History of St. Paul’s Church, Nyssa
In 1904, the town of Nyssa consisted of one long street on the east side and parallel to the railroad tracks. It consisted of the section house, a hotel, a general store, the post office, and several houses. On the west side of town were a few scattered buildings.
Through the inspiration and efforts of new comers Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Boydell, the first Episcopal Services were held in 1907 in the Community Church under the direction of the Rt. Rev. Robert L. Paddock, Bishop of the Missionary District of Eastern Oregon.
The Ladies Guild, organized in 1910, purchased the five lots of the preset site. Bishop Paddock consecrated the ground and laid the cornerstone for St. Paul’s Parish House in 1913. The hall was completed that year. Church services were held when visiting clergy were available, but the hall was used for many community activities.
The faithful endeavors of a handful of devoted lay people kept the little mission alive, and it slowly grew. In 1950, the men of the church renovated its interior, and in 1955, a basement was dug. The Parish House was moved onto its new foundation to face north instead of east. After extensive remodeling, the Parish House became St. Paul’s Church. Most of the church’s furnishings are either gifts or memorials placed in memory of our faithful departed.
1/24/88, author unknown.
Here are some interesting tidbits I gathered from the Missionary District of Eastern Oregon's Convocation Journals (1908 to 1912).
- The 1910 MDEO Convocation Journal reported that St. Paul’s Church Nyssa became an unorganized mission in 1908. Nyssa’s statistics in 1910: 43 souls, 15 families, 24 confirmed persons, 25 baptisms (13 children, 12 adults), 24 communicants, and 1 public service. Also by 1910, a guild was formed, and arrangements were being made to purchase a lot for a new mission church.
- The 1912 MDEO Convocation Journal reported that St. Paul’s Church Nyssa became an organized mission in 1911. The missionary, Rev. Owen F. Jones (Hermiston residence), served as Nyssa’s first clergy, Thomas Canham (Treasurer), John Boydell (Secretary). Nyssa’s statistics in 1912: 73 souls, 20 families, 37 confirmed, 2 communicants, 13 public services, and 52 Sunday School Sessions.
Please share any memories you have of St. Paul's Church, Nyssa.