Restoration nearly complete at historic St. Patrick church, Walla Walla
WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON—By the time the Catholic faithful of St. Patrick in Walla Walla were preparing to celebrate their patron’s feast day on March 17, the dust had begun to settle in the newly restored, 142-year-old church they call home. Although the project was not entirely complete for celebrating the Missionary to Ireland, it was suitable for liturgical use. It has been almost half a decade since former pastor Father Matthew Nicks began exploring the idea of restorations in 2019, and its near-completion under the current pastor, Father Dale Tuckerman.
Sanctuary of St. Patrick prior to restoration. (Courtesy Photo.)
The church's exterior has remained largely unchanged for nearly a century and a half. However, the interior has seen major and minor changes over the years. More substantial renovations came after the Second Vatican Council when sanctuaries were dramatically altered in both modern and historic churches. Much like the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes from the 1970s - 2010s, St. Patrick was adjusted and featured a table-style altar that protruded from the sanctuary into the cross-section of the cruciform church. Other minor works over the years included modernized audio and lighting.
This restoration sought to restore the interior to its historical layout and preserve the building for many more years to come. Most notably, the protruding raised sanctuary and altar were removed to allow more space for pews. Next, a beautifully crafted and windowed wall was created below the front edge of the choir loft, creating a narthex and cry room for families. The confessionals’ interiors were gutted and modernized, while the exterior façade was cleaned and restored. Each of the 14 Stations was cleaned and repainted. Finally, everything below the ceiling trim was repainted, and the pews returned to their proper place. The hanging light fixtures were updated, and devotional candle stands were added to the transepts. The faithful eagerly await the arrival and installation of a marble ambo, table altar, and communion rails to finish the project.
The church was built in 1881, yet a notable Catholic community existed in Walla Walla for many years prior. Although St. Patrick was never consecrated as a cathedral, the Diocese of Walla Walla existed from 1846 to 1853 and was led by Bishop A.M.A. Blanchet during its short tenure. Bishop Blanchet could never settle in Walla Walla due to the Whitman Masacare and unrest in the area in the mid-1850s. The Catholic community continued to grow over the years under the Archdiocese of Oregon City (Portland) and later the Diocese of Spokane. It is one of the largest parishes in the Diocese of Spokane, with over 1,200 faithful attending Holy Mass weekly.
