Patterson C. Parker, although little known in the annals of United Brethren history, was the cause of one of the splinter groups that came out of the United Brethren movement. Rev. Parker began his ministerial career in the White River Conference of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. During the War with Mexico (1846-1848) Rev. Parker volunteered for service. This action was unacceptable to the members of White River Conference, who saw the Mexican War as a war of aggression and against the pacifist standing of the United Brethren Church. As a result Rev. Parker was expelled from the conference. This decision caused some dissention among the members of the conference and several of the members withdrew to form the Republican United Brethren. Rev. Parker, himself, was not a recorded member of this new organization. The next time we see Patterson Parker is in 1855 when he applies to join Oregon Conference. His statement of contrition for past wrongs is recorded in the minutes of the conference for that year. Rev. Parker served Oregon Conference without fault for thirty seven more years until his death in 1892.

article by R. L. Neuman, 2005

Sources:

Oregon Conference Stationing Record

1855

1856

1857