Sunday Church Feature

1879 St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Port Gamble, Washington

"St. Paul’s (Episcopal) Church sits on a sloping grass bluff overlooking the waters of Port Gamble Bay. The church, built in (1879), is modeled after a church in the Maine hometown of Port Gamble's founders. The meticulously restored church boasts 8 cathedral stained glass windows, original pews and a domed altar area. One of the most photographed buildings in the area, the picturesque church steeple houses the original church bell..." (Link 2.)The church is available for weddings with an outdoor waterfront tented terrace that accommodates 150.  The church and the Best Friends Antique Shop featured in the October 16th, 2010 blog post are both on Rainier Avenue facing the water.

"In 1860, Superintendent Josiah Keller built a community hall for "those who desire public worship, social enjoyment or fraternal communion and to educate the children.” In 1879, the community built this church to resemble a church in his hometown of East Machias, Maine. The expense of construction was paid for by subscription, with Puget Mill Co. being the largest subscriber. The bell was a gift of Pope and Talbot (owners of Puget Mill Co.) officials in San Francisco. Since most of the residents in 1879 were from Maine, the church was dedicated in the Congregational faith. The Rev. G. H. Atkinson, D.D., was the first resident pastor.

"Members of the congregation purchased their pews and this practice reflected class distinctions in Port Gamble. By 1913, Congregational attendance dropped off and Baptists used the church as well. Regular services ended in the 1920s. In 1931, the religious affiliation of the church changed to Episcopal, reflecting the faith of the resident manager. The congregation changed the sanctuary, the pew arrangement and the location of the lectern, and added an altar. Pope and Talbot restored the church in 1973 and returned the steeple to its original height." (See Link 1.) (Link 3 for video tour of church.)


Note: See map and description of area in October 16th, 2010 post, Saturday Travel Feature, Best Friends Antiques, Port Gamble, Washington. The church is on the same street as the Best Friends Antiques Shop.
Photo: Taken in  December 2005 by SW.

Link 1:http://www.portgamble.com/externalsite.asp?URL=http%3A//www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm%3Ffile_id%3D7025
Link 2:http://www.portgambleweddings.com/default.asp?ID=21
Link 3:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ioz0Ol0_yg