Marquam UMC History
The Marquam United Methodist Church facility is a picturesque, white frame building located on State Highway 213 at Marquam, approximately halfway between Silverton and Molalla, Oregon. Built in 1889, the structure sits on a four acre lot which also features a Parsonage, Annex and Fellowship Hall. The acreage surrounding the buildings was donated in 1888 by Mr. And Mrs. John Doors. In those days, Marquam was a stagecoach stop between Oregon City and Salem.
In the years prior to 1889, Members met in a group known as The Methodist Episcopal Class. Those early services were held in pioneer homes or in groves of trees. The Gladtiding Camp Meeting grounds were in a grove on the farm owned by Peter J. Ridings, “located on the corner where the road goes east toward Schnacks and Pisers, toward Wilhoit.” Today that corner is on property owned by the Pilsers and geographically located on the corner of Highway 213 and S. Thomas Road. The congregation was served by the Circuit Riding Pastor from the Hubbard Charge. Some of those pastors as early as 1860 did the administrative work when they came to Marquam (known then as “Marquamville”) which was twice a month. They celebrated baptisms, weddings and instructed the faithful, largely under the efforts of Jason Lee’s congregation in Salem. A revival held in 1888 prompted a decision to build a building for regular worship.
The actual construction of the frame building was completed quickly in 1890. In 1899, the Rev. John M. Shuise became the first resident Pastor appointed to Marquam by the Oregon Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The new Parsonage he moved into would serve Pastors and their families for 76 years. In 1975, the present Parsonage was constructed.
The frame building was moved back from Highway 213 and set on a foundation in 1964.
In 1905, a Hall was constructed to serve as the third school for Marquam area children. Until 1977, the “Old Hall” would served as a community meeting place for weddings, celebrations, potluck suppers, the Auction, (which continues today), elections, ice cream socials and other congregational events. The present Hall was constructed in 1977.
In 2009, the congregation celebrated their 120th Anniversary with a series of Worship Celebrations highlighting their life in 40 year increments. They concluded these with Worship under trees adjacent to the facilities. The Marquam United Methodist Church has had moments when it shined as a leader in the community and moments when it looked as though it would cease to exist. Today, the congregation looks towards its privileged stewardship for God and the community. Those early Members set this role, always remembering that our primary purpose is to spread the love of our Lord to all.