St Paul's Mission

Readers will note a difference in the spelling of the word Colvile.
Fort Colvile was named for Andrew Colvile, a director fo the Hudson Bay Company.
The Indian Tribe by the same name prefers the spelling Colville.

St Paul's Mission is one of the oldest standing churches in the State of Washington and is registered in the National Registry of Historic Places. The surrounding area has major significance, for it was the site of summer fishing camps and burial grounds dating from about 600 A.D. and a cemetery in historical times. Year after year, during the summer fishing season, upwards of two hundred Indians would camp on the high bluff overlooking the Kettle Falls on the Columbia.

In 1845 Father Anthony Ravalli visted Fort Colvile, staying a month and encouraging the Indians of the Kettle Falls to build a small chapel of rough logs and brush. It was named St. Paul's Mission. This marked one of the earliest attempts to convert area natives.

Father DeVos became the church's first permanent missionary in 1847 followed by Father Joset in 1851 who remained until iti closed. For a few years things went well with the church. But, with the settlers came disease, particularly measles and smallpox. The tribes related the sickness to the settlers and conflicts began. In 1854, a saloon was constructed near the mission and in 1856, the discovery of gold brought more settlers to the area. As a result, the Native Americans lost interest in European religion and St. Paul's Mission was temporarily closed. It was reopened in 1862 by Father Joset and the church was once again used on a regular basis. On August 17, 1875 the last service was held at the mission.

The neglected mission fell into disrepair until 1939 when Father Georgen and a concerned citizens group enlisted support to restore the building with Federal assistance. Timbers were cut, hewn, and groved to match those of the original chapel, and the dovetailded construction using wooden pegs, still stands as an accurate replica of the early mission. The church was donated to the State of Washington in 1951 and it was then turned over to the National Park Service in 1974.

Where Do I Find It?

You can find the St. Paul's Mission and an ancient sharpening stone used by the Native Americans in times past. The Mission and stone are located 1/4 mile beyone the Center. The Kettle Falls Historical Center 3 1/2 miles west of Fettle Falls on Hwy 395. The exhibis is open weekends in May and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from June 1st through Labor Day.

Designed & Maintained by 'Blue Moose' design services
Kettle Falls, WA


	St Paul's Mission

	Readers will note a difference in the spelling of the word Colvile. Fort Colvile was named for Andrew Colvile, a director fo the Hudson Bay Company. The Indian Tribe by the same name prefers the spelling Colville.

	St Paul's Mission is one of the oldest standing churches in the State of Washington and is registered in the National Registry of Historic Places. The surrounding area has major significance, for it was the site of summer fishing camps and burial grounds dating from about 600 A.D. and a cemetery in historical times. Year after year, during the summer fishing season, upwards of two hundred Indians would camp on the high bluff overlooking the Kettle Falls on the Columbia. In 1845 Father Anthony Ravalli visted Fort Colvile, staying a month and encouraging the Indians of the Kettle Falls to build a small chapel of rough logs and brush. It was named St. Paul's Mission. This marked one of the earliest attempts to convert area natives.
	Father DeVos became the church's first permanent missionary in 1847 followed by Father Joset in 1851 who remained until iti closed. For a few years things went well with the church. But, with the settlers came disease, particularly measles and smallpox. The tribes related the sickness to the settlers and conflicts began. In 1854, a saloon was constructed near the mission and in 1856, the discovery of gold brought more settlers to the area. As a result, the Native Americans lost interest in European religion and St. Paul's Mission was temporarily closed. It was reopened in 1862 by Father Joset and the church was once again used on a regular basis. On August 17, 1875 the last service was held at the mission.
	The neglected mission fell into disrepair until 1939 when Father Georgen and a concerned citizens group enlisted support to restore the building with Federal assistance. Timbers were cut, hewn, and groved to match those of the original chapel, and the dovetailded construction using wooden pegs, still stands as an accurate replica of the early mission. The church was donated to the State of Washington in 1951 and it was then turned over to the National Park Service in 1974.


	Where Do I Find It?
	You can find the St. Paul's Mission and an ancient sharpening stone used by the Native Americans in times past. The Mission and stone are located 1/4 mile beyone the Center. The Kettle Falls Historical Center 3 1/2 miles west of Fettle Falls on Hwy 395. The exhibis is open weekends in May and Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from June 1st through Labor Day.

	Designed & Maintained by 'Blue Moose' design services Kettle Falls, WA