Along with some schools and forts, pioneer churches are among the wooden structures that have been preserved in the Pacific Northwest. For Amy’s Lens-Artist challenge this week I’m featuring three church structures that extend along a 28 mile (45 km) stretch from the southern end of the Long Beach Peninsula to near the northern tip.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church dedicated on May 20, 1906

The town of McGowan, established in 1853, was a thriving community which was anchored by a cannery located on pilings in the Columbia River, just south of Fort Columbia. Though nothing remains of the cannery today, in 1904, Patrick J. McGowan built and paid for the church which is maintained in its original condition. It has no utilities, so kerosene lanterns are used to provide light for services which are held in summer and on other special occasions.

The Sanctuary – A Methodist Church & Parsonage – 1916

The Sanctuary building was originally a Methodist Church and parsonage. It is a beautiful building but needs some loving care and repair to be resurrected. More recently it was the site of the Sanctuary Restaurant and Antique store. It is located on the main street in the town of Chinook, WA and is for sale.

Oysterville Baptist Church – 1892

“The Oysterville Church was a gift to the community from founder, R.H. Espy, who donated the land and money for construction in 1892. Originally a Baptist ministry, in 1981 the Espy family arranged for its re-dedication as an ecumenical church and gifted the building and property to the Oysterville Restoration Foundation. It is now used by the community-at-large for weddings, funerals and an occasional Christmas or Easter service. For thirty years, weekly music vesper services have been held on Sunday afternoons through the summer months.”  http://www.oysterville.org/church

Amy’s challenge