Oregon is full of unique pubs; but none as historical, nor interesting, as McMenamins. This Oregon City pub is actually located in an old church that was known for many a scandal in its time. In the early 1860s, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was known as the “rebel church” of Oregon City—a place where political tensions ran high, the boundary between church and state nonexistent. The congregation was housed in what’s now known as McMenamins Oregon City, a classic American tavern. An Oregon pub with ties to a rebel church? Now that’s a unique piece of Oregon history you have to hear:
One of the most historic towns in the state, Oregon City was established in 1829 by the Hudson’s Bay Company, a fur trading business originally based in Canada.
Carleton Watkins/Wikipedia In 1844, Oregon City became the first U.S. city west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated.
The town is proud of its rich and storied history, with the stately Oregon City Bridge its most iconic landmark.
Unknown/Wikipedia Completed in 1922, it’s listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
But there’s no place in town more historic, nor storied, than McMenamins Pub.
McMenamins Oregon City Pub/Facebook This Oregon City pub once housed the Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, which was known as a “rebel church” back in its day.
The building itself dates back to 1930, but its associated church history reaches back much further.
John Lacey/Google Local
In the 1860s, during the height of the Civil War, tensions ran high between the congregation’s Democrats and Republicans.
Kevin Larson/Google Local
In fact, left-leaning congregants were known to storm out of sermons led by the parish’s very conservative pastor.
Ben Coogan/Google Local
This building, constructed in 1930, was home to the divided group of worshippers until the mid-1940s.
Scott R/Google Local But by then, in the wake of the Great Depression, the church had fallen into disrepair, as its leaders were unable to pay for upkeep and maintenance.
The church moved its congregation up the hill, to its current location on Oregon City’s Washington Street.
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church/Facebook
And the building at 102 9th Street sat abandoned.
Daryl Robbins/Google Local In the years following, it housed an insurance office and travel agency; until 1995, when it was acquired by McMenamins, a hospitality group in the PNW with an interest in preserving historic properties.
In the spirit of the rebel church, McMenamins kept much of the old woodwork and architecture, adding a dose of irreverence with its offbeat murals.
Josh Goben/Google Local
And, scandalous history aside, McMenamins stands on its own as a really, really good pub.
Sally-Marie Hartmann/Google Local
Their beer flight sampler is a must-try on the menu, offering a taste of some truly noteworthy Oregon brews.
A Nabs/Google Local
And the fare here is delicious: classic pub grub at its best!
Lyndon Way/Google Local
Today, McMenamins remains a place for congregating and conversing.
Kelli Barkley/Google Local
And, of course, also a place for passionate debates and discussions; though the vibe is now one of fun and good spirits.
McMenamins Oregon City Pub/Facebook
Carleton Watkins/Wikipedia
In 1844, Oregon City became the first U.S. city west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated.
Unknown/Wikipedia
Completed in 1922, it’s listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
McMenamins Oregon City Pub/Facebook
This Oregon City pub once housed the Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, which was known as a “rebel church” back in its day.
John Lacey/Google Local
Kevin Larson/Google Local
Ben Coogan/Google Local
Scott R/Google Local
But by then, in the wake of the Great Depression, the church had fallen into disrepair, as its leaders were unable to pay for upkeep and maintenance.
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church/Facebook
Daryl Robbins/Google Local
In the years following, it housed an insurance office and travel agency; until 1995, when it was acquired by McMenamins, a hospitality group in the PNW with an interest in preserving historic properties.
Josh Goben/Google Local
Sally-Marie Hartmann/Google Local
A Nabs/Google Local
Lyndon Way/Google Local
Kelli Barkley/Google Local
Oregon City is full of unique charm and surprises, and the scandalous story of McMenamins Oregon Pub provides a glimpse into the town’s rich history. In addition to the rebel church, Oregon City is home to other unique attractions, including the only municipal elevator in America!
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Address: 102 9th St, Oregon City, OR 97045, USA
