Union Gospel Mission History Lessons

We've found a little treasure in re-arranging and sorting. We have a black bound book by Rev. Reuben Newsom who was Superintendent (Director) of the Mission for many years. He wrote the book in 1965. The book detailed the founding, purpose and ministry of Union Gospel Mission from its founding in 1927. He writes that Union Gospel Mission was organized in November of 1927, and a chapel was remodelled for use, the chapel was located at Northeast 3rd and Ankeny in Portland. Rev. Newsom wrote about the dedication of the chapel:

"On Sunday afternoon, January 1, 1928, crowded with Christians from many churches and denominations, the chapel was dedicated for the purpose of presenting Christ to defeated, homeless men. That evening the first Gospel service was held."

That was the beginning of Union Gospel Mission in Portland.

In 1937, the building at 15 NW Third Avenue became Union Gospel Mission. Here's a picture of some of the Mission's founding leaders in front of the building.

There are more interesting photos from Union Gospel Mission's early days on our web site at http://www.ugmportland.org/about.html

Union Gospel Mission is in the same building, and same location. In January, 2007, Union Gospel Mission opened the new LifeChange Center attached to the existing Mission.

Here is a picture of the LifeChange Center. This building houses the LifeChange recovery community. LifeChange helps men and women who were "defeated" or felt hopeless in their addiction and gives them an opportunity for a new life.

After writing about the first evening Gospel service at Union Gospel Mission, Rev. Newsom included this Bible passage:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21.