A Church Built of Cement Blocks and Small-Town Pride

Sunday, May 17, was a memorable day in the history of the churches of Newport, it being the date of the dedication of the handsome new edifice of Hope Congregational Church, an event long looked forward to by the members of the church. Rev. W. W. Scudder, home missionary superintendent for Washington, Northern Idaho and Alaska, was present to preach the dedicatory sermon and performed the rite of dedication in the presence of a congregation which filled the church. A vocal solo by Mrs. McEachron of Spokane, with Mrs. Raymond of Spokane as accompanist, and a duet by Mrs. McEachron and Herbert J. Anderson were the musical numbers. The statement of the committee which had charge of building the church was read by its chairman, C. L. Gilbert, after which subscriptions for paying off the remainder of the debt were solicited. A very liberal response was received and in a short time the sum of $1,200 was pledged. At the evening service Rev. P. F. Schrock of Deer Park preached; a vocal solo by Merle Marlowe and a cornet solo by Prof. King were rendered. The church keys were turned over to the trustees, and the services closed with cordial addresses of fellowship and congratulation from local and visiting pastors. The new church building was constructed of cement blocks. It is 38x58, with a seating capacity of 400. As you enter there is a roomy vestibule. To the right is the main audience room; to the left is the Sunday school and Christian Endeavor room, connected by folding doors with the main audience room and can be thrown open when necessary. Over the Sunday school room is a large balcony which forms part of the main audience room. The interior is beautifully finished in Mission style; the woodwork is curly fir. The pews and furniture are also in Mission style. The woodwork is stained a dark tint, the whole presenting a most pleasing effect. In the basement there is provided a large kitchen and dining room which will be equipped with all the conveniences of a modern church. Hope Congregational Church now has a home which is a credit to it and to the town of Newport and will long be a source of gratification and pride to the citizens of the town. I. W. Harris contracted the building and the interior was finished by Jones & Son. The building committee consisted of C. L. Gilbert, Walter Rogers and E. J. Halford. Work on the new church was started in the fall of 1906, the foundation being completed that fall. Since the spring of 1907 construction has gone on steadily but slowly. The statement of the building committee shows that the total cost of the building to date is $7,438.19; the value of the property when completed, including the lot, is fully $9,000. Total cash collected on subscriptions to date is $1,211.60; cash received from sale of real estate, $2,250; aid voted by church building society, $2,000; subscriptions to be collected, $1,500; leaving an indebtedness of nearly $500 yet to be provided for. The first Congregational Sunday school was organized in the winter of 1898 by Mr. Smith at what is now the Eagle mill. In the spring of 1899 Rev. A. R. Johnston of Spokane held services here and in July of that year organized a church in Newport, Idaho, with a membership of 13. The first church building was erected on the Washington side in 1900 on the corner of Washington Ave. and Third Street, where the First National Bank now stands. At that time there was a dense forest there and it was necessary to clear the lots before construction could be started. At the present time the church has nearly 60 members. Pastors who have since been on this charge were Revs. Bradstreet, W. H. Chamberlain, Owen Umstead and Herbert Livingston. The latter resigned several weeks ago to accept a call at Sheridan, Wyoming, and was unable to be present at the dedication of the new building, in the erection of which he took an active part and with earnest effort contributed largely to carrying out the plans of the congregation. The growth of Hope Congregational Church has been coincident with that of the town; both have made great strides forward in a short time and both look forward to the future with a spirit that should aid in the continuation of advancement.