County opens surplus-bid process for historic Claquato Church after community group seeks restoration

Lewis County commissioners on July 22 amended their agenda to hear members of a local preservation group that said it plans to bid on the Claquato Church after the county moved to surplus the property.

The commissioners voted 3-0 to add the discussion to the meeting. Brett (last name not stated), speaking for the group, said they “do intend to provide a bid to the county for the church” and described having an evaluation from a historical architect to outline rehabilitation needs. Riva Lester, clerk of the board, told the meeting that proposals for parcel number 18520 are due by 3 p.m. Thursday, July 31, and must include a monetary offer and a preservation plan.

The group said it has taken preliminary steps — including a preservation assessment by a historical architect — to estimate what rehabilitation would require and to test the feasibility of taking on long-term maintenance. Edna Fun, a former county commissioner and Claquato-area resident, described local historical ties and urged preservation: “we are deeply committed to having the Claquato Cemetery board and commission take over repair and maintenance of our precious 1858 Claquato Church,” she said.

County staff and commissioners stressed that the surplus process is governed by law and that surplusing the property creates an opportunity for any qualified party to submit a proposal. The board said it remains committed to preserving the building’s historic character and that transferring the property to a nonprofit able to maintain it long term was the preferred outcome.

No decision on any bid was made at the July 22 meeting. The county’s notice sets the submission deadline and requires a plan describing how the buyer would preserve the church. The board did not set a preferred bidder nor describe evaluation criteria in the public remarks at the meeting.