The Heritage of Heritage Bible Church
In 1892, Ellis Island first opened to allow European immigrants into the United States, and the telegraph made its debut. Two years prior, Wyoming and Idaho became states. Little known to the world, in the town of Cathlamet, Washington on Puget Island, a small Norwegian community began the Norwegian Evangelical Mission, a Lutheran affiliated church on March 13, 1892. The early attendees were salmon fishermen accustomed to difficult work when they answered Jesus's call in Mark 1:17 to follow Him and become fishers of men.
These rugged fishermen and their families met from house to house until 1895 when the little church community determined that it needed a building. Their resourceful solution? They converted a fishing net house that was previously used for hand weaving and repairing fish nets to a place of worship and study of the scriptures. Tidal sloughs rather than roads provided access by boat, which was not a problem for these families who made their living up and down the Columbia River. Twenty years later, in 1915, the community floated the converted net house (HBC Fellowship Hall) down the slough to its present-day site on Welcome Slough Road.
In 1929, while the nation faced an economic crash, these fishermen took hammer and nails and built the present day sanctuary. The front of the church continued to face the waterways to welcome the community through its open doors. Later, roads and streets emerged on the island and water transportation diminished. The church positioned its doors and steeple to face the new dike road and continued to welcome the community.
These rugged fishermen and their families met from house to house until 1895 when the little church community determined that it needed a building. Their resourceful solution? They converted a fishing net house that was previously used for hand weaving and repairing fish nets to a place of worship and study of the scriptures. Tidal sloughs rather than roads provided access by boat, which was not a problem for these families who made their living up and down the Columbia River. Twenty years later, in 1915, the community floated the converted net house (HBC Fellowship Hall) down the slough to its present-day site on Welcome Slough Road.
In 1929, while the nation faced an economic crash, these fishermen took hammer and nails and built the present day sanctuary. The front of the church continued to face the waterways to welcome the community through its open doors. Later, roads and streets emerged on the island and water transportation diminished. The church positioned its doors and steeple to face the new dike road and continued to welcome the community.
A Rich History
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The architecture is distinct and patterned after a Lutheran Church in Norway. The arched windows and ceilings lift the space of the room, and the acoustics remind one of a time when microphones were not needed. The rose and blue-hued stained glass filters precious Northwest sun rays. In the front of the church is a painting of Jesus knocking on a door, bringing to life that famous scripture in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me." The pews invite present-day humanity to rest from the clamor of a fast-paced world.
Much has changed over the years. The primary language is no longer Norwegian. The fishing villages and canneries along the Columbia River have all but vanished, except for the pilings peering above the surface to remind us of days past. Pastors and congregants have come and gone too. However, some who still sit among us remember Sunday School in the repurposed net house and the classrooms that were divided by hanging curtains. Some will gladly show you their 50-year-old wedding pictures snapped long ago in this church. One remembers her first solo, “Jesus Loves Me” at age five. Some will tell you about the very moment that they crossed the line of faith and became a devoted Christ-follower. Some have left the local community, and some reside in heaven with their Savior cheering us who remain to be faithful to God and His Word. In the span of a hundred years, varied Christian denominations, who have occupied this building, have gathered and endeavored to follow Jesus. The steel strength of a multi-generational church is not about the people who attended or even the pastor. It's about a faithful and unchanging God. |
Heritage Bible Church
Circa. 1970
Today
Today, Heritage Bible Church (HBC) is Baptist-affiliated and builds on the foundation of its heritage. We rely solely on the belief that the Scriptures are the very voice of God and are the foundation of faith. Our purpose as a church family is to lift the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and Lord, in prayer and action. We celebrate each time we gather that our sins are forgiven, and that God's truth, love, and grace transforms us. The laughter of babies and children, the chatter of young moms and dads, and the warmth of people from all walks of life is proof positive that God is faithful to the next generation.
The heritage of Heritage Bible Church is to keep our doors ever open to the community, as we embrace the call to follow Jesus and become fishers of men. For a hundred years, each generation has passed this heritage to the next. So on Sunday morning, if you hear HBC’s church bells ring through the morning air, please accept the invitation to come and worship, and learn about God through His Word. Come and grow in God's grace, love, and truth.
The heritage of Heritage Bible Church is to keep our doors ever open to the community, as we embrace the call to follow Jesus and become fishers of men. For a hundred years, each generation has passed this heritage to the next. So on Sunday morning, if you hear HBC’s church bells ring through the morning air, please accept the invitation to come and worship, and learn about God through His Word. Come and grow in God's grace, love, and truth.
