Pioneer Chapel

Designation: Local Landmark

Address: 508 NW 3^rd Avenue

Date Built: 1884

Style: Gothic Revival

Significance: Lots 1 and 2 in block 8 on the corner of SW 2^nd and Elm were donated by Reverend Samuel Mathews (who had joined the Methodist Oregon conference in 1855) and his wife for a Methodist Church. Mathews was a tree nurseryman who owned several blocks of land, and he gave much of his earnings to mission work. The wood frame church and steeple were built in 1884 and were dedicated by Rev. Mathews. By 1912, the congregation needed a larger facility and the church was moved to its current site.