First Congregational UCC of Portland

The church was built in 1895. It is an historic looking structure outside with a swiss designed, 175 foot bell tower. The church fits appropriately among the giant trees along the downtown south park blocks.
Inside the church is also majestic with a curved sanctuary and balcony where you can view and listen to a pipe organ resonating heavenly.
I closed my eyes and the choir sang hymns, sounded as beautiful, as any performance I attended at the Arlene Schnitzer Hall (next door) for renown performing artists. We (my wife and I) were greeted warmly by Roger at the front door.
We can become too comfortable with the contemporary worship services we may miss the opportunity to experience the holy spirit through classical hymns, the kind that send shivers up and down your spine. Only our first visit, the Word was delivered by 3 lay-​ministers, as the church waits on its new senior pastor.
It is an open and affirming congregation accepting any race, creed, gender, cultural background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As a nondenominational believer raised by «fire and brimstone» preaching, later gravitating toward the contemporary smooth church rock and one-​liner gifted pastors, it felt right to be in this church at that moment (day of Pentecost) to revive my soul through the teachings of Christ.
We will try it again but are also interested to take in other Christ believing churches in downtown,

The First Congregational Church of Portland has been serving it’s Community since 1843. The current Church was built in 1895 and consists of a stone/​sandstone Italian Gothic structure, with a signature tower and gorgeous stained glass, inside and out. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Church is right next to the Oregon Historical Society and it’s quite a treat to admire the Church from either the Museum’s patio or within the nearby South Park Blocks. I also went inside and went up to the main sanctuary. I looked forward to marvel at their organ and outward to enjoy the glass accented light. And as I’m prone to do sometimes within any religious establishment, I prayed and recited a blessing. After all, May 21^st is just around the corner… :)