Echo Heritage Association

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Echo Heritage Association

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Echo Heritage Association is a public benefit non-profit founded in 2018 to preserve the former St. Peter's Catholic Church in Echo, Oregon.

09/09/2026

MONEY MATTER

In December of 2019, as we were first forming the EHA, Joe Ramos made the motion to open our bank accounts; checking and endowment. We knew that the historic site was going to require a lot of money to refurbish but, in terms of long-range project health, nothing would be more important than having an endowment. Slowly over the years we have been tucking away a little money to that part of the cause.

Kent Madison recently brought word of an opportunity with Oregon Community Foundation where they would manage the endowment as a partner. After further talking with Kent, and, then with another long-time supporter Tim Mabry, an OCF representative came to talk with us about the possibilities. We have decided to apply for an account and will have this matter on our September Board agenda.

08/08/2026

This image is one of a very early EHA board meeting showing Joe Ramos, Phyllis Shovelski, Chris Bettencourt, Denise Howland, and Rich Snow at the table. Missing was Gary West and Mike Duffy is behind the camera. That was about eight years ago. EHA holds board elections in September. Members can stay on or rotate out of voting membership. The normal term of service is a renewable three-years. Persons interested in getting involved are asked to contact current President, Phyllis; 541.379.6992. [email protected]. EHA is good for the community!

07/11/2026

The “Roof & Carpentry” project was started a couple years ago to tend to needed repairs; work to be done right away; not left for later while doing general renovation. C&C Roofing did the roofing, A Sharp Painter restored the entryway doors and then Craig Schommer worked closely with master craftsman Rod Turpo of Oregon City to replicate the cross. The church cross was picked and replaced by McCormack Construction of Pendleton. Good quality materials and workmanship have been a priority throughout. Mike Duffy managed the project on behalf of EHA. Major funding was from The Union Pacific Foundation, The Greater Hermiston Community Foundation, AWS Change X, Port of Umatilla, The Ford Family Foundation, and an anonymous contributor who specifically assigned funds to this project “To Honor Craig Schommer”. Thousands of dollars value have also been booked through in-kind contributions. This project, and EHA itself, could not exist without the efforts of dozens – actually, hundreds – of supporters local and distant, helping this cause. Thank you to the many supporters; Friends of St. Peter’s.

06/12/2026

EHA Directors Chris and Phyllis were sharing some moments Thursday with ladies from Hermiston's Catholic Daughters group. Besides updating and answering questions about the restoration project, Kristi Smalley led the group pledging two new members. This is the first such proceeding in St. Peter's in many decades! EHA Director Mike Duffy also told a few stories and then Chris, Phyllis and Mike hosted a reception at the Duffy home in Echo. We so appreciate our friends from Hermiston coming to visit...thank you ladies!

06/11/2026

Church will be open this evening at 6PM for viewing. The Catholic Daughters from our Lady of Angels are coming for a tour. But anyone interested in seeing St Peter' s is welcome to stop by. Please check out the newly erected cross on the roof.

06/05/2026

Echo Heritage Association is honored to coordinate a community-based scholarship grant award program for high school graduates interested in pursuing advanced education. Each year applications are reviewed, and awards are granted with funds generously shared through a mailing and community fund-raiser activities. Pictured here is EHA Director Chris Bettencourt, Emily Rose, Mack Murdock, Hope Russell, and on the right, EHA President Phyllis Shovelski. Mack was awarded $1000; Emily and Hope, $2,000 each. Congratulations students and sincere best wishes for your continued success!

06/01/2026

REALLY FUN! We have so much to be thankful for!

We really need to say thanks again to our event SPONSORS! And to patrons, those who shared for the auctions, and the volunteer helpers. Food and drink were great! The Bands were better than perfect. And of course, to our friends at the wonderful Echo Ridge Cellars... you are incomparable. Thank you!

There have emerged a few questions, so ...

1. As nearly as can be determined, after investigation, the 911 call was just a mistake.

2. No, the BBQ did not run out of food...just that first, very fine TRITIP Special, which went quickly.

3. Yes, it is true that Larry who won the $100 "HEADS or TAILS"...donated it back to the cause (Thank you, Larry!).

4. Jean and Mary were perfect but, please keep in mind, it is generally not a good idea to just walk up and start petting the mules.

5. Yes, it is true, Grammies apple pie did sell for $300 at the auction!

6. The video evidence is inconclusive but, shows John was not only on the dance floor area towards the end of the evening but, may have been dancing. There is quite a bit of action in the images just then but, discernible, rhythmic motion is not an unreasonable interpretation.

05/30/2026

Party this evening!

With this forecast, some may want long sleeves or a light jacket; near 70 degrees with a breeze. The party venue has areas inside and out but, the mules and wagon stay outside!

Admission is $25. Additional tokens are $5 and paying admission for kids is optional. Good food and fun. Great music! Please come and enjoy! Net proceeds benefit local causes. Please remember your ID if you plan to have some alcohol. Echo Ridge Cellars in Echo, Oregon; 4 - 10 PM.

05/28/2026

This party has it all! Live music — Bluegrass/Western/Irish with Wh***ey Before Breakfast at 4:00 and Rock On with Chrome Molly at 7:00. TACOS or BBQ. W**e, brew or Soda Craze. The mule drawn wagon loops during daylight hours from the party to Sno Road W**ery, over to Nic's Bistro then by H&P Cafe before returning to the party.

Saturday from 4 - 10 PM. Admission $25 includes three $5 coupons. Silent Auction. Dessert Auction. Indoor and outdoor at Echo Ridge Cellars in Echo, Oregon. Net proceeds to benefit local causes. Produced by Echo Heritage Association. Please bring ID for alcoholic beverages!

05/27/2026

This is FUN! EHA Director Carol Baggerly recently came back from Banner Bank with a donated 55" TCL Series 4 tv — RETAIL VALUE $369! It will go to the highest bidder during the party silent auction this Saturday at Echo Ridge Cellars! Thank you Carol, thank you Echo Ridge, and thank you Banner Bank!

Address

Leezer Avenue And Marble Street
Echo, OR
97826

Website

http://www.echoheritage.org/

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