First Baptist Church

125 SE Cowls Street  |  Built 1926

The First Baptist Church was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival Style in 1926. Two earlier structures preceded this building; the first, built in 1883 for $2,100 was a simple wood frame building painted yellow and brown, and the second was a steepled Queen Anne wood church built for $5,800 in 1898. The education wing was built in 1964 with glass front on glass double doors. 

While very popular in California, the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture is a rarity in Oregon and other points further North along the Pacific coast. It helps the Baptist Church to really stand out in the landscape and reminds us that in its early history, Oregon and its Native American residents witnessed an influx of Spanish, British, Americans, Russians and more all vying for the bountiful natural resources here. The church has further unique features such as carvings highlighting the arches, columns, portals, and door surrounds. The bell tower has iron balconets and round arched windows with iron grills. 

For images of the the property, and further details, check out the link below:

Historic Resources Inventory Documentation