Aberdeen, St. Andrew's - c. 1895
The first Episcopal church in Aberdeen was organized in 1890 by the Rev. Reuben D. Nevius. In 1895, the first church building - pictured here - was built at 1st and 'G' Streets.
Aberdeen, St. Andrew's - c. 1895
The interior of the first Episcopal church building in Aberdeen built in 1895.
Aberdeen, St. Andrew's - c. 1914-1948
The second church building was started in 1913. It was dedicated on January 4, 1914 and consecrated in 1918. A remodeling program was begun in 1948
Allyn, St. Hugh of Lincoln - c. 1969
The little white church on Highway 3 in Allyn was originally built in 1909 as the Ebenezer Congregational Church. Over the years it was home to several different denominations but eventually fell into disuse. . In June 1969, a group of Episcopalians began to worship in the building and named the church St. Hugh of Lincoln after a 12th century English bishop. The little white church served the congregation until 1995 when the new church was opened.
Allyn, St. Hugh of Lincoln - Construction - 1995
In September 1989, the building team of St. Hugh of Lincoln went looking for a piece of property on which to build a new church and the 11 acres on which the church now stands was purchased by the diocese . By 1995 enough money had been raised for construction and the building of the church began.
Allyn, St. Hugh of Lincoln - 1995
On September 10, 1995 the congregation celebrated the last service in the little white church and on October 31, 1995, Bishop Vincent W. Warner officially dedicated the new church building.
Anacortes, Christ Church - c. 1950
In 1890, Dr. W. H. Platt came to Anacortes to begin the first regular service of the Episcopal Church in a storeroom of the old post office. On October 27, 1891, parishioners attended the first service in their new church - pictured here c. 1950.
Anacortes, Christ Church - 2019
Though it has been remodeled and upgraded many times over the years, the parishioners of Christ Church still worship in their original building built in 1891.
Auburn, St. Matthew's - date unknown
St. Matthew's began in 1895. The first services were held in the Grand Army of the Republic Hall but soon a church building was constructed on the NE corner of 1st Ave. and A St. across from City Hall and near the railroad tracks. The church remained in that location until 1959 when it was moved to newly purchased property. It was demolished after it was damaged in the 1965 earthquake.
Auburn, St. Matthew's - 1948
Service of confirmation and reception with Bishop Stephen F. Bayne, Jr. held on March 14, 1948.
Auburn, St. Matthew's - 1949
The Rev. George Ziegler and helpers are shown giving the church a fresh coat of paint in 1949.
Auburn, St. Matthew's - 1965
Church building demolished due to earthquake damage in 1965.
Auburn, St. Matthew's ~ San Mateo - 2001
After the present land was purchased and a building fund started, the parish hall was completed in 1958 and in 1959 the old church building was moved to the new location. Irreparable damage sustained during the 1965 earthquake made it necessary to demolish the original church building. The congregation worshipped in the parish hall until 1998 when a new sanctuary building - pictured here - was completed. In 2000, St. Matthew’s established a Spanish language
ministry and is now known as St. Matthew ~ San Mateo.
Bainbridge Island, Grace - 2003
Grace began in June 1992 when sixty-five church friends met for worship. They took up a collection for prayer books, hymnals and a very large coffee pot and set off on a faith journey. Beginning in August 1992, Grace (first known as Island Episcopal Community) held its services in the Bainbridge High School library. Grace became a diocesan mission in October 1993 and during a Sunday service in February 1994, the congregation packed up and moved to larger worship facilities in the Masonic Temple. A new building (pictured here) was completed in 2003.
Bainbridge Island, St. Barnabas - 1946
Begun in the early 1920s when seven
women formed the Bainbridge Island Branch of the Women’s Auxiliary, members met in each other’s homes. In 1938, Dr. Herbert H. Gowen became visiting priest and in 1944 an organized mission was formed as St. Barnabas Church. A building campaign was organized and architect John Graham designed the traditional red brick church. The first services in the new building were held on November 17, 1946.
Bainbridge Island, St. Barnabas - 1946
Interior photo of the church in 1946.
Bainbridge Island, St. Barnabas - 1948
Church consecration on June 11, 1948. Bishop Stephen Fielding Bayne, Jr.
Bainbridge Island, St. Barnabas - c. 2010
St. Barnabas as it looks today.
Battle Ground, Holy Spirit - 2000
The Battle Ground Episcopal
community had its first organizational meeting on July 16, 1986. Parishioners worshipped in rented buildings, a park and the Eagles Hall. Church members crafted a wooden cross, a portable altar/sacristy, and altar linens. Teamwork was key for maintaining “Church in a Box” - for taking everything out for each service and storing it afterwards. In 1991 the congregation rented a small church on Main Street and later held services at the Maple Grove School. In 1999 they broke ground for a new church on land that had been previously purchased. Everyone worked together and on June 3, 2000 the Holy Spirit was dedicated.
Bellevue, All Saints
All Saints in Bellevue does not meet in a traditional church building but in a handicapped accessible office park. Founded in 1995, All Saints originally rented space from another church in the Bellevue area for Sunday worship, using members' homes and offices for small group meetings. More suitable space was later found at the Redmond Senior Center. In 2001, the decision was made to lease space near downtown Bellevue. Known as '12th Place,' this facility continues to serve as home for the All Saints congregation.
Bellevue, Holy Apostles
Since 2000, Holy Apostles has shared spce with Resurrection in Bellevue, pictured here.
Bellevue, Resurrection - 1962
Resurrection was officially started as St. Thomas Chapel on September 8, 1957. It was a mission of St. Thomas, Medina. Worship was held at what is now Stevenson Elementary School. In March 1959, the present land in Lake Hills was purchased by the diocese and the name of the congregation was changed to Resurrection Chapel. The church building was constructed in the fall of 1962 and the first Eucharist in the new church was celebrated at Christmas. Bishop William F. Lewis dedicated the church on March 27, 1963.
