Moreland Presbyterian Church

Moreland Presbyterian began at Mrs. Randall's Hotel in Sellwood (corner of 11th and Umatilla) in 1884. Sellwood was known in this day as a village with no sidewalks just muddy roads. The Presbytery of Oregon agreed to the organization of the church and appointed Rev. E.T. Lee Pastor of Calvary Church to serve 3 Sabbaths each month at 3 PM. The Rev. would travel up the Willamette on a steamer called "City of Sellwood." In 1887 the congregation moved to a new house of worship on 16th and Spokane and officially changed the name to "The First Presbyterian Church of Sellwood." The church grew slowly and was not until 1903 that a full time minister was installed. Rev. David A. Thompson came directly from Princeton Theological Seminary. The congregation grew from 56 to 226 in 1911. A house was built (Manse)for the Pastor made of the finest materials and craftsmanship with modern plumbing and electricity. The cost $1,871.86! By 1919 the congregation outgrew the church and a new location was found! November, 1921 the Church and Manse property was sold to the Church of the Nazarene. February, 1922, lots were secured on the corners of 18th/19th and Bybee and work began on a new church. The name was once again changed to Moreland Presbyterian Church. In 1950 the church expanded the building and remodeled the existing building. Two of the three lots on Bybee and 19th were purchased and the houses sold and moved. The church expanded to include a balcony to seat 100, dining room, kitchen and church offices. Moreland has gone through many changes but stands strong on a foundation built from faith, love ,hope and community.