St. John in Yamhill, Oregon underwent significant renovation in 1996 under the architectural direction of Larry Nicholson. The project transformed the parish’s physical spaces while honoring its Catholic heritage.
The original church building was repurposed as a parish hall following the 1996 renovation. This adaptive reuse allowed the community to maintain its historical structure while creating functional space for parish activities.
The renovated sanctuary reflects post-Vatican II design principles. The space features a semi-circular seating arrangement that encourages congregational participation and connection to the liturgy. Key architectural elements include a prominent crucifix positioned above the altar, an ambo for scriptural proclamation, carefully placed windows providing natural illumination, and a custom-designed baptismal font created by architect Nicholson. An organ installation complements the acoustic and spiritual needs of the worshipping community.
