Portland is steeped in history, as evidenced by the many historic building around town. There are few greater ways to explore the history than to visit its many fascinating and grand places of worship around the city. While there are many churches scattered far and wide across the area, these are some of the most notable churches around.
- First Presbyterian Church
Curtis Cronn / Flickr This beautiful building has been in service since 1889, after its congregation moved to its current location on 12th and Alder. The church was founded in Portland in 1853, and the current building seats 1000.
- Old Laurelhurst Church
Kevin Chan / Flickr Featuring Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, this church was built in 1923. A nondenominational Christian church, the building is used for weddings, community events, concerts and seminars. It is located on SE Ankeny.
- Redeemer Church
Sandy Richard / Flickr Featuring gothic-style architecture, the building is sometimes referred to as the castle. Built in the late 1800s, the building was once home to the Mars Hill Church, and now is occupied by the Redeemer Church. It is located on SE Taylor.
- First Congregational Church
Flickr / clarke thomas Located in the South Park Blocks, construction for the church was completed in 1895. Featured on many walking tours of Portland, this historic church is rich in history and decor.
- Oaks Pioneer Church
jacampos / Flickr Built in 1851 and moved to its current location on the edge of Sellwood in 1961, this church is steeped in local history. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, today it is used for weddings.
- Grotto
Jenny Cestnik / Flickr The Grotto’s shrine and chapel in NE Portland sits on 62-acres of gardens and green space. The shrine, carved into a 110-foot basalt cliff, is home to outdoor mass in the summer, and the chapel’s upper level features stunning mountain views and religious artwork.
- The Old Church
zemister / Flickr Dedicated in 1882, this church is currently unaffiliated with any religion and instead hosts a myriad of community events. Concerts and other cultural events take place here in the historical church on the National Registry of Historical Places.
- Grace Bible Church
Hubert Ciencia / Flickr Built in 1912, the church features a distinct castle look.
- First Unitarian Church of Portland
A Davey / Flickr Built in 1924, the building hosts weddings, receptions and other events, while the congregation gathers in a larger church next door for services. This is one of the few churches still owned and operated by the congregation that built it.
- St James Lutheran Church
born1945 / Flickr Built in 1891 on the South Park Blocks, this is another stately church that is featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
Have you visited any of these churches in Portland? What others would you add to the list? You may also enjoy these historical landmarks in the area.
Curtis Cronn / Flickr
This beautiful building has been in service since 1889, after its congregation moved to its current location on 12th and Alder. The church was founded in Portland in 1853, and the current building seats 1000.
Kevin Chan / Flickr
Featuring Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, this church was built in 1923. A nondenominational Christian church, the building is used for weddings, community events, concerts and seminars. It is located on SE Ankeny.
Sandy Richard / Flickr
Featuring gothic-style architecture, the building is sometimes referred to as the castle. Built in the late 1800s, the building was once home to the Mars Hill Church, and now is occupied by the Redeemer Church. It is located on SE Taylor.
Flickr / clarke thomas
Located in the South Park Blocks, construction for the church was completed in 1895. Featured on many walking tours of Portland, this historic church is rich in history and decor.
jacampos / Flickr
Built in 1851 and moved to its current location on the edge of Sellwood in 1961, this church is steeped in local history. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, today it is used for weddings.
Jenny Cestnik / Flickr
The Grotto’s shrine and chapel in NE Portland sits on 62-acres of gardens and green space. The shrine, carved into a 110-foot basalt cliff, is home to outdoor mass in the summer, and the chapel’s upper level features stunning mountain views and religious artwork.
zemister / Flickr
Dedicated in 1882, this church is currently unaffiliated with any religion and instead hosts a myriad of community events. Concerts and other cultural events take place here in the historical church on the National Registry of Historical Places.
Hubert Ciencia / Flickr
Built in 1912, the church features a distinct castle look.
A Davey / Flickr
Built in 1924, the building hosts weddings, receptions and other events, while the congregation gathers in a larger church next door for services. This is one of the few churches still owned and operated by the congregation that built it.
born1945 / Flickr
Built in 1891 on the South Park Blocks, this is another stately church that is featured on the National Register of Historic Places.
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