The Idanha Development Foundation is thrilled to share that Detroit Community Church has generously agreed to donate the Idanha Community Church facility to the Idanha Development Foundation. This gift opens the door to one of our most meaningful and ambitious projects: the restoration of this historic little church on Church Street — and everything it represents.

A Gathering Place for Today

Idanha currently has no dedicated indoor community gathering space. City Hall serves many purposes, but its limited capacity means our community lacks a true home for group meetings, fellowship gatherings, recovery meetings, and events of all kinds. The restored church will fill that gap, giving Idanha residents a place that belongs to all of us.

A Monument to Our History

The story of this church is the story of Idanha itself. In the earliest days of the community, Christian families met in homes and grew a remarkable congregation for such a small town. Over time those gatherings moved from homes to a movie theater, then to a small building, and finally to the church building that still stands on Church Street today. Through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, the church was the nucleus of community life in Idanha — the place where families worshipped, children attended Sunday school, neighbors shared potlucks, and youth groups formed lasting friendships. Annual vacation Bible school drew families from throughout the area. The church was, in the fullest sense, where Idanha came together.

Restoring it honors that legacy and ensures the next generation of Idanha residents understands where their community came from.

How You Can Help

This project is estimated to require $150,000 to $200,000 in total funding. We are seeking:

Financial donations and pledges toward renovation costs
Construction equipment and building materials
Volunteer labor for cleanup, repairs, and renovation work
Organizational partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and grant-making institutions

The church also currently houses the Idanha-Detroit area food pantry. As part of this project, IDF will assume operation of the food pantry and is working to register with Marion-Polk Food Share. Volunteers interested in supporting food security in our community are especially needed and welcome.

If you would like to contribute to the church restoration or the food pantry, please reach out to us. Every dollar, every hour, and every skill matters.

Historic Church Restoration

A gathering place, and a monument to the history of Idanha, Oregon

Team Members