The place
Where the river crosses the line
The historic Oldtown Bridge over the Pend Oreille · Photo: Historic American Engineering Record, Library of Congress, Public domain
Oldtown and the towns around it
Oldtown sits on the Pend Oreille River at the Idaho–Washington line, in Bonner County. It runs right into Newport, Washington, and Priest River is about seven miles east on US-2. Life here does not stop at the state line, and neither will this church.
- Oldtown, ID 2020 Census
- 221
- Priest River, ID 2020 Census
- 1,696
- Newport, WA 2020 Census
- 2,114
- In the three towns plus rural areas around them
- ~4,000
- Bonner County, ID · 2025 estimate +15.5% since 2020 (Idaho +10.4%, U.S. +3.1%)
- 54,420
- Pend Oreille County, WA · 2025 estimate +7.9% since 2020
- 14,457
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census and QuickFacts (Vintage 2025 estimates). See all sources.
“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you … and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)
Opportunity
Why here, why now
One community, two states
The three towns share a river, a highway, stores, schools, and jobs. A church in Oldtown can serve all three and the rural roads around them in both Bonner and Pend Oreille counties.
A growing county
Bonner County grew an estimated 15.5% between 2020 and 2025, about five times the national rate. New neighbors arrive every year, many without a church family.
An older population
About 28% of Bonner County residents and 29% in Pend Oreille County are 65 or older, compared with about 19% for Idaho and the nation. Many face health struggles, grief, and isolation, especially in winter.
Wide open country
Bonner County averages about 27 people per square mile and Pend Oreille County fewer than 10 (2020 Census). Neighbors can be miles apart, and that distance is part of why a close-knit church matters.
Why now
- A shop is available for first gatherings, at no rent.
- Heated rental spaces nearby for winter and growth.
The need
Rural North Idaho, honestly
Priest Lake in winter · Photo: S. Hammarlund, Public domain
Long, isolating winters
Priest River averages roughly 70+ inches of snow a year. Roads close, days are short, and people stay home. A church that exists only on Sunday morning is fragile in January. A borough is built for winter.
Newcomers without roots
Many people move here for land, space, and quiet. Those are good gifts, but space can turn into isolation. New arrivals need a people to belong to.
Hurting people, few places to turn
Grief, addiction, conflict in marriages and families, anxiety, despair. In our public search we found no church in Oldtown, Priest River, or Newport advertising certified biblical counseling; the nearest we found were in the Sandpoint area.
Neighbors under strain
An estimated 15.1% of Pend Oreille County residents live in poverty (11.0% in Bonner County), and the population skews older. Practical, patient, Word-shaped care matters here.
- average yearly snowfall Priest River (NOAA normals)
- 70+ in.
- of residents are 65+ Bonner & Pend Oreille
- 28–29%
- in poverty Pend Oreille County
- 15.1%
- nearest certified biblical counseling we found
- Sandpoint
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts; NOAA climate normals; public web search, Oct. 2026. See all sources.
A word about other churches. There are faithful congregations in Oldtown, Priest River, and Newport already, and we thank God for them. We hope to be a good neighbor and friend to them, adding one more open door and one more ministry of care, not competing for the same people.