Corner of North Main St. and First Ave., P.O. Box 473, Falls City, OR 97344

Services: Summer Hours: Sunday 6:30pm.
Pastor: Rev. James Simmons (503-851-3213)
prayercrane@aol.com

The church welcomes residents and visitors

AN IMPORTANT HISTORIC BUILDING

The Falls City United Methodist Church building was constructed in 1892. The actual church goes back even farther. Originally the “Beulah Methodist Episcopal Church of Pleasant Valley”, it held its first meetings in a school building where the Pleasant Valley Grange also met during the 1880s. It was here that the idea for a town was conceived, and later Pleasant Valley was established, then the name was changed to Falls City. The church has been central to the history of the community ever since. Today it’s the oldest building still in original use within the city limits. It is one of the very few late 19th century churches in Polk County. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

While the church is a centerpiece of local architecture, and now has a new foundation and a restored bell tower, there is still much restoration work to be done. We need interior restoration, and a building for education and community programs. We have spent about $75,000 so far and expect to raise another $200,000 to complete the project.

A Restoration Fund has been established with Bank of America in Dallas. Contributions are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal law. Now, at the beginning of the new millennium, we have completed the first stage and we are raising money to begin the next phase of building restoration. Contributions can made to FC UMC Restoration and mailed to P.O. Box 473 Falls City, OR 97344.

  • FallsCity Seniors meet at the church the third Thursday of each month at 12 noon for a pot luck. All residents over 55 are welcome.
    For details contact Barbara Goodman, Chair (503) 787-5607
    or Edith Woodruff, Secretary (503) 787-3814
In addition to church service each Sunday and special programs on Easter, Christmas and other church holidays, the UMC hosts several notable events annually.
  • A Valentine’s Sweetheart Dinner in February is a big event. It is served in candlelight on real white china and by expert young waiters.
  • About the second week in September, the Oregon Old Time Fiddlers spend an afternoon playing in the wooden church with its excellent acoustics. There is usually a barbecue with the fiddler’s event.
  • On Christmas Eve there is a special candlelight service at 7 PM.
  • A trip to Valley of the Giants has become a tradition, usually once in the Spring and again in the Fall.
For details about church programs call Rev. James Simmons (503-851-3213) or
Lay Leader Barb Goodman (503) 787-5607.

Restoration Photos: (click the thumbnails below to enlarge)

"Getting ready" Church raised on supports and leveled in preparation for pouring concrete footing. Notice large hand-hewn oak vertical supports dating to 1892. Supports will be used to build a memorial for the Historic Church.

"The big pour" Cement truck pours concrete footing for the new church foundation.

"Pulling Nails" Volunteers assist the building contractor in recycling lumber to be used in restoration.

"Full House" One of many church-sponsored programs that bring visitors to the historic building.

" Thanks to Art Mack" Rev. Paul LaRue gives a commemorative plaque to life-long Falls City resident Mr. Art Mack for his contributions to the church restoration project. Art Donated a sidewalk in memory of his wife Betty.

"Thanks to Erma Ferguson" Rev. Robert A. Ledden gives a commemorative plaque to life-long Falls City resident Mrs. Erma Ferguson for her large monetary contribution to the church restoration fund. The plaque is made from a slab of oak cut from the original hand-hewn oak piers that supported the original church. Erma's grandfather supplied the lumber for the church in 1892.

Photos: (click the thumbnails below to enlarge)
Church exterior

Oregon old-time Fiddlers

Big John Cochran singing Gospels

*Landscape design and maintenance donated by the Falls City Garden Club*

**Special THANKS to Randy Osman for his help in creating this page**

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