Atkinson Memorial Church is the oldest of its kind in the west. Since 1844, the independent church has supported religious freedom and diversity, welcoming all denominations into its fold. Apart from the mass services, programs for children are also offered. The towering, majestic church is awe-inspiring and reflects a touch of European opulence. The congregation, by contrast, is down-to-earth and happy to greet new members. The church is available for weddings and other special events.
Valley Community Presbyterian Church, always strives to achieve all round growth of the community along with the spiritual awareness. It tries to reach out to the diverse groups of different ages and sexes. Camps and workshops for youngsters and teenagers are organized. The highlight is the 'Valley Academy of Performing Arts', a part of the church that introduces various forms of arts. It hosts the summer Music and Drama Camp and summer Arts Exploration Camp, which gives a hands-on-experience of theater to the participants. Truly, the constant endeavor to uplift the community is evident.
p:ear is the collaborative effort of Justin Oswald, Beth Burns, Joy Cartier and Pippa Arend. Founded in 2002, it stands for project: education, art, recreation. It is a kind of community center for the youth between the ages of 15 to 24, who are homeless or are in an unstable environment. This facility aims to foster a conclusive relationship with them through various educational and mentoring activities that are creative. The safe and positive setting of this center helps these kids to forge strong relationships and bring a stability in their lives. From training, clothing to physical welfare and education, their needs are met by this institution. They also offer arts, music, recreational and other programs where these individuals can hone their skills. p:ear’s also hosts art exhibitions and live performances regularly. It is available on rent as well for events.
Boasting of the splendid vistas of the St. Johns Bridge, Cathedral Park is surrounded by lush greenery. The gothic arched supports are magnificently medieval and make this 17.5-acre (8 hectare) parcel of land quite enchanting. Enjoy a restful afternoon gazing up at one of the world's loveliest bridges. An excellent picnic pick, Cathedral Park also has a stage, soccer field, boat ramp and restrooms. The flat trails are great for the nature walk along the river and there are no fees to use the park. Whether it is a family picnic or a romantic evening that you want to spend, Cathedral Park is an ideal venue.
Get a glimpse of the oriental culture right in the heart of Portland at Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center. Established in 2004, this center works towards conserving and promoting the glorious history of Japanese immigrants in the city. The museum has a vast space dedicated entirely to 'Issei immigration' (first generation). Named after the Japanese term meaning 'descendants', this museum traces the origins and cultural changes that the community has seen through the years. Thriving on donations and the meager admission fee, this museum has maintained its exhibits with great care.
The history of the Portland fire department dates back more than 150 years. The department came into existence in the 19th Century and has been serving the community of Portland since. The Historic Belmont Firehouse is a testament to the heritage of firefighting in Portland. The firehouse building has undergone renovation many times but still manages to hold on to its historic charm. Inside the building is the Jeff Morris Fire Museum, which has displays of many kinds of firefighting equipment. Unlike other museums where touching exhibits are strictly prohibited, you can touch and handle several of these artifacts to understand how they work. Some interesting elements include the Jeffers Sidestroke Handpump Fire Engine from 1859 and the Hose Cart from 1860. Timelines of the milestones of the fire department's history adorn the walls and an audio guide is also available for those who want additional information.