<I>PHIL RAISTAKKA photo</I><BR>The historic Deep River Church has a new roof thanks to the efforts of community volunteers.

DEEP RIVER – The Deep River Pioneer Church has been serving the communities of western Wahkiakum County and of the Naselle area of Pacific County for over 100 years. With the improvements which have taken place recently, its place as a functioning historical monument should be assured for many years to come.

The latest renovation to be completed was a new cedar shingle roof installed by Solum Roofing Co. of Astoria. Ted Swanson of Naselle, who is one of the committee members involved in the renovation of the church, said, “The shingles were in definite need of replacing. The contractors took off four old layers of roofing before putting on the new shingles.”

Swanson’s father, Theodore Swanson, Sr., as a partner in Johnson and Swanson Shingle Mill of Rosburg, had provided the shingles for the second layer of roofing material which had been installed in the 1930s. Swanson laughed, “Looking at the history of Dad’s shingle mill, (you can find that) cedar in 1908 was $5 a thousand and shakes were selling for $2.50 a square. That’s a little different than it is today.” The shingles for this new roof were provided by Anderson Shake Inc. of Cathlamet, continuing the use of local wood products to replace the original shingles that came from the local area.

Ted’s wife Sally (Manula) Swanson, another member of the restoration committee, is a cousin of Erik Manula who donated the land where the church stands today. She said, “People have been very generous in making donations for the preservation of the Church. Several firms and individuals have donated money and time to the work that is going on.”

Karen Bertroch, of the Wahkiakum County Community Foundation, said that over $25,000 has already been raised for the Church renovation. In addition to the new roof, the steeple will be cleaned and repaired, a replica of the outhouse will be built, and the building will receive a new coat of paint.

“The Kinsman Foundation of Oregon donated $10,000 for the historical preservation of the church. Other firms, notably Naselle Rock and Asphalt and Wahkiakum West, have provided support for the project. Krist Novoselic donated a piano to the church,” Bertroch said.

The ongoing drive to support the church has received support from states as far away as Virginia, as well as much support from Washington, Oregon and California residents. Eight vesper services, with various churches in charge of the services, have been held at the church and averaged about 40 people attending each Sunday.

“Plans are to continue with vesper services this coming year and to hold a Christmas service this winter. Support has come in from these services and appeals for donations will continue to be made to the Friends of the Church,” Bertroch explained.

The Deep River Cemetery Association owns the building and land on which it stands. “Thanks must go to that group and to the Swansons, Margie Metcalf, Glenrose Hedlund, Carlton Appelo, Stanley Rangila, and Barbara Bate for their work in the restoration and use of the church,” Bertroch concluded.