Restoring a Church on Historic Foundation
The story of the St Helena Community Church building spans more than 175 years of Napa Valley history — from a pioneer land grant to the spiritual home we’re restoring today.
The original Chiles residence on Spring Street, photographed in the late 1800s.
The Chiles legacy
Joseph Ballinger Chiles, a pivotal figure in the development of Chiles Valley and the operator and founder of the Chiles Grist Mill, left a remarkable spiritual legacy. Chiles had received the last of the nine Napa Valley land grants directly from General Vallejo.
This land grant was known as Rancho Catacula and comprised most of what is now known as Chiles Valley, located just northeast of Prichard Hill.
“The original structure was built by Joseph Chiles as his ‘in town’ residence when his children reached school age.”
The St Helena Community Church building is located at 1343 Spring Street in St Helena. In a generous act reflecting his community spirit, Joseph Chiles later donated the building to the Baptist Church in 1949.
The church first opened as First Baptist Church of Saint Helena, but has now been converted to St Helena Community Church — reflecting the vision of welcoming all who would like to be part of this spiritual community. As we embark on its renovation, we continue to build upon and honor the historic legacy of Joseph Chiles.
A timeline of our story
1844
The land grant
Joseph Chiles receives the Rancho Catacula land grant from the Mexican government.
1874-75
The Spring St home
Chiles builds his "in town" residence on Spring Street so his children can attend school.
1950s
Becomes a church
First Baptist Church purchases and remodels the home, opening as First Baptist Church of Saint Helena.
1981–2013
A Montessori school
The building takes on new life as home to a Montessori school, serving local children and families for years.
2026
Restored & renewed
Reborn as St Helena Community Church, the restored building reopens its doors this summer.
Be part of the next chapter
Help us honor this legacy as we restore the church for generations to come.