By Amir Ibrahim, Pendletonian Times
This article was edited to reflect that Pat Beard is the manager of two performing arts facilities operated by the City of Pendleton: the Convention Center and the Vert Auditorium.
Pendleton, Ore. — The City of Pendleton has received a donation from the Bisnett family, gifting the historic Christian Science Church to the city, with plans to renovate and utilize by Elgin Opera House for events and performances in 2026 or 2027.
A subcommittee of the Council, comprising McKennon McDonald, Carole Innes and Sally Brandsen met to gather community input regarding the building in 2024.
According to the findings, the top suggestions for the use of the building were:
- An indoor marketplace with multiple vendors (95 votes)
- A café or restaurant (85 votes)
- Rentable events center (77 votes)
- Performing arts venue (60 votes)
The community was also supportive of grant funding and a bond measure to support the project, with an almost 50/50 split on both. However, concerns were raised about the fiscal impact of future decisions regarding the use or disposition of the building.
Parking, historic preservation, connectivity to downtown and the river parkway and the need for family-friendly options in the downtown core were also noted as important considerations.
In an interview from the March 5, 2025 KUMA Coffee Hour podcast, Pendleton City Manager Robb Corbett discussed the recent development in the Christian Science Church building: “We received the Bisnett family’s donation of the historic Christian Science Church to the city,” Corbett said. “We solicited proposals for its acquisition and one of the proposers was the Elgin Opera House, who made an offer to acquire the building from us. After considering the memorandum of understanding on the project, we accepted their proposal.”
Corbett continued, “As part of this agreement, we agreed to assist in renovating the building, including installing an ADA ramp to make it accessible for all users. The Elgin Opera House plans to start practicing plays in the building immediately for their summer series of events, which will take place at the Vert. They also intend to pursue grants to further renovate the building, with the goal of hosting events there in 2026 or 2027.”
Corbett noted that he believes this project aligns with the city’s vision for the downtown area and has the potential to be a huge draw for the community. “The opportunity that the city was given to find something as unique as the Elgin Opera House to go into that building … I don’t think that anybody could have imagined a better fit,” he said.
Pat Beard, manager of two of the city’s performing arts facilities, the Pendleton Convention Center and the Vert Auditorium, added his perspective on the project. “I’ve been in this business long enough to know how hard it is to get funding and make things happen. To see an established organization like the Elgin Opera House come into town with a clear vision for their programming is really exciting. I think we could learn a thing or two from them and I’m glad to see our city embracing opportunities that will bring in new energy and excitement.”