Thomas Condon was a preacher, geologist, and an educator who saw no conflict between his deep religious beliefs and the discoveries of science. Circa 1870.
The Oregon Historical Society. #bb004390
Each week Oregon Experience shares a photo highlighting the state’s diverse, exciting history.
As a preacher and a geologist, Thomas Condon embraced Darwin’s theory of evolution and challenged the church with the teachings of science. He believed that “evolution was simply God’s method of working” and was the first to recognize the significance of the John Day Fossil Beds. Condon was motivated by educating people and spent his life sharing his knowledge and love of Oregon's ancient past with his students and the public.
Watch the Oregon Experience documentary “Thomas Condon: Of Faith and Fossils” to learn about the geologist's remarkable life, his important discoveries and the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where his fossil collection continues to grow.
This series is in partnership with The Oregon Historical Society