Mountain Valley Chapel Open Bible Church

Long before Gold Bar became the community it is today, town founder O.S. Lewis donated land along Lewis Avenue to support two of the most important foundations of any growing town: education and faith. In the early 1900s, Lewis provided land for both a school and a church, helping establish the civic center of the young community.

Construction of the church building began in 1904, and in 1907 the building was officially dedicated as the Free Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Reverend J.M. Wilder. Standing just steps away from the original school, the church quickly became a gathering place for worship, community events, and support during the challenges of frontier life in the Sky Valley.

Over the decades, the church witnessed the growth of Gold Bar through changing industries, generations of families, world wars, economic shifts, and community celebrations. Numerous pastors served the congregation throughout its history, helping guide the church through periods of growth and transformation.

Like many historic buildings, the church faced adversity. A fire damaged the building in 1951, prompting a restoration and rededication of the church. More than fifty years later, another fire in 2004 damaged part of the structure, requiring significant rebuilding efforts to preserve the historic landmark. Each time, the congregation and community worked together to ensure the church would continue serving future generations.

Today, known as Mountain Valley Chapel, the church continues its mission more than a century after its founding. While the town around it has evolved, the building remains a visible reminder of the vision of Gold Bar’s earliest settlers and the community spirit that has endured for generations.