Historically speaking, the year 1937 was an important year for Mt. Hood, the year the majestic Timberline Lodge was dedicated along with its counterpart the Silcox Hut. And a new historical destination has now been added to the mix, the "new" 1937 Steiner Church!

Henry Steiner and his sons built 100 "Steiner Cabins" and two log churches in the Mt. Hood area between 1925 and 1952. Today, each of these cabins is highly prized and sought after, and of the two churches built only one still exists, and that is the 1937 Steiner Church. As with many historical buildings in Oregon, the Steiner Church fell into disrepair by the mid-1970s, but in 1976 it was bought by Mike Gudge, who then undertook a 46 year restoration effort, along with Henry Steiner's son, John, to bring the church back to its former glory. The finished project is truly an architectural masterpiece.

Mike finished the restoration project just last year, and for the first time the church was added to the very popular annual Steiner Cabins tour. The problem was that if you wanted to see the 1937 Steiner Church, you had to hope it was included in the annual Steiner Cabins tour and that you would be lucky enough to obtain one of the only 300 tour tickets available, out of the nearly 2,000 people trying to get them! In other words, it's been difficult for folks to see and tour the 1937 Steiner Church. That is...until now.

Beginning November 4, Mike Gudge will be opening his 1937 Steiner Church to the public for tours on the first Saturday of every month, all year-long. This means you no longer have to wait for an entire year hoping you'll maybe have an opportunity to see the church!

As the author of 10 different guidebooks for Oregon, I can say that the Steiner Church is one of the finest historical destinations in the state, and since it was also built in 1937, it now joins Timberline Lodge and Silcox Hut as one of the three "must see" historical destinations when visiting Mt. Hood.

I would encourage you to contact Mike to arrange your own tour of the church, as well as to learn all about what's going on there, from its opening to monthly tours, to the creation of the new Steiner Memorial Park and even the brand new 1937 Steiner Church website, www.SteinerChurch.com. You can reach Mike at FordHavenZigZag@MSN.com or give him a call at 503-622-3639 for more details.

The 1937 Steiner Church is open the first Saturday of every month, beginning Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $10, with discounts for seniors (60+), students, military, and Steiner Society Members. 68835 East Barlow Trail Road Welches, OR 97067.