A Heartfelt Welcome

A Heartfelt Welcome

The Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church Collection

In honor of Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church's 65th anniversary, congregation member Raymond Burrell III collected memories, photographs, and church ephemera while conducting research for a book that was published this year.  In an effort to preserve the church's history and share it with the wider community, Raymond managed the donation of this collection to the Oregon Historical Society.

The church’s collection is a significant contribution to understanding the history of the African American community in Portland.  The Society is proud to serve as the public repository this material we are pleased to share it and the church's history through this exhibition.  Items in the exhibit include: furniture from the church, choir robe, communion tray, and many photographs and ephemera items.