher than any tree they

had ever seen. All of the land was covered with thick undergrowth, and the

only place where the occasional sun stuck the ground was around

clearings carved out of the majestic forest by a trickle of water later called the

Raging River.

Much of the year was overcast, with life-giving rain that also

caused a sense of gloom at times, as if the sun did not exist in this virgin corner

of the world. When it did bring forth its warmth and light, only the tops of

trees felt its rays. As time went on, and more people arrived, a small village

began to take shape along a usually tranquil stream, but when heavy rains fell,

or winter snow melted quickly, the name Raging River seemed almost too

tame a name for the torrent that ran near the expanding community.

Lumber was the treasure that these early settlers of Preston sought,

and slowly they carved out an area that from time to time was able to

enjoy the warmth of the sun. The forest itself provided plentiful game for

food, and the trickle of a stream that lead to a larger river provided fish for

food, and water that allowed the continuation of human life along its banks,

and provided a means of moving the lumber to the lumber mill, which in

turn provided money, jobs and the expansion of the homesites in the area.

As more arrived, the community as a whole found that there was a

need for a structure, a place where one could go to find comfort, and a

sense of protection and peace from the beautiful yet sometimes fearful

presence of the dark forest. The forest provided for material things, yet also

caused loneliness, and a sense of exclusion form the outside world they left

behind to start a new life of fulfillment for themselves and their families.

Men and women of faith determined that a critical need for the

town was a church, where one and all could gather together in one place, to

share as one the pains brought forth by the dangers dealt with day by day, and

the desire to make this place also a wondrous place of future purpose for

all. The needed a common ground on which to gather together for

comfort in time of need, and strength to build the dream for a future for all

concerned, for themselves and their families.

Thus, the Preston Baptist Church was born, a place where all could

come together as one, to provide community support, enhancement of

faith needed by the residents, and a focal point for the future of all. Here

marriages were confirmed, support and love for those who had lost friends

and family members could be found, and a promise was held out for

tomorrow. As it was in many such communities, it was also a place for social

interaction, and a means of learning from and of each other.

On March 5 the Preston Baptist Church celebrated the formation of

the beginnings of the church, not so much in structure of a mere building, but

in the structure of community togetherness and support. Over 200

people joined hands in recognition of the accomplishments of the church as a

representation of the needs of the citizens of the small community and a

place to find support from both neighbors and from within.

There was a celebration that involved speeches, a sharing of

photos and artifacts of the early years, a feast at Vassa Hall, and a fellowship that

began 100 years ago in this beautiful yet sometimes frightful place, in a

wilderness of immense proportions. It was enjoyed by all, and I am sure it

brought a sense of tremendous accomplishment.

Thought for the week: I believe it has already been said.

Preston News Notes author,

Bill Hebert, can be reached at

P.O. Box 918, Preston, WA 98050.