First Christian Church

I attended a wedding here and this venue is so incredibly beautiful! I was amazed by how gorgeous the ceilings and art were, especially the stained glass windows! The staff was also incredibly helpful and readily available when we needed them. I highly recommend them if you are looking to have a Church wedding downtown. :)

WE GOT MUGGED AT THE FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH!
Yes we were mugged! As first time visitors on Sunday, one of the brother’s welcomed my wife and I, while we were seated, with a coffee mug filled with treats with the inscription «I Got Mugged at the First Christian Church.» Clever! This was a very nice hospitable touch to recognize a visitor. Other members introduced themselves too! We toured the church with a 30-​year member earlier in the week when my wife and I attended an author’s book reading sponsored by the church – spacious facility with large sanctuary, library, patio and social events room.
The MESSAGE based on Romans 5:1−5 was delivered eloquently by pastor Amy Piatt. The sermon reminds us to stand firm in our trials and be joyful because of our troubles. Our troubles produce patience and patience produces christian character. There is plenty of grace in the wide open spaces for a christian to observe and to serve – right here in Portland! There is always hope and love – an inspiring message from the WORD by the pastor.
The WORSHIP service was praiseworthy. We loved listening to the pianist backed up with a guitarist and drummer. Hymns were sung by the congregation lead by a professor of music at Portland State University – boy was he talented. A young, gifted guitarist played a solo composition by Manuel Ponce. I was amazed by the speed of his fingers strumming each note with so much precision and passion. I was told that the 9 AM service leaned toward contemporary and the 11 AM more traditional. By the musical talent witnessed my guess is both would be a blessing!
The CHURCH has served Portland’s diverse downtown community since 1879 and is located in the scenic SW Park Blocks near the Portland Museum of Art, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and PSU. The First Christian Church is «an open community of faith, learning, growing, making a difference through Christ» (part of the vision statement).
Don’t be surprised when you visit you will get mugged too! We plan to return. If you get a chance the church is featuring a PSU Guitar Ensemble Concert on May 30^th. Remember that a member is a PSU music professor so it should be great.

I worked closely with Pastor Johanna and administrator Robyn in planning my October 4^th wedding at FCC. I can’t speak highly enough of this venue if you are looking for a beautiful yet intimate religious service for your wedding.
FCC:
— conveniently located
— offers validated parking
— absolutely gorgeous inside and out
— wonderful, open, gracious, and accepting staff (even for nonmembers like me!)
— affordable for weddings– $ 1300
— very accommodating
— intimate circular setup (of pews) that can still hold several hundred guests. This is not only great for larger weddings, but worked quite well for my 15 guest wedding. The space doesn’t feel too large, even for a small crowd
— very very well coordinated by Robyn, who loves what she does and is great at her job. She spent at least 30 minutes on her knees trying to bustle my train! That’s just one example of how awesome Robyn is.
— honest, good people. This isn’t a business for them, they really do care about you and your wedding day.
Highly recommended!