Bellevue, Resurrection - date unknown
Resurrection attained parish status in November 1978 and three years later the mortgage was burned. The parish also provides office and worship space for Holy Apostles, a Chinese Episcopal church.
Bellevue, St. Margaret's - c. 1958
Future building site for St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, c. 1958.
Bellevue, St. Margaret's. 1959
St. Margaret’s began in August
1957. The first meetings were held in members' homes. As the congregation
grew, services were held in schools and at the Eastside Sportsmen's Association - pictured here.
Bellevue, St. Margaret's 1959
On February 1, 1959, the present property
was dedicated and a move made to the
only existing building, a greenhouse!
Bellevue, St. Margaret's - 1960
An old army barrack, purchased from
St. Thomas, Medina, was moved to
the site in February 1960 and services
began in this “new” building.
Bellevue, St. Margaret's - 1968
When the present church building was dedicated by Bishop Ivol I. Curtis in 1968, the old church was turned into classrooms and a thrift shop was established as an outreach project.
Bellevue, St. Margaret's - c. 2003
In 2003, St. Margaret’s completed an expansion and remodel of the sanctuary and other building facilities.
Bellingham, St. Paul's - Built 1884 - 1885
The history of St. Paul’s began in August 1883 when the Rev. Reuben D. Nevius, pioneer church builder, visited Bellingham Bay and held services at Reveille Hall in Whatcom. During that visit he discussed forming an Episcopal church with members of the community. On September 12, 1883 he helped organize a women’s guild which worked to procure funds to purchase property and to build a church. In 1885, the first church building, was finished. It still stands on Walnut Street across from the present building. It was used as the parish hall until 1996 and subsequently as space for a Jewish congregation.
Bellingham, St. Paul's - 1925
Cornerstone laying for current church with Bishop S. Arthur Huston on September 27, 1925.
Bellingham, St. Paul's - 1927
Dedicated September 29, 1927. The Rev. Canon Ernest B. Smith, rector, shown in upper right.
Bellingham, St. Paul's - date unknown
Interior. Date unknown.
Bellingham, St. Paul's - c. 2001
Exterior of St. Paul's as it looks today.
Blaine, Christ Church - Built 1904
Christ Episcopal Church, Blaine began in 1883 when the original congregation was founded under the auspices of the Rt. Rev. John Adams Paddock, first bishop of the Missionary Territory of Washington. Occasional services were subsequently held in members' homes. In 1904, a small wooden church was built on the corner of Fourth and Boblett. The Willing Workers, a women’s guild, bought the church furniture which is still in use.
Blaine, Christ Church
In 1950, a parish hall, kitchen and Sunday school room were added. The congregation celebrated the hundredth anniversary of the present building in 2004 and in 2006 a new addition was completed.
Bremerton, St. Paul's- 1968
The first recorded service of St. Paul’s, Bremerton, was held on August 11, 1901 in a Presbyterian church. Regular Episcopal services began on January 5, 1902, in a Lutheran church in West Bremerton. On April 6, 1904, St. Paul’s was admitted to union with the Missionary District of Olympia by Bishop Frederic W. Keator. On December 23, 1906, the congregation gathered with Bishop Keator for the
dedication of its own building. In 1957, the U.S. Government began to sell the land on which war-time housing stood, giving first right of refusal to area churches. St. Paul’s bought a 7.9 acre tract of prime view property. This was to be the site of the new
church. That building - pictured here - became a reality in 1968.
Bremerton, St. Paul's - c. 1987
In 1987, St. Paul’s completed a rebuilding and redeveloping project and in 2004, the congregation celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Burien, St. Elizabeth's
In 1941, six women had the idea for an Episcopal mission in the Burien area. The first church service was held on Palm Sunday, April 6, 1941 at the Burien Masonic Temple. With funds from the Women of St. Elizabeth's and an anonymous donor, a lot on 152nd Street was purchased. The men of the mission with the help of a few women built the church. The first service in this structure was held on Christmas Day 1945. By 1948 the original church was bursting at
the seams and plans were made to raise money to purchase property for a new church building. By 1959, St. Elizabeth's the mission became St. Elizabeth's the
parish with its own award-winning church building - pictured here.
Camano Island, St. Aidan's - c. 1960
St. Aidan’s Mission held its first service on August 2, 1959. The service was held in the West Stanwood Town Hall. On September 6th, the congregation moved into the Ladies’ Aid Hall at Utsalady,Camano Island.
During the period from 1960 to 1964, land was purchased and paid for in full by sponsoring dinners, bazaars and bake
sales.
Camano Island, St. Aidan's - 1961
Rummage sales, like the one pictured here, were among the many fund raising activities held by the members of St. Aidan's.
Camano Island, St. Aidan's - 1975
Three fabricated buildings were purchased and installed. These became the nave, sanctuary, sacristy and office and in 1974 a parish hall and small kitchen were added.
Camano Island, St. Aidan's
Ground was broken for a new church building on April 16, 2006 and the first service in the new worship space was a wedding on February 27, 2007 followed by the dedication of the building in May with Bishop Nedi Rivera as celebrant.
Castle Rock, St. Matthew's - 1964
St. Matthew’s began as a parochial mission of St. Stephen’s, Longview with a service conducted on February 26, 1961. After several years of meeting in private homes, a funeral home chapel and finally a vacant storefront, the congregation undertook the construction of the present church with virtually all of the work performed by members of the congregation.
Castle Rock, St. Matthew's - 2003
The first service in the new building was held on Christmas Eve, 1964.
Castle Rock, St. Matthew's - 2003
Interior view showing altar and stained glass window.
Cathlamet, St. James - 1959
Ground breaking with Bishop Stephen Fielding Bayne, Jr.
Cathlamet, St. James - 1961
The new church building was consecrated on April 1, 1961 by Bishop William F. Lewis.
Cathlamet, St. James - 1961
Interior view showing the altar in the new church building.
