Photogtaphy by Mildred E. Lykens

St. Joseph's Mission (Catholic Church) 240 NW Washington Street White Salmon, Washington Around the turn of the century Catholics in the area were served by Franciscan priests from Hood River, OR. Mass was said every-other Sunday using loaned quarters and a makeshift altar. In 1908, a wooded hillside lot was purchased from the Lauterbach family on which to build a church. The building was completed and formally dedicated in the Spring of 1912. White Salmon remained a mission for many years served mainly from the “mother” parish of Holy Trinity in Goldendale. In l951, Pope Pius XII formed the Diocese of Yakima .White Salmon fell within its geographical boundary. The first rectory was purchased in July, 1955, and in October 1955, Bishop Joseph P. Dougherty officially raised St. Joseph Mission to the status of Parish. Though the original structure is essentially the same as in 1912, the interior has undergone many alterations. Nearly every priest added his own touch dictated by personal preference and/or the changing needs and desires of the people. The biggest changes were mandated by Vatican II in late 1965 when the altar was turned to face the congregation. The side altars and altar railings were removed in the ’70s. In spite of certain modernization, renovation and refurbishing of the inside, the church has retained (either by accident or by design) the rustic character and inviting atmosphere of the “country church” that it is.