May 2028 – ORF’s Community Outreach Begins
Oysterville has been involved in a number of “firsts” over the years — the location of the first County Courthouse and the first County Jail; the site of the first publicly financed school in the County; hosts of the first (and last?) Shoalwater Bay Regattas in the 1870s and the 1990s/2000s — and so many other landmark occurrences! And now, in this year 2026 when the town is beginning its 173rd year and its little historic church is about to mark its 134th anniversary… we are initiating another first!!
June 2017 — A New Roof!
Perhaps you have noticed the new fund-raising campaign sign in the churchyard. It appeared just before the Oysterville Restoration Foundation’s annual meeting last Saturday and lists the goals of our first-ever community-wide fundraising campaign. The five major objectives are based upon a recently completed “from-foundation-to-steeple-top” assessment of the iconic 1892 building.
August 2012 – Putting the final touch of paint on the steeple top.
ORF, a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization, was formed by the citizens of Oysterville shortly after the village was placed on The National Register of Historic Places in 1976. According to their website, the Foundation’s purpose is “to maintain, repair and aid in the preservation and restoration of buildings and sites of national historic interest located in the Oysterville National Historic District, and to do all matters of business incidental thereto.” Thus far, maintenance and repair using ORF funds have been directed to the Oysterville Church and to the several parcels of open space which come under the stewardship of the Foundation. Preservation and care of private property, including historic homes and other buildings in the National Historic District, is the responsibility of the individual property owners.”
Beginning this year on June 21st!
Although there have been many fund-raising events for ORF within the community over the years (The Little Family Christmas Parties in the 1970s and several of the “Annual Croquet and Champagne Galas” during the 1980s and ’90s among others), I think this is the first ORF Fund Raising Campaign to be directed toward the entire community and the world at large! “Hooray!” say I! Thousands of individuals from near and far sign the guest book in the church vestibule each year and many also donate to the “Poor Box” situated nearby — to say nothing of the contributions to the collection baskets at the Music Vesper Services on Summer Sundays and the gifts of talent and skills by the musicians, themselves. I feel confident that, given the chamce to keep our little church in pristine condition, many folks will embrace this grand opportunity! The sign suggests several ways that donors can contribute. The easiest method for those reading this blog may be to donate online to www.oysterville.org. And don’t forget… Our first Music Vesper Service of the year will begin at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 21st — less than a month from now!
That is interesting and good to hear. Sunday Charlie and I visited the Claquato Church which is also being restored. The Claquato Cemetery Board has taken on the task. The new shake roof looks great. It is so important to keep these historical churches so others can learn their history.