Mass was celebrated for the first time in
Sutherlin on September 8, 1957 at 10:30 a.m.
in the Sutherlin Community Grange Hall. About 150 people were present, the number increasing to about 200 the following Saturday. At that time Fr. J.J. Linehan was the newly appointed pastor of St. John’s Parish in Drain, of which Sutherlin was a Mission.

A longtime resident of Sutherlin, Mr. Derwood Elliot, was accorded the honor of breaking ground for St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in a ceremony at the Church site on August 20, 1956. Guests from other communities, along with a large group of Sutherlin Catholics participated in the ceremony conducted by the Reverend Edmund J. Murnane, Pastor of St. Mary’s Parish in Eugene, and Dean of that area of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. The first Mass was celebrated on January 17, 1960. The Bell was donated by St. Joseph Parish in Roseburg.

On May 4, 1969, the new educational center, Robert Steele Hall, was dedicated by Archbishop Robert J. Dwyer of the Portland Archdiocese. The hall received its name in honor of Corporal Robert Steele, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gale Steele, who lost his life in military action during the Vietnam War.

Working with a plan designed by George Purcell, John Eaton, a stone mason from California completed the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary in June 1977. The alcove of the grotto features fine workmanship and stone artistry. The base and the crown above the image are made of solid rock. Incorporated into the overall design are two planters. A sidewalk connecting the grotto to the church and the hall completed this phase of the Church’s landscaping.

In September, 1984, the statue of Saint Francis Xavier was dedicated. One of the largest works ever attempted in this particular medium, the artist, Gene Blome, of some renown, especially in Southern California, carved the almost life-sized piece from myrtle wood harvest from the Coquille area. Erected in a unique setting designed to protect the figure from the elements year round, the statue is plainly visible to the public. With the support of Fr. Gerry McCray, Pastor, the benefactor and driving force behind this project was Mr. Frank H. (Theresa) Rogers of Sutherlin. Also active in the design and construction of this shrine to the Sutherlin Church’s patron were Harold Desbiens, concrete contractor, and Charles Swift, electrician.