As a graduate of the Bangor (Maine) Theological Seminary in 1855, Peasley Chamberlain received his first assignment to pastor First Congregational Church in Portland, Oregon Territory.  He and his new wife, Alice, left New York on their wedding day for Portland. 

Although the church grew from 23 to 150 members during his first year as pastor, it didn’t take long for Rev. Chamberlain to take his virulent vilification of secret societies and the Roman Catholic Church to extremes.  Things deteriorated to the point that in 1862 he was dismissed as pastor.

Within two years, Chamberlain had settled in Walla Walla, such a debauched place that Chamberlain decided to establish a church here, one that would also provide schooling for the young children.  With his own money, he erected a small building at Second and Rose that was dedicated as First Congregational Church in November 1864.

The Chamberlains sustained themselves primarily through the school they operated in the church building.  Chamberlain was instrumental in advocating moving Whitman Seminary, the precursor to Whitman College, from Waiilatpu to Walla Walla.  He was appointed as the first principal in 1866 when the seminary opened in its new building at Boyer and Park. He continued to preach at First Congregational Church until 1879 and died in 1889.  He was never successful in growing the church he established here due to his extreme beliefs, but over the ensuing years First Congregational Church has assumed an important role in Walla Walla.

Reverend Peasley Chamberlain is portrayed by Steve Wilen.