WIP · World in Pocket

Claquato Church

Washington, US

Claquato Church

Claquato Church is a historic Methodist church located in the former community of Claquato, Washington. The structure is recognized as the oldest standing church building in the state of Washington and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Originally meant as a Presbyterian

house of worship when construction began in 1857, the church was dedicated in 1858 under Methodist ministry. The church was built by local residents, and without debt, on land donated by the Davis family, founders of the town of Claquato, the original county seat of Lewis County, Washington. The building was also used as a schoolhouse in its first years, known as the Claquato Academy. The church began to wane after 1874 when the county government shifted to nearby Chehalis. Religious functions ceased and the building fell into disrepair. Two major renovations, in 1929 and 1953, helped restore the church however the structure remained closed except for special occasions. The county officially took over ownership of the site in 1948. In July 2025, the Lewis County board of commissioners placed the church up for sale. Deeming the building and property to be of "no value", the county cited high...

Listen to the audio guide for Claquato Church Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off

Nearby