Cathlamet, St. James - c. 1994
In 1994, the congregation completed a remodel of the church, expanding the worship space, sacristy and storeroom
in addition to adding a church office and classroom.
Cathlamet, St. James - c. 1994
Interior of remodeled church building showing altar and stained glass window.
Centralia, St. John - Built 1902
The mission church of St. John's was established in 1889. Services were held in private homes until the first church was build in 1890. In 1900 the church building was sold and services were once again held in homes. The church pictured here was built in 1902 and served its members until 2000 when the congregation merged with the Church of Epiphany in Chehalis forming a new congregation, St. Timothy's in Chehalis.
Chehalis, Church of the Epiphany - c. 1960
The first Episcopal service was held in Lewis County in the 1860s. The next services were conducted in 1883. The result was a small but dedicated new congregation that obtained the services of the Rev. Reuben D. Nevius who organized the mission and suggested the name, Church of the Epiphany. A church building was consecrated in 1886. Property was purchased c. 1960 as a building site for a new church.
Chehalis, Church of the Epiphany - 1966
Epiphany's new church building, pictured here, was completed in 1963.
Chehalis, St. Timothy - c. 2000
St. Timothy was officially recognized as a new parish church at the diocesan convention of 2000. St. Timothy’s was formed as a result of the merger of two congregations: St. John’s Episcopal Church, Centralia, founded in 1889 and Church of the Epiphany, Chehalis, which became a parish in 1885. St. Timothy uses the former church building of Church of the
Epiphany and now serves the needs of the Episcopal Church in all of Lewis County.
Chehalis, St. Timothy - c. 2000
Interior view.
Chehalis, St. Timothy - c. 2000
Interior view. Stained glass window.
Darrington, Transfiguration - date unknown
Episcopalians gathered for worship in Darrington for the first time in 1955. The congregation met in the community center for several months and then in the Methodist Church. Shortly thereafter, the diocese bought land and two bunkhouses were purchased from a local logging camp for one dollar each and moved to the site. Volunteers renovated the bunkhouses and transformed them into the little church pictured here. The first service in the new church was held on August 26, 1956.
Eastsound (Orcas Island), Emmanuel
Emmanuel Parish, a small Carpenter Gothic Church, was consecrated in 1885. The church was designed by its first rector, the Rev. Sidney S. Gray, who came from England, via Canada. The adjoining Parish Hall was added to the west side of the nave in 1951 and in later years the sacristy was expanded.
Edmonds, St. Alban's - c. 1953
St. Alban's was organized in 1952 by several members of the Highlands Parish (now known as St. Dunstan’s) who lived in the Edmonds area. St. Alban’s held its initial services in a community hall and private homes. The congregation then moved into a one-time candle factory and tavern on Edmonds Way. In 1954, St. Alban’s was formally organized as a diocesan mission.
Edmonds, St. Alban's - c. 1959
The dedication of the present church at 20405 82nd Place W. in Edmonds took place on March 1, 1959.
Edmonds, St. Hilda St. Patrick
St. Hilda St. Patrick Episcopal Church is the result of the 1974 consolidation of St. Hilda’s, Meadowdale and St. Patrick’s, Eastmont. Ground breaking for St. Hilda St. Patrick took place on November 1, 1970 with the first services in the new building held on July 1, 1974. Further expansions of the church buildings were completed in 1975, 1982, and 2000.
Edmonds, St. Hilda St. Patrick
Interior view.
Elma, St, Luke's - 2010
The earliest recorded Anglican service in
Elma was conducted in a family home in
1885. Ten years later, the Rev. L.W. Applegate, missionary for the Aberdeen congregation, traveled to Elma regularly to conduct services there. Then, in 1910, Bishop Frederic William Keator sent clergy to organize a new mission congregation. Sometimes holding services in a borrowed Baptist church, this little congregation grew and in October 1911 Bishop Keator consecrated a little frame church dedicated to Saint Luke. That church still serves the community today.
Everett, Trinity - 1912
Soon after Everett appeared on the map, a small group of Episcopalians began to gather for worship. In the spring of 1892, a group of 34 Episcopalians petitioned the Missionary District of Olympia for admission. The parish was incorporated in June, and the first rector, the Rev. Daniel McKinnon, led the first service. Trinity's second church building, dating from 1912, is pictured here.
Everett, Trinity - dedicated 1921
Trinity grew until a larger building was needed. Bishop Frederic William Keator laid the cornerstone for the new building at its site on the corner of 23rd and Hoyt in Everett. Dedication of the new church building was held on Trinity Sunday, 1921. In 1995, Trinity dedicated their remodeled sanctuary which
provided more space and allowed for better use of a freestanding altar constructed by a parishioner.
Everett, Trinity
Federal Way, Good Shepherd
In June 1961, Bishop William F. Lewis approved the opening of the newest diocesan mission, located in Federal Way. The official opening of the mission was held on July 6, 1961, at the temporary vicarage chapel at 1858 SW 318th St. with 38 people in attendance. The name ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ suggested by Bishop Lewis, was adopted. Due to the rapid growth of the mission, services were transferred to Lakota Junior High School. A new vicarage, located at 29500 11th Place South, was purchased in 1962 and all meetings and services were held at that location. On May 30, 1965, the congregation decided to purchase the corner lot at South 312th and 4th Avenue. On Sunday, March 6, 1966, ground was broken for the new home of Church of the Good Shepherd.
Federal Way, Good Shepherd
The first service in the new church was held at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, September 25, 1966 and the formal dedication of the building took place on January 15, 1967.
Federal Way, Good Shepherd
Over the next 30 years, an education/office building was constructed and a church beautification project was undertaken which resulted in the installation of stained glass windows, the addition of carved furnishings, and an updated exterior.
