Oregon Christians and the Congo Steamboat Mission
In 1908, Royal and Eva Dye challenged Oregon Christians to help build a steamboat for mission work in the Congo. What seemed impossible became a movement of faith, generosity, and mission partnership that later inspired the 2008 Oregon Christian Convention theme.
- Royal and Eva Dye asked Oregon Christians to help fund a steamboat for the Congo mission.
- James Blood’s $150 gift helped spark wider giving across Oregon and beyond.
- The 2008 Oregon Christian Convention retold the story on the 100th anniversary of that commitment.
By Terry O’Casey
In June 1908, missionaries Royal Dye, MD, and his wife, Eva, captivated Oregon with tales of adventure in the Congo. But no trains reached the deepest realms in the African nation where they wanted yet to share the gospel. No roads could penetrate the crocodile-infested swamps. Handmade, arm-powered dugouts were the only means of getting hundreds of miles upriver.
The Dyes made a simple request at the 56th Oregon Christian Convention. The request was so great it was bound to fail . . . unless God be in it. Dr. Dye opened the morning session: “We need a steamboat to ply the great rivers of Africa. One can be built for a mere $15,000.” Considering a home in those days cost nearly $2,000, his request was, well, something so impossible it was bound to fail . . . unless God be in it.
Walking the Talk
Folks got together over lunch and simply talked . . . until a young Northwest Christian College student walked . . . up and said, “I have $150. Let’s start the boat!” Like a youth donating a Happy Meal to feed 5,000 at a worship gathering, student James Blood took a step of faith. People could feel the lifeblood pumped into the convention.
Eva Dye preached(!) the afternoon sermon. Thirty-two young people gave their lives to full-time Christian service. Then Davis Errett, uncle of Christian Standard’s founder, Isaac Errett, told the great gathering about the young man’s faith. A sum of $2,132 was immediately pledged. Pastor Ritchey, of nearby Newberg, Oregon, went throughout the state and collected additional gifts for this African steamer.
A Nationwide Movement
Some Christians in other states heard Oregon had raised $10,000, so they joined in and helped to raise the rest. On the other side of the United States, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the hull was laid, the decks were welded, and the steam engine was installed.
Some 50,000 Disciples came together in Pittsburgh in the fall of 1909 for the Centennial Convention. Thousands descended on the shipyard to christen the new boat, dubbed the Oregon.
The arteries of the Congo River could now be reached to share the simple story of Jesus. The good ship Oregon inspired greater ships by larger states; the Illinois and Missouri teamed up and steamed up the Congo, taking a message of hope.
We rediscover ourselves as a faith movement in stories. The 2008 Oregon Christian Convention is retelling the story, re-encountering it, and entering it anew. The original ship’s bell will ring the stories to life at the convention, June 24-29 in Turner.
Terry O’Casey ministers with High Lake Christian Church, La Pine, Oregon.
2008 Theme: “Fulfilling the Mission Together”
The 2008 theme for the 156th Oregon Christian Convention, June 24-29, is “Fulfilling the Mission Together” based upon Acts 1:8. It is prompted by the 100th anniversary of the 1908 convention whose attendees committed to raise the money ($10,000 over 18 months) to build the ship Oregon.
In 2008 conventioneers will be directed once again to respond to current needs in Africa. Options for response will be offered for individuals and churches. Sunday, June 29th will be a day of special remembrance and recognition of the historical relationship between Oregon churches and the Congo mission efforts of the last century. For more information, go to oregonchristianconvention.org.
