Restoring a Church on Historic Foundations

Joseph Ballinger Chiles, a pivotal figure in the development of Chiles Valley and the operator/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 St. Helena Community church building is located at 1343 Spring Street in St. Helena. The original structure was built by Joseph Chiles as his “in town” residence when his children reached school age.

In a generous act reflecting his community spirit, he 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 to reflect the vision of welcoming all who would like to be a part of this spiritual community. As we embark on its renovation, we continue to build upon and honor the historic legacy of Joseph Chiles