Freeland, St. Augustine's-in-the-Woods
Photo by: The Rev. Nigel Taber-Hamilton
In 1949, several south Whidbey Island families expressed to Bishop Stephen F. Bayne, Jr. their desire to establish an Episcopal church on the island. Services were held periodically wherever space was available – in the local library, Odd Fellows Hall, and in the homes of members. By 1962, the congregation had located a building site and was able to build its own church in Freeland. The first church building was dedicated by Bishop William Lewis on August 11, 1963. Within a few years, however, the congregation outgrew its worship space. By 1977, plans took shape for a new church. Ground was broken on May 4, 1978, and the second church building was dedicated the following year.
Congregational growth led to further construction, and the latest building (pictured here) was dedicated on Pentecost 2011.
Friday Harbor, St. David's
On February 18, 1950, the congregation which would later be known as St. David’s Episcopal Church, Friday Harbor, met
for its first service in the Valley Church on San Juan Island. Over the years, services were held in a variety of locations. Much of the original structure, at 780 Park Street, was the result of hours of donated labor by parishioners. Land was given to the congregation in 1957 and the building was dedicated by Bishop William F. Lewis on June 16, 1963.
Gig Harbor, St. John's - 2010
In 1916, Captain and Mrs. Arda Hunt of Gig
Harbor invited Bishop Lemuel H. Wells, retired Bishop of Spokane, to come by steamer across the narrows from Tacoma to hold services in the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) Hall in Gig Harbor. In 1928, Bishop S. Arthur Huston admitted St. John’s as an organized mission of the diocese. Land was donated on Prentice Street in 1948 for the construction of a church. Logs were also donated for the building which was constructed by members of St. John’s. This building was completed in 1951. In 1959, the present church building was built to accommodate the growing congregation.
Gig Harbor, St. John's- 2010
Chapel stained glass window.
Gig Harbor, St. John's - 2010
Interior view of altar and cross.
Hoodsport, St. Germain
On June 20, 1976, fifteen people assembled in the Union City Masonic Temple on the Skokomish Indian reservation to celebrate the first Eucharist in what is now St. Germain. In 1978, St. Germain moved to an aging store building in downtown Hoodsport and then moved again in 1979 to a small rented house. In 1982 the congregation purchased two lots on Lake Cushman Road. With local residents doing much of the design work and participating in many stages of the construction, a new church building was ready for the Easter Eucharist liturgy in 1984 and was consecrated by Bishop Robert H. Cochrane on August 1, 1984.
Hoodsport, St. Germain
Interior view of altar and cross.
Issaquah, St. Michael and All Angels - Ground Breaking - 1957
In 1950, three lay readers, members of St. Luke’s, Renton's Men’s Club, established a preaching station in Issaquah. Sunday evening services were held first in a funeral home and later at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. St. Michael and All Angels was formed as a mission on New Year’s Day 1953. Having selected a site, a building fund drive was begun in 1957.
Issaquah, St. Michael and All Angels - 1958
The building was dedicated in May 1958 by Bishop Stephen Fielding Bayne, Jr.
Issaquah, St. Michael and All Angels - 1958
Exterior view in 1958.
Issaquah, St. Michael & All Angels
In 2003 the nave and entry were remodeled and in 2010 a two story addition was added.
Kenmore, Redeemer - c. 1952
The first service of Church of the Redeemer was held on February 10, 1947 at the old Lake Forest Park Clubhouse. Services were also held in members' homes. Between 1948 and 1949, land was purchased and the old parish hall from Bothell Lutheran Church was moved onto the site. In 1952 a church building, capable of accommodating 100 and designed for easy expansion, was completed.
Kenmore, Redeemer - 1964
The congregation grew and a building fund was started in 1955. By 1961 plans were in place for a new church building but it was 1964 before the plans were finalized and construction begun. The unique design with its huge wooden pillars extending from the foundation to the roof made Church of the Redeemer one of the more architecturally interesting church buildings in the diocese. It was dedicated by Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis on December 20, 1964.
Kenmore, Redeemer - Interior - 1964
Interior view of the church dedication on December 20, 1964.
Kent (Midway), St. Columba's - 1958
St. Columba’s was organized in 1957 as a mission of St. James, Kent to serve the Midway area. The first services were held in Bow Lake Elementary School and later moved to Midway Elementary School. The new mission gained great impetus when Bishop Bayne led a preaching mission at the
Spanish Castle, an area roadhouse.
Kent (Midway), St. Columba's - c. 1959
St. Columba’s was organized in 1957 as a mission of St. James, Kent to serve the Midway area. Within a year, the site on S.
216th was purchased by the diocese and in January 1959, the first vicar was appointed. A small wooden building on the property, pictured here, was converted to serve as a chapel. On sunny days, services were held outdoors with music provided by a lap organ.
Kent (Des Moines), St. Columba's - c. 1988
In 1988, the diocese completed negotiations with the Archdiocese of Seattle to acquire property at S. 268th and
Military Road S. The congregation developed building plans and ground for a new church building was broken in October 1992.
Kent, (Des Moines), St. Columba's - c. 2000
While waiting for construction of the new church to be completed, the congregation met at St. Philomena’s Roman Catholic Church in Des Moines. On October 7, 1993, St. Columba’s new building was dedicated and consecrated.
Kent, St. James - c. 1920s
In the fall of 1890, the Rev. James Cheal conducted the first Anglican services in Kent. He reported later that there were 25 families, 12 in the Sunday bible class and $73.45 in funds. On Sunday, Nov. 15, 1891, Bishop John Adams Paddock dedicated a new church building, seating 200, on Meeker Street in Kent. The church was moved to Third & Gowe and by 1909 a guild hall and rectory were added.
Kent, St. James - c. 1930s
The congregation outgrew the original church building and in 1921, Bishop Frederic W. Keator was present at the cornerstone laying of the red brick English gothic church that served for the next 43 years.
Kent, St. James - 1964
St. James grew and property was purchased at the present site. A building fund was established and a new church building was dedicated in September 1964 by Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis.
Kent, St. Paul's - 1925 & 1940
St. Paul's was founded by St. Peter's, Seattle in the 1920s as the Japanese mission congregation in the White River (Kent) Valley. The congregation closed when its members were sent to internment camps during World War II. The mission re-opened for a short time after the war but eventually closed.
