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When J.K. Edmiston platted Columbia City, he allocated free lots for churches. The Columbia Congregational Church was the first to take advantage of this offer in 1896. The church's first pastor, U.G. Murphy, had served as a missionary in Japan and worked to promote understanding between the U.S. and Japan. He later provided assistance to Japanese internees during WWII. A Spanish style structure replaced the first church, and is currently under renovation for lease.