Old St. Peter's Landmark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Old St. Peter's Landmark, The Dalles, Oregon
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 Location in The Dalles OR
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| Location | 3rd and Lincoln Sts., The Dalles, Oregon |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1897 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Part of | Trevitt's Addition Historic District (ID95000686) |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001720 |
| Added to NRHP | June 20, 1974 |
Old Saint Peter's Landmark, often called Old St. Peter's, is a really old building in The Dalles, Oregon. It's located at 3rd and Lincoln Streets. This historic place was built in 1897. It opened on March 17, 1898, as St. Peter's Church. For many years, it was a church for the local Roman Catholic community.
The church was used until 1968. In 1971, it was almost torn down! But a group of people decided to save it. They formed a group called Old St. Peter's Landmark, Inc. Now, this group takes care of the building. It's used as a museum. People also hold weddings, concerts, and other fun events there.
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Discovering Old St. Peter's Architecture
This amazing building shows off Gothic Revival architecture. This style was popular a long time ago. The church is made of red brick. Its roof is covered with shiny Spanish tiles made of iron.
How Big Is It?
The church is about 120 feet (36.6 meters) long. It is also 40 feet (12.2 meters) wide. A tall spire reaches 176 feet (53.6 meters) into the sky! On top of the spire is a six-foot rooster weathervane. This rooster is a symbol of Saint Peter. One person who went to the church said her dad, a blacksmith, made the rooster.
This tall spire is a true landmark. You can see it from almost anywhere in the city. People have used it as a guide for a very long time. Even today, river boat pilots use it to help them navigate. Inside the belfry (bell tower) is a huge 533-pound bell. A rope connects the bell to the front entrance area, called the narthex.
Beautiful Stained Glass Windows
Old St. Peter's has 34 stained glass windows. They are made in the style of the Victorian era. These beautiful windows were designed and put in by the Povey Brothers Studio. This studio was in Portland, Oregon. There are also six special rose windows. The faces of David Povey's daughters are even hidden among the cherubs in these windows! Many old pioneer families have their names on the window dedications.
Unique Statues and Art
The church has a statue of the Virgin Mary. This statue was carved from a very special piece of wood. It came from the keel (bottom part) of a sailing ship. This ship sank near San Francisco in the 1850s. Two families from The Dalles asked for the keel to be found. They had the statue carved to thank everyone for saving their loved ones.
The ceiling inside the church is vaulted. It reaches almost 40 feet high! It is made of stamped metal. The sanctuary area is decorated with paintings. A German artist named Theodore Braash did this work. He spent many months painting in 1954 and 1955. The railings and altars are made of Carrara marble. Italian artists created and installed them.
The building looks almost exactly as it did when it was saved in 1971. A few more "Stations of the Cross" have been returned. The church decided not to take any of the inside items. This includes statues, the baptistry, and wooden confessionals. Even the pews are still there. They are decorated with wood and pearl trim in a leaf and ivy design.
The Amazing Pipe Organ
The Kilgen pipe organ is still in the church. It is made of rare tigerwood. This organ was put in back in 1927. The Church Ladies Society helped make this happen. It is in the loft at the back of the nave (main part of the church). The organ is still in working condition! The same company that made this organ also made the one in St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.
You can also see the first pump organ used at St. Peter's. There's even a special folding pump organ. Priests used to carry this one on horseback as they traveled around the county.
See also
