St. Paul Roman Catholic Church (St. Paul, Oregon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Paul Roman Catholic Church
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| Location | St. Paul, Oregon |
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| Area | French Prairie |
| Built | 1846 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002098 |
| Added to NRHP | October 16, 1979 |
The St. Paul Roman Catholic Church is located in St. Paul, Oregon, in the United States. It was the very first church in Oregon to be built using bricks. This happened in 1846. It is also the oldest brick building in the entire Pacific Northwest region. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
How the Church Started
In 1836, some French Canadian pioneers lived in an area called French Prairie. This was in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. They built a small log cabin chapel near the Willamette River. This simple building was later moved to St. Paul. It served as the main church for the community for several years.
The French Canadians wanted a religious leader. They asked the Roman Catholic Church for help in 1834 and again in 1836. The church then sent several priests to Oregon Country. One of these priests was François Norbert Blanchet.
After getting permission from the Hudson's Bay Company, Blanchet traveled south of the Columbia River. He held the first Catholic Mass in the Willamette Valley on January 6, 1839. While he was teaching at that church, Blanchet actually lived right behind the altar! On December 11, 1843, Pope Gregory XVI made Oregon a special church area. Blanchet became its leader, like a main bishop.
Building the Brick Church
Sadly, the original log cabin church burned down. The people decided they needed a new, stronger church. They chose to build it with bricks.
On May 24, 1846, the first stone was placed for the new red-brick building. This is called laying the cornerstone. When the church was finished, Blanchet officially opened it. He dedicated the new church building on November 1, 1846. This beautiful brick church has stood strong ever since.
More to Explore
- St. Paul's Mission, a historic mission in Kettle Falls, Washington
- List of the oldest churches in the United States
