The Dahlia Theater
Venue History
The Dahlia Theater – the heritage of a city. On the corner of NW Third and Elm Street sits the oldest church in Canby, Oregon. Built in 1884 by the First Methodist Episcopal Church, the lovely white-frame building augmented by the all bell steeple, in classic Gothic Revival Style, was originally located one block South on Second and Elm Street.
The early Methodist pioneers held their first Worship Services in private homes followed by meeting in two log Schoolhouses before moving services to the white schoolhouse built on the prairie by William Knight in 1875. The O & C Railroad donated 40 acres west of Canby to the Methodist Church in 1872 and used as a campground and site for annual meetings. Additional buildings were erected for services some time later. One of these relocated cabins still sits behind the Stogdill-Knight house at 486 SW 2nd Avenue.
By 1884, the need for a church “in town” prompted the construction of the white frame church on what was then called “block eight” of Canby’s 1870 mapped town site of 24 Blocks. Two lots were donated by the church’s first pastor, Reverend and Mrs. Samuel Mathews. Mathews was a Nurseryman, growing trees in the town site’s western portion. In 1891, he donated a third lot to the Methodists for a parsonage. The house at 569 NW Third from the Chapels current location was either Mathew’s home or more realistically, the parsonage.
In 1910, the church and its two lots were valued at $3,000, but soon considered too small. The following year, Frank E. Dodge was hired to build a new Moorish-style church; which still stands and is the current facility for the Church of God in town. At that time, the little white frame building was moved to the north of the lots and turned to face Elm.
St. James Roman Catholic Parish bought the white church in 1912 and moved it to face NW Third at Elm where it stands to this day. Archbishop Alexander Christie dedicated the little Catholic Church on Thanksgiving Day in 1912. Reverend Father Matthew Jonas lived in quarters at the rear of the building; as did his successor Reverend Father Michael Fleming. During the period that Father Jonas served the church (1915-1934), many improvements were made.
Parishioners dug a basement under the church which held a wood-burning furnace and later an oil burner. Stained-glass windows created by the famous Povey Brothers of Portland were added; inclusive of the round one which depicts Jesus at the rock in the Garden of Gethsemane. These were given in memory of Dora Wurfel of Barlow. A pump organ provided music for the services. Pressed tin, crafted by Joseph John Klupenger around 1920, adorns the current interior walls. J.J. Klupenger.
In the early 1940’s, the Catholic Church built a rectory next door to house the priest and in 1957, renamed St. Patrick’s Parish, built a new church on NW Ninth. Ownership was maintained by the Catholic Church until 1962 when the church and twelve lots were purchased for $28,500 by Mrs. Mina Freyer; a Ninety-One (Whiskey Hill) school teacher.
Various tenants occupied the building; including several church denominations, an antique shop and a dance studio. Sheldon and Catherine Spalding, and Rufus and Betty Jacobson owned the church for a short time before June of 1978 when Joe and Joan Burleson purchased it for the Willamette Academy of Arts.
From 1979 until 1989, Christo Fellowship once again held services in Canby’s oldest church. Darlene Key, owner from 1989 to 2005, preserved the historical church.
In 2005, Marilyn Nash purchased the little white church and renamed it “The Canby Wedding Chapel”. Marilyn is passionate about the preservation of this beautiful piece of history. Marilyn hosted weddings and special events year round until early 2015.
In early 2015 Marilyn realized another reality for the elegant “Canby Wedding Chapel“, she began to realize a dream of hers to make the property on 3rd and Elm a destination. The Dahlia Theater was born. The passion and ambiance of the grounds and building make it a fabulous artist venue.
At The Dahlia Theater, we are honored by the performers and artists who have chosen The Dahlia as one of their favorite musical venues. The rich history of the building combined with the incredible acoustics and these amazing artists are sure to provide you a one of a kind experience. Many of our musical shows will include a complimentary reception with refreshments provided. Please click the image below to purchase tickets for upcoming performances.
