St Philip Catholic Church

My husband and I are in Salem but enjoy trying out churches in outlying areas, and last night was Dallas’s night.
I will admit to a healthy uneasiness about the town of Dallas as a whole (look up the rumors about its history…), but also a bit of fascination with this little town tucked inconspicuously into the coastal mountains.
The area is definitely beautiful, and the little church is no exception. Built simply of wood, the features are reverent but not distracting, and its structure is reminiscent of a small retreat center. However, I would say the key feature that creates this ambiance is the brook the church is built alongside. The minute we got out of the car, I could hear the water rushing gently over the rocks, and I found it almost meditative.
It’s a small sanctuary, and seemingly a pretty close community. The priest’s homily was excellent, brief, and he relates well to his congregation. (He humorously pointed out a few people who are normally Sunday morning-​goers just before the announcements.)
Some may find it cheesy, but I also liked the sign as you are leaving the property which reminds church-​goers that they are entering their mission field. It’s a good reminder that our Catholicism should never be locked up in a church, to be exercised one hour per week.

This church is beautiful! The grounds are sooo pretty — perfect for lots of reflection. Nice place to find when heading through town.