The History of Our Parish

  At the turn of the century, Farewell Bend was a small crossroads village where stages carrying passengers and mail said "farewell" to the Deschutes River going south and east. In those days there were Episcopalians among the early settlers. Earliest records show that the Reverend Clarence Lake held Episcopal services in private homes during 1904. At that time the state was one huge diocese, so the first bishop who visited Bend was the Bishop of Oregon, Dr. Scadding, who came in 1909.

   In that same year, the lot on which the church now stands was given by Mr. A.M. Drake. During the building years, services were held in Sathers Hall and in the old Liberty Theater.

   The original rectory was built in the 1920's under the leadership of the Reverend A.C. Tebeau. The cornerstone for the present church was laid on June 8, 1929. First services in the new building were held in September of that year and the church was consecrated one month later on October 27, 1929.

  The present Parish Hall, given in memory of Harry Brooks, was completed and dedicated on September 23, 1951. In 1967, members of the parish provided funds for an addition to Brooks Hall known as Dean Harris Hall, to honor Dean Harris, a long-time sexton and supporter of the parish.

   The church is blessed with extremely fine appointments, including outstanding memorial stained-glass windows and beautiful wood carvings. In 1939, an excellent pipe organ was given in memory of Jessie and George Prince. Many other memorials have added to the beauty and the dignity of this building.

   A complete history and scrapbook compiled from all the important records down through the years may be seen by anyone interested in the beginnings and history of Trinity.