Interestingly enough, the first Mass said on the hilltop was 125 years ago this February 14, 2020.

The book, Between the Years - 1895 to 1945,
notes the following: Several days were spent by the two men (Julius Olbrich and Alexander Franz from the newly established Holy Rosary parish in Tacoma) in cutting down some large trees dangerously near the temporary home (10x16 shed built a week earlier). On January 23 another laborer joined the two - Mr. Frank Derkin also of Tacoma. The three men now prepared a place for another building that was to be a more permanent structure, 20 by 40 feet in size, and which would serve as a chapel and living quarters for the men. Although Fr. William Eversmann OSB made many visits to the site of the new college, he never remained overnight until February 13, His presence suggested the possibility of a mass in the new building and the idea was enthusiastically carried out. An alter was soon fashioned and placed in the room in the new building destined to be the chapel, the bell of an alarm clock was used for the later bell and in the quiet morning of February 14, 1895, with only the light of the two candles on the alter and an extra one used near the missal, the first mass was said at St. Martin's, the three men assisted and received Holy Communion.

BTW - it looks like the chapel building stood about where the hallway is now between the Abbey and Chapel.

Abbey Church Events: The Kouzov Duo concert program is now available online!