St. Helens is one of the oldest Methodist congregations in the state of Oregon. According to the history book from St. Helens United Methodist Church, the first Methodist sermon preached in St. Helens was by Rev. Barry on April 8, 1852. The community building that served as the church for three congregations ~ Methodist, Congregational, Episcopal ~ was built in 1853 on Nob Hill. This makes the St. Helens church among the oldest congregations in Oregon ~ preceded only by Salem and Oregon City in 1841 and Portland First in 1847. Next year, it will be 175 years that Methodists have been in St. Helens.
An interesting piece of the long history of this church as in 1877 when a smallpox epidemic hit St. Helens. Since there was no hospital to care for the ill the church building was used as a pesthouse. After the epidemic was over the building was burned to kill the disease germs remaining. Later the church built a building in downtown St. Helens.
The present building on 6th and Columbia Blvd. was consecrated in 1926 ~ 100 years ago.
Today the church remains active in community concerns. In a recent survey done at the church nearly everyone answered the question: What keeps you connect to St. Helens? ~ people/relationships. That is most clearly seen in worship settings and in the fellowship time that follows each service. The sharing of stories and support for each other and outreach to others is what ministry is about for this church.
In addition, we believe our building should be a place for others as well. Berry Bright Preschool has used the lower level of our building for many, many years. In addition the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibility) group uses our facility weekly.