St. John's Episcopal Church (Portland, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. John's Episcopal Church
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St. John's Episcopal Church in 2009
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| Location | 455 SE Spokane Street Portland, Oregon |
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| Built | 1851 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001712 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1974 |
The Oaks Pioneer Church, once known as St. John's Episcopal Church, is a very old and special building in southeast Portland, Oregon. It's a one-story chapel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the U.S. state of Oregon. The church was built way back in 1851. It was added to the historic register in 1974. It is the oldest church building in Oregon that is still standing and in good shape.
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A Historic Church in Portland
The Oaks Pioneer Church is located in Oaks Pioneer Park. This park is in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland. The church building is made with strong wooden beams and posts. It measures about 18 feet wide and 42 feet long (which is about 5.5 by 12.8 meters). This historic church was actually started from a house. It was a house that a pioneer named Lot Whitcomb was building. It became the very first Episcopal church in Oregon.
Moving and Changing Over Time
Lot Whitcomb was a person who operated steamboats. He also helped start the community of Milwaukie. The church was first built on the edge of Milwaukie. But in 1862, it was moved closer to the center of the town. Over the years, the church had some changes. In 1869, the area near the altar (called the chancel) was updated. Then, in 1888, the windows, outside walls, and the bell tower (belfry) were changed. The bell tower still holds a ship's bell that used to belong to Lot Whitcomb.
Saved from Demolition
A new church building took its place in 1948. This new church was St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in Milwaukie. The old Oaks Pioneer Church was then going to be torn down in 1969. But some people who cared about history stepped in to save it. They paid to move the church. They put it on a big boat called a barge. Then, they floated it down the Willamette River to Oaks Pioneer Park.
What It Is Today
Today, the Oaks Pioneer Church is a special place. It works as a museum where people can learn about its long history. It is also a very popular spot for weddings. Many couples choose to get married in this beautiful and historic chapel.
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