South Bend United Methodist Church Home Page

            The South Bend United Methodist Church towers over Highway 101.  The church seems pretty high up requiring a climb to reach the door to the sanctuary.  However, this is deceptive, for this is actually the third church building occupied by this community of Christian worship, and it is the easiest to reach.  The first South Bend church was built in 1875, "at the sawmill in South Bend," according to an historical account in the South Bend Journal and in Methodism in the Northwest by E. Howell, 1966.  The second church building was opened in 1890, but was located high enough up on the hill from the Willapa River that reaching it by arduous climbing was a deterrent against attending worship.  Happily, the present building is just a short walk up from the Highway.  This church was opened in 1905 when services were first held in the basement, the earliest part of the building that was completed.  The new church was dedicated at Easter in April 1906.  More remodeling was done in 1948.  Now, a pleasant parking lot allows easy access for worshipers for the 10:00 A.M. service.  Carol and I are happy to be a part of this historic church and its service to the South Bend community.

Music is an important part of the worship experience, since the electric organ and the upright piano are tuned so well together.  Trained and talented musicians tickle the ivories on both instruments.  A third friend who plays brass horn instruments frequently completes a trio.  The result is that beautiful harmonies fill the sanctuary.  Guided by these musical worship leaders we celebrate traditional hymnal music played by these dedicated people who have long served this church.

"Circuit rider" preachers have served this church over the years from frontier days, when horseback riding clergy served communities all over the Willapa Harbor and Willapa Valley areas.  The parsonage at South Bend UMC is in an ideal spot overlooking the Willapa River.  You may enjoy finding out more about the "watermen and women" who ply this river with their boats fishing in the river and the Willapa Bay for salmon, oysters and clams.  We enjoy living in this example of God's beautiful creation by the sea.

            This summer we are being challenged as we work with the Vancouver District Task Force to strengthen our church.  Our planning for renewed mission outreach includes invitations to local South Bend residents to join the congregation for worship and pot luck lunches on Sunday in which fellowship and community are celebrated.  With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, this worship community hopes to touch the lives of many on the south bend of the Willapa River.

Our prayer ministry at South Bend UMC is growing! We would like to extend an invitation to all to pray with us or to request prayer from us. We will pray for you. We will pray for comfort and guidance, relief and healing. If you are unable to come to the church for Open Door Prayer, please contact us and we will pray for you.