Old Scotch Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Scotch Church
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Eight-sided steeple of the Old Scotch Church
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 Location in Hillsboro Beaverton OR
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| Location | Scotch Church Rd., Washington County, Oregon, near Hillsboro, Oregon |
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| Built | 1878 |
| Architectural style | Carpenter Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001723 |
| Added to NRHP | November 5, 1974 |
The Old Scotch Church, also known as the Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church, is a historic church in Washington County, Oregon, near Hillsboro, Oregon. It's a special place because it's very old and has a unique eight-sided steeple. The church building was finished in 1878, but the church group itself started in 1873. There's also a cemetery next to the church where many early settlers of the Tualatin Plains are buried, including a famous pioneer named Joseph Meek.
Contents
How the Church Started
The Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church began in 1873. Its very first service was held on November 16. This service took place in a schoolhouse called Columbia Academy. The Reverend George Ross was the pastor, and the school was about 4 miles (6 km) from where the church stands today. Services continued at the school until the church members found a permanent spot to build their own church.
Scottish Roots
Most of the first church members came from the same area in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In Scotland, they belonged to a church called the Free Church of Scotland. After moving to the United States and then to Oregon, they settled close to each other in the Tualatin Valley. Because these settlers were from Scotland, their church building became known as "The Old Scotch Church."
There were twelve original Scottish pioneers who founded the church. They included Mr. and Mrs. William Chalmers and their eleven children. Their youngest child, Catherine, was the first person buried in the church cemetery. Other founders were Mr. and Mrs. James Smith, Rev. and Mrs. George Ross, Mr. and Mrs. George Alexander, their daughter Eliza, Miss Alexander, and John Milne. Eight of these twelve founders are buried in the cemetery around the church. Many of their family members are buried there too.
Building the Church
In 1876, Jacob Hoover donated 1 acre (4,000 m²) of land to the church. This land was for a permanent church building and a cemetery. On March 11, 1878, the church leaders decided to start building. They asked for an estimate to see how much it would cost.
Church Design
The estimate for the new church was $2120. It was designed in the Carpenter Gothic style by an architect named Mr. Balantyne. This style often includes pointed arches and decorative wood. His design for the Old Scotch Church featured strong supports called buttresses. It also had beautiful stained glass windows, a steep roof, and its famous eight-sided steeple.
Construction began with many church members donating materials and their time to help build. The stained glass windows were special because they were brought all the way from Scotland. The church building, located next to McKay Creek, was finished and dedicated in 1878. A church bell was added to the steeple in 1926.
Church Additions
Over the years, the church building grew. In 1905, an annex was built onto the back. This added more classrooms for Sunday school. Then, in 1940, the annex was made bigger, and a half-basement was added. In 1955, another addition included the church's first indoor restrooms. From 1959 to 1960, the entire building was lifted up. This allowed for a full basement to be completed underneath. In 1984, four more classrooms were added to the church.
The Church Cemetery
Many important pioneers from the Oregon Country are buried in the Old Scotch Church cemetery. One of the most well-known is Joseph Meek. Meek passed away on June 20, 1875. He was first buried at his home, near a historic marker on the Sunset Highway.
Joseph Meek was a "mountain man" who explored the American West. He was also part of Oregon's first government and the first U.S. Marshall for the Oregon Territory. After his land was sold, his remains were moved. They were re-buried at the Old Scotch Church cemetery. The cemetery also has a cairn (a pile of stones) that was added in 1985. It's a memorial to ancestors in Scotland who were killed in the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692.
The Church Today
The Old Scotch Church is one of the oldest churches in Oregon that has been used continuously. It was the 13th historical site in Washington County, Oregon, to be recognized for its importance. On November 5, 1974, the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special place protected for its history. The Tualatin Plains Presbyterian Church still holds services in the Old Scotch Church building every Sunday.