Kent, St. Paul's - 1946
St. Paul's was founded by St. Peter's, Seattle in the 1920s as the Japanese mission congregation in the White River (Kent) Valley. The congregation closed when its members were sent to internment camps during World War II. It re-opened for a short time after the war but soon closed.
Kingston (now Poulsbo), Faith
Faith Episcopal Church was formed in 1993 by a group of local Episcopalians. The group met in private homes, then a fire station, and eventually settled in the VFW Hall in Kingston in 1994 with a covered pool table as the first altar. Over the years, the worship space become more and more developed and in 1997 the congregation attained mission status. The congregation now worships in Poulsbo in the church building which previously housed St. Charles Episcopal Church.
Kirkland, St. John's
In January 1922, a group of Episcopalians petitioned to start a mission in Kirkland. Permission was granted and services were
held in homes, on a ship, and in a meeting hall. A women’s guild was formed and land was purchased. In February 1923, the mission was formally organized and admitted as a diocesan mission. Construction of the “Little Brown Church" was completed in December of that same year.
Kirkland, St. John's
In 1953 additional buildings for church school classes were added. Before the
buildings were completed, a fire broke out and the church and other structures were damaged beyond repair. A new facility was constructed and was dedicated in September 1954. Another devastating fire in May 2000 resulted in the total loss of the education building plus smoke and water
damage to the sanctuary. St. John’s again rebuilt, looking forward to the future.
Lacey, St. Benedict's - 1999
A steering committee was formed to
explore the development of a new
Episcopal mission in Lacey in January 1980
and St. Benedict’s was organized in May.
The congregation initially met at St. Placid’s School. In 1981, to accommodate the growing congregation, services were held in the Student Union Building at St. Martin’s College. The church office was located at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. A church building was constructed in 1987 and services were held there for the first time in August of that year.
Lacey, St. Benedict's - 1999
Interior view.
Lakewood (Steilacoom), St. Joseph-St. John
St. Joseph began as a mission under St. Mary’s, Tacoma (now Lakewood). It was dedicated on October 17, 1965. In 1971, the vicar at St. Joseph also served at St. John’s, Tacoma. When St. John’s closed in June 1973, many parishioners joined St. Joseph’s which became known as St. Joseph-St. John Episcopal Church, the only church in the diocese at that time with two saints’ names.
Lakewood, St. Mary's
In 1947, in Lakewood Center, a community near several military installations southwest of Tacoma, Bishop Stephen F. Bayne, Jr. recognized “The Lake District Episcopal Sunday School,” serving 12 children. It was
held in a rented doctor’s office. A service of Morning Prayer was added for a small congregation. By 1949, the congregation had outgrown its location, so they advanced a down payment on land at the corner of Gravelly Lake Drive and Lake Avenue, where the present church stands. The name St. Mary's was adopted in 1949. Services were held in a small house on the new property. On June 7, 1951, Bishop Bayne broke ground for the parish hall which would be used for church services as well as Sunday school. In 1956, the little house was demolished to make way for classrooms and a big church building. The first service in the new building was held on Easter Sunday 1957 and the church was dedicated by Bishop Bayne on September 19, 1957.
Longview, St. Stephen's (Grace Church) - c. 1930
The birthplace of St. Stephen’s church was a private house in Kelso where a group of faithful women gathered to read the Prayer Book. A church called the Church of Our Redeemer was built and dedicated on August 10, 1924. The church was soon transferred to the new city of Longview. The next church called Grace Church was built and dedicated by Bishop S. Arthur Huston on April 15, 1930. By a vote of its congregation, the name of the church was changed to St. Stephen’s on December 26, 1939, and parochial status was attained at the next diocesan convention.
Longview, St. Stephen's - c. 1968
A new church was built and dedicated
on December 21, 1952 by Bishop Stephen F. Bayne, Jr.
Longview, St. Stephen's - c. 2003
A number of remodeling projects were undertaken between 2003 and 2009. The kitchen, the parish hall, library and courtyard all underwent remodeling
and renovation and the education wing was upgraded.
Lopez Island, Grace - Interior
From its tiny beginning in 1954, as a “Church by Mail” Sunday school Grace's congregation met regularly - first in homes, then at the Lopez Inn, in the Landmark Center Church., and in an unoccupied farm. When land was donated, a small church was built and the first services were held there on December 22, 1968.
Lopez Island, Grace
As Grace's congregation grew, members began to envision a new church building. On September 22, 1997 ground was broken on a hillside overlooking Lopez Village and a building featuring a bell tower and clerestory was soon completed. The first service in the new church building was held in November 1998.
Maple Valley, St. George - c. 1992
St. George’s began without an official name, as a mission of St. Catherine’s, Enumclaw. Friends gathered in early February 1967 at a private home and a new mission was born. The first service was held on February 17, 1967 in an old homestead. During the next several years, services were held in various locations in Ravensdale, Black Diamond, Enumclaw and Maple Valley. The parishioners decided a name was needed and the name “St. George” was requested. George was the name of the oldest church member and early services had been at his homestead. Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis approved and the name was official. Property was purchased in 1977. In 1980, portable buildings were purchased from St. George’s, Seattle, moved to the present site in Maple Valley, and enlarged to become the present church building.
Marysville, St. Phillip's
St. Phillip’s Church in Marysville was organized as a parochial mission under the sponsorship of Trinity, Everett, in the
summer of 1958. The first service was held in the basement of the Masonic Temple (pictured here) on September 7, 1958. The church moved twice, first into a funeral home, and then into a vacated Roman Catholic Church.
Marysville, St. Phillip's
Ground breaking for the present church took place in August 1967. The building was completed and the first service was held on May 12, 1968.
Marysville, St. Phillip's
Dedication of the new church building, September 10, 1968.
