July 20, 2023 3:20 a.m.
In the KQEN Cultural Spotlight:
First Presbyterian Church in Roseburg is preparing for its 150th anniversary.
Lyn Biethan of the church’s Sesquicentennial Committee provided information about its history.
It was organized on August 3rd, 1873 with thirteen members. At that time, it met in various locations in the community including the old courthouse. Their first church structure was dedicated in 1876, on the corner of Southeast Cass Avenue and Southeast Rose Street. The current building, in a Victorian Gothic style, was constructed in 1909, on the southwest corner of Southeast Lane Avenue and Southeast Jackson Street.
An organ was installed in 1932. Stained glass windows in the sanctuary were all replaced in 1960, after the original ones were destroyed in the Roseburg Blast in 1959. One small original window, on the Jackson Street side of the building still remains.
The church is on the National Register of History Places.
First Presbyterian will have an informal Open House on Saturday August 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. People will be available throughout the building to answer questions. A cookie and beverage reception will be held in the Social Hall.
The next day a celebratory worship service will take place at 10:30 a.m. with handbells, the organ and special music, to be followed by a reception.
For more information about First Presbyterian Church, go to: https://www.fpcrose.org/