We received our name because the first Episcopal service held in the Lewiston / Clarkston valley was on Christmas, in 1864. For the next 17 years services were conducted by occasional clergy. When the Missionary District of Idaho was formed in 1867, Nativity underwent its first diocesan transfer, from the Oregon Territory to Idaho. This transfer back and forth would be a pattern until 1929, when the panhandle of Idaho was transferred to the Missionary District of Spokane. The nave of our present building is the second church building and was originally downtown. It was moved up the hill in 1919 by large horse teams and a steam winch. In addition, a new chancel and transepts were built. Additional California Redwood was imported to finish the lining of the church, giving it its present perfect acoustics. The “nativity window” came around the Horn by ship and was part of the first church building. The parish hall, named Somerville Hall for the third rector, is actually a separate building, although this is not evident at first glance due to the way the buildings are joined.