Medina, St. Thomas
St. Thomas Episcopal Church had its beginning on October 10, 1943 when a group of parents organized a Sunday school in a boat house. The parents then established a mission church that held services in the Medina city hall, formerly a ferry terminal, with a collapsible billiard table serving as an altar. A former CCC building found abandoned in the woods was moved and became the first church building. It was dedicated on December 10, 1944, by Bishop S. Arthur Huston on a site near the present building.
Medina, St. Thomas - 1948
Interior view in 1948
Medina, St. Thomas
A five and one-half acre site at the corner of 84th Avenue and N.E. 12th Street was purchased for the location of a new church building in the early 1950s.
Medina, St. Thomas - 1965
Medina, St. Thomas
Mercer Island, Emmanuel - c. 1930s
In 1909, the rector of St. Clement’s, Seattle, held the first service at what was to become Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The service was held in a school house in “East Seattle” on Mercer Island. By 1914, following a series of fund raising events, a simple, rustic church was built on donated land for $760. The price did not include the pews and altar which were added for an additional $80.
Mercer Island, Emmanuel - 1963
With the advent of city water and the opening of the floating bridge in 1940, population on the island increased and in 1956, land was purchased for a new church. Ground was broken in 1958 and construction of the church building was completed shortly thereafter.
Photo by Carl Crumb, Jr.
Mercer Island, Emmanuel
Monroe, Church of Our Saviour
The first Episcopal Church in Monroe was called St. Mary’s Mission. Services were first held in Forester’s Hall and later at the Knights of Pythias Hall and the Swedish Mission. In January 1910, the mission purchased property on the corner of McDougall and South Lewis Streets and a 27’ by 54’ hall was constructed. The building was dedicated by Bishop Keator on June 16, 1912. By the end of World War I, many of the active members had moved from the Monroe area, making it no longer feasible to continue the mission. In December 1922, the diocese sold the building to the Mennonites.
Monroe, Our Saviour
In 1963, St. John’s Church, Snohomish, sponsored a second altar in Monroe. The first service was held at a private home in October 1963. When the congregation outgrew the home, services were moved to the Purdy and Kerr Funeral Home Chapel. In 1966, St. John’s negotiated the purchase of a Mormon church and the first services were held there on November 6, 1966.
Monroe, Church of Our Saviour - 1986
In 1971, a house north of the church was purchased and converted to a parish hall. The following year, the two buildings were connected. A variety of renovations followed and this building serves the congregation today.
Montesano, St. Mark's
Montesano, St. Mark's - c. 1960s
St. Mark’s original building remains with expansions being added in the 1940s and 1950s. This is an exterior view from the 1960s.
Montesano, St. Mark's - c. 1960s
Interior photo of St. Mark's c. 1960s.
Montesano, St. Mark's - 2005
In 2005 a two floor addition was added to the parish hall and in 2008 additional improvements were made to the entire facility. In 2009, the worship space was refurbished and updated and the altar was moved closer to the nave.
Mount Vernon, Resurrección
Resurrección began as a ministry in migrant farm worker camps in 1998. The next stage was opening a storefront ministry in Mount Vernon next to the Food Bank and in an area with low-income and farm worker housing. The first Eucharist was celebrated at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon (pictured here) in 2003.
Mount Vernon, Resurrección
Resurrección began as a ministry in migrant farm worker camps in 1998. The next stage was opening a storefront ministry in Mount Vernon next to the Food Bank and in an area with low-income and farm worker housing. The first Eucharist was celebrated at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon (pictured here) in 2003.
Mount Vernon, St. Paul - c. 1930s
The first Episcopal services in Mount Vernon were conducted in 1891 at the Methodist Church. Following this service the Women’s Guild of St. Paul’s Mission was formed. After occupying several temporary sites, the mission opened its first church building on 2nd Street. The church building was moved to a large lot at Third and Kincaid in 1896 and an active ministry with a fairly large congregation thrived. In 1904 a large parish hall that served the whole community. was built. The church survived the Great Depression of the 1930s in large part due to the efforts of the Women's Guild
Mount Vernon, St. Paul's - Construction - c. 1960
The church survived the Great Depression of the 1930s in large part due to the efforts of the Women's Guild which later raised money to purchase property for a new church building. There the present church was built and was consecrated by Bishop William F. Lewis on June 17, 1960. The design of the church won a national architectural award. Since 2003, La Iglesia de la Resurrección, a worshipping Hispanic community, has been headquartered at St. Paul's.
Mount Vernon, St. Paul's - 1961
Interior view.
Oak Harbor, St. Stephen's - undated
St. Stephen’s came into being through the efforts of a group of Navy families. With the consent and encouragement of Bishop Stephen F. Bayne, Jr., a preaching station was established. The first service has held on December 21, 1952 in the IOOF hall. The following year, property was acquired and a church erected by members of the congregation. In 1960, a second building was added.
Oak Harbor, St. Stephen's - undated
The parish outgrew its facilities and a building program produced a new church, Sunday school rooms and a remodeled kitchen. The original church was converted to a chapel, offices and a library and the sanctuary built in 1960 became the parish hall. The first service in the new church was
held on June 6, 1982 and the church was dedicated by Bishop Robert H. Cochrane on September 25, 1982.
Olympia, St. Christopher's
St. Christopher’s began in 1959 as a parochial mission of St. John’s, Olympia. Between 1959 and 1971 services were
conducted at Rignall Hall, located on Steamboat Island Road. During these formative years, architectural designs were
developed. In 1964, a three acre parcel of land was donated. In 1969, members of St. Christopher’s, aided by other community members, began construction of the
church building. On July 4, 1971, the first service was held in the new structure.
Olympia, St. Christopher - 1971
Dedication of St. Christopher's on October 5, 1971. Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis.
