 Cedonia: God’s
Country
In 1858 George Harvey found a perfect spot
for a home along the creek that now bears his name. In 1888 he was
joined by other families, including Martin and Mary (Young) Scotten.
They became the first permanent residents. The Scottens kept groceries
and other supplies for their neighbors on the creek. Martin became
Cedonia’s first postmaster when he opened the Post Office in 1899.
In 1897, the
Cornwalls settled on land farther up the creek and the Dashiell family
homesteaded near a big spring. These first founding families were
religious people and began to plan a church for the new settlement.
Chris Engelhardt donated the land for the Cedonia Union Church and
cemetery. The other families all helped out and lumber from Mr. Fisk’s
Mill was on the ground in 1897. Mr. Preneganar was the head carpenter
and many community members of different religious backgrounds
contributed to building the church. The church was finished and clear of
debt by 1900 and was opened to all denominations. Three families were
chosen to pick a name for the town from the bible. They chose Macedonia
from Acts 16:9 in which the people asked the Apostle Paul to "Come
over to Macedonia and help us". The name was later shortened to
Cedonia.
Soon two stores
were built above the creek on the old wagon trail between Fort Spokane
and Fort Colville. In 1908 a triple wedding ceremony took place in the
little white church. This date became a time for celebration for all
three couples and their families. Many schools were started in the area
and eventually were consolidated into the Columbia District. (Pioneers
of the Columbia) |
