Downtown Portland Church Walking Tour

For the last couple of years I've been wanting to create an old church walking tour in Portland, Oregon after discovering a row of four neat old churches walking down SW Clay street as well as spotting some here and there on the occasional drive.  Now, there is already a religious building self-guided tour on the GPSmyCity.com website, but I felt that they missed a few of the very best old churches north of Burnside, in particular, the spectacular Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (#11.)

http://www.gpsmycity.com/tours/religious-buildings-tour-in-portland-4156.html

While arguably not the best time of year to go on a walking tour, my son, David, had an all day choir rehearsal nearby which provided the perfect conditions to spend the day downtown playing.  Additionally, the weather cooperated perfectly and it turned out to be a cool but very bright, sunny day.  I planned out the walk the night before, strategically starting near Thai Chili Jam, one of our favorite Thai food restaurants which would provide a tasty end to our long walk.  The approximate total walking distance is 2.6 miles.

UPDATE 9/26/13: I was invited to take part in a Portland park block church tour led by the following wonderful local clergy: Amy Piatt of First Christian Church, Rev. Dr. Charles Svendsen of First Congregational United Church of Christ, Rev. Dennis Anderson of St. James Lutheran Church, Sharon Garrett of Grace Bible Church, and Rev. Dr. Audrey Schindler of First Presbyterian Church.  I had a wonderful time touring 8 historic churches and learned much about the local history.  As a consequence, I highly recommend a change to my original church tour route.  Instead of walking from Columbia to Jefferson on 10th Ave., turn right on Columbia and walk to SW Park Ave. which will take you by the Christian Science church and the First Christian Church.  I have included some inside pictures with the previously posted exteriors.

#1 - St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

#2 - Grace Bible Church

#3 - The Old Church

#4 - Portland Korean Church (for sale)

#5 - Christian Science Reading Room

Probably wouldn't be on the list except that it has an interesting mid-century modern screen
 Update: Surprise! In back of the ugly reading room is the 1932 church which has spectacular art deco interior detail.

#6 - St. James Lutheran Church

 

#7 - First Congregational United Church of Christ

 

#7.5 - Farmer's Market (may or may not be there depending on when you go)

#8 - First Baptist Church

#9 - First Presbyterian Church

#10 - St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral

#11 - Trinity Episcopal Cathedral

#12 - Congregation Beth Israel

#13 - Really Lovely Home (private residence)

#14 - Thai Chili Jam Restaurant

Their Spicy Mango is to die for!

UPDATE 9/26/13:
As noted above, I highly recommend a change to my original church tour route.  Instead of walking from Columbia to Jefferson on 10th Ave., turn right on Columbia and walk to SW Park Ave. which will take you by the Christian Science church and the First Christian Church.  The following are pictures from the inside of the First Christian Church.