Olympia, St. John's - Second Church - 1891-1949
Church records connected with the establishment of the Episcopal Church in Olympia can be traced back to 1860. However, on January 7, 1864, the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Washington formally passed: “An Act to incorporate St. John’s Church, Olympia,” making it the first incorporated Episcopal church in the territory. Property was purchased and an old frame carpenter shop was converted to use as a church building. The church was consecrated on September 3, 1865. In 1889, construction began on a new church. The dedication of the new house of worship (pictured here) was on July 19, 1891. This church was sold in 1949.
Olympia, St. John - Second Church - 1939
Interior in 1939.
Olympia, St. John's
The cornerstone for the current church was laid in 1957. St. John’s now occupies a complete city block close to Olympia’ s Capitol Campus. The church features a soaring bell tower and thousands of panels of stained glass, each with a rich history of its own. St. John’s also supports a Spanish language ministry known as La Iglesia San Juan which reaches out to the growing Hispanic community in the Olympia area.
Olympia, St. John
Interior photo of current church building.
Port Angeles, St. Andrew's - Second Church - 1960
St. Andrew's first service was held on November 22, 1891 in the Baptist Church. A petition was sent to Bishop John Adams Paddock which resulted in the establishment of a Port Angeles mission. The new mission built its first church on the southeast corner of Sixth and Chase Streets. The formal opening was May 18, 1892. In 1905, St. Andrew’s traded the church location for property at Second and Peabody Streets where, on September 17th, a new church edifice was consecrated. On June 8, 1908, a parish hall was consecrated.
Port Angeles, St. Andrew - Current Church
St. Andrew's marked its 75th anniversary with the purchase of a four acre tract on Park Avenue as a site for a new church building which is where the congregation worships today. St. Andrew's also supports a parochial mission, St. Swithin's in Forks, which meets at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. St. Swithin's has ministered to the Forks community since 1964.
Pt. Gamble, St. Paul's
St. Paul's was built tin 1870 by the Pope and Talbot Lumber Company whose owners had founded Port Gamble in 1853. The church was served by various denominations until services were discontinued in 1931. However, a group of Episcopalians petitioned Bishop S. Arthur Huston to send a clergyman to hold services and St. Paul's became a diocesan mission on February 2, 1932. St. Paul's served the area for decades but no longer has ties to the Episcopal Church.
Port Orchard, St. Bede's
In 1963, St. Paul’s, Bremerton brought Sunday services to a borrowed church in Port Orchard. The congregation, then known as St. Timothy’s, became a parochial mission of St. Paul’s and the services moved to Parkwood Community Center. The mission’s first organization, the Guild of Sts. Martha and Mary, founded a thrift shop, the Nifty Nickel, in an old building downtown and soon the Nifty Nickel actually became the Church when the congregation moved their worship space into the store, squeezing services around the merchandise. When that space became too small, St. Timothy’s moved to the store next door. When, by 1965, St. Paul’s could no longer continue St. Timothy as a parochial mission, the mission merged with St. John’s mission in Gig Harbor. The combined congregation selected the name St. Bede's and moved to share facilities with the First Lutheran Church in Port Orchard. The opportunity to buy a small church building came in 1976 and “The Little White Church Beside the Freeway” became St. Bede’s new home. On December 19, 1976, Bishop Robert H. Cochrane dedicated the church.
Port Townsend, St. Paul's- Sketch by E.T. Coleman
In September 1860, a group of Episcopalians in Port Townsend met and elected a vestry. With this action, the parish of St. Paul’s was formed. Occasional services were held in the court house and other locations until a wooden church building was completed in 1865. On Easter Day of that year the first services and the first annual meeting were held. St. Paul’s was the third Episcopal congregation in the state of Washington and the first to build its own building, which makes St. Paul’s the oldest Episcopal church building in continuous use in the state.
Port Townsend, St. Paul's - 1936
Exterior view of St. Paul's in 1936.
Port Townsend, St. Paul's
Interior view.
Port Townsend, St. Paul's - c. 1960s
An exterior view of St. Paul's shown on a postcard, c. 1960s.
Poulsbo, St. Charles
In 1965 a gift of land in Poulsbo was received and portable buildings were moved into place. Services were held in the portables until a permanent church building - pictured here - was built and dedicated on June 18, 1978. In 2004, the congregation broke away from the Episcopal church - becoming an Anglican congregation. This congregation vacated the building in 2015 and in 2016 Faith Episcopal Church - formerly in Kingston - moved in.
Poulsbo, Faith
In 2016, Faith Episcopal Church - formerly in Kingston - moved into the church building vacated by St. Charles Anglican (formerly Episcopal) Church.
Puyallup, Christ Church
Christ Church held its first service in November 1882 with four communicants in attendance. Meetings were held in the homes of parishioners. In 1884 services were moved to the second floor of a newly completed store building. In 1886, a small wooden church was erected on donated
land. In the late 1890s, the mission’s work declined and eventually the church locked its doors and for several years ceased to exist. In the early 1900s, a few families gathered together and reopened the church. The present church was erected in 1926 with the cornerstone laid by Bishop S. Arthur Huston.
Puyallup, Christ Church
Black & white exterior and interior views.
Redmond, Holy Cross
The first Episcopal mission church in Redmond began at Marymoor Park in 1909. A log church was built to serve the original congregation. Later, the log church was moved to City Park in Redmond. In the mid-1950s a new mission, named St. Timothy's, was begun in Redmond. In the 1960s, another group of Episcopalians in the town of Juanita, began meeting in neighborhood homes and they began St. Gregory's, a mission church of St. John's in Kirkland. In July 1974, the diocese determined that the two missions should merge into one. The combined congregations met and decided to call the new mission The Church of The Holy Cross and on April 23, 1981 a ground-breaking ceremony was held on the present site and construction began for a church building. The present church (pictured here) was completed in November 1981.
Renton, St. Luke's
In 1892 a Sunday school was formed by a group of women in the village of Renton, and a monthly visit was arranged by one of the clergy from Trinity Church, Seattle. Services were held on an irregular basis until 1897 when the first church building was erected and St. Luke’s became a mission of the diocese. In 1928, a new red brick church - pictured here - was built and was formally dedicated on December 30, 1928. In 1952, a red brick children’s chapel dedicated to St. Timothy was built next to the church and became one of the first children’s chapels in the nation that was a separate building. St. Luke's underwent major re-modelings in 1960 and c. 2005.
