In 1904, P.J. McGowan donated the land and paid for the construction of a Catholic church. Built of Port Orford cedar, the church sat 150 worshippers. In the town's heyday, many families lived and worked here. After the cannery moved and fish traps and seines were outlawed, most of the buildings at McGowan deteriorated. The church was restored in 1962. Through the efforts of the local Catholic parish and numerous volunteers, St. Mary's still holds Sunday evening Mass during the summer for both parishioners and visitors alike.