Fond memories of the community church

I read with some sadness about the closing of the Coulee Dam Community Church. During the 1950s I attended the church, sang in the choir and have wonderful memories of the candlelight Christmas Eve services.

Back in those days, the Community Church was about the only church that held services every Sunday. It accommodated all the protestant faiths. The Catholic church had a traveling priest who held mass regularly, but did not live in Coulee Dam. Our minister, Rev. Petersen, was very active in the community and even played tennis regularly with Vic Overstreet (middle school principal) at the courts near the school. Rev. Petersen and Mr. Overstreet took time to teach several of us to play tennis.

What great memories. I remember the beautiful organ in the sanctuary, the processional as the choir entered the church singing “Holy, Holy, Holy.” It was a beautiful old church, filled with wonderful memories. Hard to believe that the attendance is only 20 people anymore when it used to be full … especially at Christmas.

The 50’s in Coulee Dam were special; everyone in town attended all the school functions, games, concerts, and plays. It had a real sense of community. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to live in this great town even though it was only for eight years.

Donna Cunning

Peoria, Arizona