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18th Avenue Peace House
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18th Avenue Peace House
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The 18th Avenue Peace House is one of Irvington's best known grand homes. Built in 1907 for banker Walter Cook, it went through many hands before becoming the home of the Metanoia Peace Community, a cooperative Christian living society recognized by the United Methodist Church -- From Mammon to the realms of the spirit in 97 years.
The house itself is architecturally distinguished as one of the earliest Portland works of John Virginius Bennes, who pioneered the Prairie Style in Portland in the early years of the 20th Century. Other examples of his work have been open on Home Tour day in 2003 and 2002. This home is a basic American Craftsman Style house but the gentle roof slopes are characteristic of Prairie Style homes. The cost of this home was a substantial $13,000 when built, and in 1925 a library addition was constructed. The Cook family lived in the home until 1943.
Walter Cook was the auditor for the Ladd & Tilton Bank and was married to Louise Harrier Hoyt of the prominent Hoyt family. When Cook acquired the land, it was occupied his mother-in-law's old home, built in 1899. He had that house moved around the corner to 19th Avenue, where it still stands, so as to clear a spot for this home on 18th.
In 1986, this by-then neglected house was purchased by a group that were forming the religious cooperative society that ultimately became the Metanoia Peace Community. Shortly after they acquired the home, the third floor was severely damaged by fire. In the subsequent reconstruction, the roofline was changed and the upper story expanded.
The society provides spiritually supportive surroundings for its resident members as well as spiritual outreach to members of the community. Participation in the spiritual life of the Metanoia Peace Community is open to anyone regardless of age, race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, or experience with Christianity or a faith community.
The Community maintains a website at http://www.tearsoup.com/metanoia