Saint Mary's

Built in


STewards of yesterday

Saint Mary's By The Sea

In 1923 the lot where the parish house now stands was purchased from Dr. W.C and Emma Hawk for $300. The corner where the church stands was donated by W.M. and Mina Van Hoomissen of Portland. A residence north of the church was moved to the new basement in 1962 and is now the Parish house and Hall.

Father Hildebrand Melchoir celebrated the first Mass at Rockaway on July 20, 1921, and from 1921-27, mass was said in the old theater building.

  • Black and white photo of a wood-shingled building with a white picket fence and small bell tower.

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  • Interior of a church, in Rockaway, Oregon. Wooden pews face the altar.

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  • Black and white photo of St. Mary's church. Wooden building with sign reading

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  • Weathered wooden church with blue doors and a white cross on top.

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  • Row of beach cottages, people walking, cars parked.

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    Cabins north of Saint Mary's By The Sea

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Plans were made in 1926, and Father Hildebrand's father, Michael Melchoir, an architect and builder was named to design and build the new church. Neal Abrahamson Sr., and Ed Best helped in building. On Sept 4, 1927, the church was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Abbott Bernard Murphy and named "St Mary's By the Sea." The church was ready for services on June 21, 1928. Father Hildrebrand set up a Life Line rescue plan with a coil of rope always in readiness on the porch of the parish house if any swimmer needed help.

A big storm in January 1954 uncovered part of the wreck of the Emily Reed, the sailing ship that had foundered in 1908 in front of the church. The volunteer firemen, with the help of a bulldozer, uncovered it's skeleton.

Saint Mary's By The Sea continues to thrive in it's origin building.

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