First Congregational United Church of Christ, Portland

First Congregational United Church of Christ is one of the oldest Protestant congregations in the Pacific Northwest, having been organised in 1851. Designed by Swiss architect Henry J. Hefty and completed in 1895, the church reflects Venetian Gothic architecture inspired by Boston’s Old South Church. Its 175-foot bell tower was once among the city’s tallest structures.

The exterior is built mainly from dark St. Helens basalt laid in broken ashlar masonry, highlighted by light blue and buff Tenino sandstone trim. This distinctive contrast earned the building the local nickname "Holy Checkerboard." The original design also included two smaller towers and a central cupola, which were removed during the 1940s after suffering structural damage from severe weather. The richly detailed stonework, pointed arches, and decorative carvings remain among the building's most distinctive architectural features.

Inside, visitors can admire finely crafted woodwork, a spacious timber-roofed sanctuary, and stained-glass windows created by the Povey Brothers Studio in 1906. Its large pipe organ and strong acoustics support worship, recitals, choral performances, and candlelight concerts. The active church also hosts cultural, educational, and community events.