By Liv Stecker
Tucked just off of Washington State Highway 25 about 20 miles south of Kettle Falls, Rice Christian Fellowship sits perched on the side of Pleasant Valley road, the quintessential little white country church, beckoning to friends and neighbors. The gently rolling hills to either side of the church building create a natural haven from the sometimes rough elements of weather in North Eastern Washington, much like the little community church has offered shelter to members and visitors from the hustle and bustle of daily life for 104 years.
In November of 1912, construction began on the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, founded by the descendents of the hardy settlers of Rice and the surrounding area. It was a ten day tent revival in the fall of 1912 that spurred the community to action, inspiring neighbors to join together to build a place of worship. Dedicated on October 19 of 1913, the new church was constructed on four acres referred to as “Sparks/Covington Corners”, donated by neighboring property owners W.A. Covington and A.J. Sparks, descendants of whom still live in the area and attended the church for several generations. The 32X50 church was constructed entirely by volunteers and with donated materials. It included a “full basement for Sunday School work”, which was originally only accessible from an outside stairway. By the end of November of 1913, the building was fully operational and being put to use regularly, with a Sunday School enrollment of 74 students.
Official minutes from the church business meetings, meticulously detailed in elegant spencerian script, document a flourishing congregation until 1919. After than point, documentation of the church history was lost for intervals as the church became for sometime a Sunday School meeting house when they lacked a formal pastor. In 1974 the name was changed to Rice Community Church, and a few years later the congregational affiliation with the Washington Baptist Convention was dissolved when the congregation purchased the church building and grounds from them for $1000. In 1994, Pleasant Valley Bible Church and Rice Community Church combined forces and under the pastoral care of Reverend DJ Follett, which continued until 1999.
At the turn of the new millennium, there was still no indoor restroom or running water at the church building, and a group of motivated leaders came from nearby Addy New Life Christian Center to help rebuild the church community in Rice and add these improvements. The leadership team also worked at expanding church membership by hosting community events, potlucks, bible studies, Vacation Bible School and other projects. The name was changed once again to Rice Christian Fellowship, and for a few years the congregation flourished without a formal pastor, developing intimate sunday school, prayer and bible study groups.
Over the years, Rice Christian Fellowship has seen the ebb and flow of attendance as families come and go from the the rural community, maintaining a congregation averaging 40-50 people over the 104 year history. As with many small churches, the growing pains that a digital era brings in, as well as the challenges of finding pastors called to remote rural locations have not gone unfelt in Rice. Through denominational changes, national crises, wars and tribulations, the church has remained with open doors and open hearts, receiving visitors and members from all walks of life, regardless of the congregation size or financial status from year to year.
Now pastored by Len Tatum, the people of Rice Christian Fellowship feel the call to a “come as you are” atmosphere more strongly than ever. With a vision to build a family church for all ages and generations, Tatum says that “we are here for everybody.” Wanting to be a church that reaches out the community, they believe in making a difference and doing what needs to be done in their small community. The church is now affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America, a support network instead of a denomination, dedicated to building churches without intervening governmentally.
With a passionate worship team, dedicated board of elders and involved congregation, Pastor Len says that the 104th anniversary is a chance not only to look back, but to look ahead. “What now?” he asks, with a twinkle in his eye. Rice Christian Fellowship has big plans for the future, including rebuilding the bible study, VBS, youth group and missionary support programs that they once enjoyed.
On Saturday October 8th, Rice Christian Fellowship will host a 104th anniversary celebration, inviting all to come and see the historic church and meet the good people that inhabit it now. The celebration begins at 1:00 and there will be food, fun and fellowship. The church is located at 2370 Pleasant Valley Road in Rice, WA. They can be reached at 509-738-2346 for more information.
