Port Gamble in Kitsap County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

St. Paul's Church

1878-1979

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, December 30, 2012

1. St. Paul's Church Marker

Inscription. Modeled after the Congregational Church of East Machias, Maine. The steeple bell was a gift from the San Francisco Pope & Talbot's officers' wives. It arrived by sailing vessel in 1879. The church's steeple and original Congregational affiliation echos the New England origins of its founders.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 47° 51.137′ N, 122° 35.053′ W. Marker is in Port Gamble, Washington, in Kitsap County. Marker is on N Rainier Ave, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Gamble WA 98364, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. David & Joyce Olson House (within shouting distance of this marker); Eugene & Ann DeFord House (within shouting distance of this marker); James & Sarah Thompson House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Service Station (about 700 feet away); Leo & Goldie Hammersmith House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Water Towers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Daniel B. Jackson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Port Gamble Market (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Gamble.

Regarding St. Paul's Church. Historylink.org provides additional history: In 1860, Superintendent

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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.

Also see . . . Port Gamble online tour. (Submitted on January 18, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

St. Paul's Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, December 30, 2012

2. St. Paul's Church

Photographed By Douglass Halvorsen, December 30, 2012

3. St. Paul's Church

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 384 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 18, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.