St. John in the Woods Celebrates a Century of Faith and Community

By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times

Long before Highway 26 became the main route to Mount Hood, local Catholics gathered in a small church built to serve a growing mountain community.

Over the next century, St. John in the Woods Catholic Church would survive a roof collapse, see its historic log church relocated to make way for a highway expansion, and become part of generations of family milestones in the Mount Hood corridor.

On July 19, parishioners and community members will celebrate that history as St. John in the Woods marks its 100th anniversary with a day of worship, music, food, and fellowship.

The celebration begins with an 8 a.m. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample and concelebrated by Father Gregg Bronsema, pastor of St. John in the Woods. The day will continue with the dedication of the church's memorial garden and labyrinth, a community breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus, music by Back Up & Push, children's activities, and tours of the historic Steiner Log Church.

"Everybody is welcome to whatever part of the day’s celebration they choose," said Patty Wilhelm, parish council president. "They can participate in whatever part they choose. They don't have to go to Mass; they are welcome to come later."

According to parish historian Caryn Tilton, the church's story began in 1926, when St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church was completed to serve both local residents and visitors to the Mount Hood area.

The parish grew alongside the mountain communities as improved roads brought more travelers, vacation homes, and permanent residents to the corridor. But life in the mountains also brought challenges. The original church eventually collapsed under the weight of heavy snow and rain.

In 1937, a new log church designed and built by Henry Steiner and his family was constructed in its place. The building, completed at a cost of $4,800, was blessed Sept. 6, 1937, by Archbishop Edward D. Howard, and served the parish for decades.

When Highway 26 was widened in 1972, the church faced another major change. The Steiner Log Church was sold to the Mountain Players theater group and moved intact about a mile up the highway to Zigzag, an event local newspapers reportedly described as a "Hoodland Happening." The congregation moved into its current church on Woodsey Way.

The log church was later purchased and restored by local resident Mike Gudge, helping preserve one of the Mount Hood corridor's best-known historic landmarks. Today, the Steiner Log Church remains a popular destination for visitors and will be open for tours following the centennial celebration. Directions to the Steiner Log Church will be provided for those interested.

While the anniversary will honor the parish's history, it will also celebrate newer additions to the church grounds. Following Mass, Archbishop Sample will bless a memorial garden established in recent years along with a recently completed labyrinth. Wilhelm described the labyrinth as a place for quiet reflection and meditation.

Tilton has spent the past several months researching parish records, photographs and local memories for a 130-page commemorative history book expected to debut during the celebration.

"It's a nice history of the community, too," Tilton said.

The book chronicles not only church history but also generations of pastor leadership, baptisms, weddings, first communions, confirmations and other milestones that connected families throughout the Mount Hood area.

Following breakfast, visitors will be invited to share stories, view historic photographs and reconnect with fellow parishioners and friends as the church begins its second century in Welches.

St. John in the Woods Catholic Church is located at 24905 E. Woodsey Way in Welches. Community members are invited to attend all or part of the celebration. For information, call (503) 668-4446.

Celebration Schedule

8 a.m. – Centennial Mass celebrated by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, Archbishop of Portland in Oregon, and concelebrated by Father Gregg Bronsema, pastor of St. John in the Woods 

9:15 a.m. – Dedication of the labyrinth and memorial garden

9:30 a.m. – Community breakfast hosted by the Knights of Columbus

Following breakfast – Sharing of stories, viewing of historic photographs and fellowship

Following the celebration – Tours of the historic Steiner Log Church

Community members are welcome to attend all or part of the day's activities.