Renton, St. Luke's
Children's Choir - c. 1960
Renton, St. Luke's - Misa Guadalupe
In 1960, St. Luke’s underwent a major remodeling. The church was enlarged, the old rectory was removed and a new
education and parish office building were erected on the site. A ministry recently begun at St. Luke's is Misa Guadalupe which was born as a “destination community.” This Bicultural-Bilingual Latino-Anglo community brings together various groups seeking an inclusive place to practice their faith. This mission is for those who share some connection with the Spanish language, culture, life experience, and spiritual traditions.
Rockport, North Cascade Mission
The first service of the North Cascade mission was held in January 1952, in the town of Concrete. At that time, the mission, called “St. James in the Valley,” met at the library or in the Grassmere Grange Hall. The congregation was served by Church by Mail and Kathryn S. Miller - pictured here.
Her visits were highly anticipated. She brought her 'Bookmobile' and parishioners picked out the books of their choice. In between, they received lessons and more books through the mail. More than just a mailing service, Church by Mail brought the diocese into direct contact with parishioners in these remote areas.
Rockport, St. Martin (North Cascades Mission)
In 1960, an old building formerly used as a railroad depot was purchased from Seattle City Light. It was moved to its present site, between the towns of Marblemount and Rockport,. The name was changed from St. James in the Valley to St. Martin’s Episcopal Mission Church.
Rockport, St. Martin
The church building was dedicated on June 23, 1963.
Rockport, St. Martin
About this time a church in the Newhalem and Diablo area was established and named St. Francis. Though St. Francis had intended to build their own church, the National Park Service did not approve their plans. Thus, in 1976, at a joint meeting of St. Martin’s and St. Francis, it was decided to combine their funds and the two congregations in the Rockport church. When St. Francis joined St. Martin’s, a bell tower and bell were added to the building and the large altar window was installed.
Rockport, St. Martin - St. Francis
A church in Newhalem and Diablo area was established and named St. Francis. Though St. Francis had intended to build their own
church, when the North Cascades National Park was formed in 1968, the National Park Service did not approve their plans. Thus, in 1976, at a joint meeting of St. Martin’s and St. Francis, it was decided to combine their funds and the two congregations in the Rockport church. When St. Francis joined St. Martin’s, a bell tower and bell were added to the building and the large altar window was installed.
Sammamish, Good Samaritan - 2002
Good Samaritan's first service on September 30, 1990 at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School. The church worshipped at the school for 6 years. In November 1991, the church office was moved to rented space in the back of the one hour photo shop in the Sammamish Highlands shopping center. Beginning October 1, 1996 Good Samaritan began worshipping in the chapel at Lutheran Bible Institute. In 2001, ground was broken for Good Samaritan’s first building. The building was completed in June 2002 and was consecrated by Bishop Vincent W. Warner that same month.
Seattle, All Saints
In 1903, a Sunday school and Women’s Guild was begun in Dunlap Station, the present Rainier Beach area of Seattle. It was a prosperous time and land and buildings were acquired. The new church was dedicated by Bishop Frederic W.
Keator on October 1, 1905. When Rainier Avenue was extended, the church was
left isolated on a side street but in 1951 the building was raised on jacks, and moved several blocks to its present location on Cloverdale Place South. After years of growth and social change, the congregation took on a more urban ministry, becoming very involved in the surrounding community. After more than 100 years of service, All Saints closed in 2014.
Seattle, Apostles
Church of the Apostles was launched in November of 2002 under the auspices of the Diocese of Olympia and NW Washington Synod ELCA as an emerging, incarnational, sacramental Christian community. Begun as a house church gathering of five young adults, Church of the Apostles has grown into a much larger community meeting at the Fremont Abbey.
Seattle, Ascension
In 1938, the rector of St. Paul’s on Queen Anne Hill, saw the potential for a mission in the neighboring Magnolia community. A group of Episcopalians became the nucleus for a community church which included Lutherans, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and Methodists. Services were held in the Non-Commissioned Officers’ Club and, later, at the Post Theater at Ft. Lawton. In 1940, Bishop S. Arthur Huston laid the cornerstone for St. Paul’s Chapel of the Ascension. The first services in the new building were held in 1941. In 1948, the mission was released from the sponsorship of St. Paul’s and gained parish status. Plans for a new church building were realized in 1958.
Seattle, Ascension
In 1938, the rector of St. Paul’s on Queen Anne Hill, saw the potential for a mission in the neighboring Magnolia community. A group of Episcopalians became the nucleus for a community church which included Lutherans, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, and Methodists. Services were held in the Non-Commissioned Officers’ Club and, later, at the Post Theater at Ft. Lawton. In 1940, Bishop S. Arthur Huston laid the cornerstone for St. Paul’s Chapel of the Ascension. The first services in the new building were held in 1941. In 1948, the mission was released from the sponsorship of St. Paul’s and gained parish status. Plans for a new church building were realized in 1958.
Seattle, Christ Church
On November 1, 1903, All Saints’ Church, a mission of St. Mark’s, Seattle was started in Seattle’s University District. Because there was already an Episcopal church in the Seattle area with the name All Saints, the name of the church was changed to Christ Church. In 1904, a chapel was built on the corner of Northeast 47th Street and Brooklyn Avenue Northeast and the first church was built on that site in 1909. This structure was moved in 1914 to the lot south of the corner lot and remodeled to serve as a parish hall. In 1931, the old chapel/parish hall was given to the YMCA. The present church was moved from the corner to the south side of the lot, and the corner property was leased to the Shell Oil Company for the location of a gas station. The new church building dedicated on November 20, 1954, was to be used for offices, Sunday school classes and meeting rooms. Plans to rebuild the church were put on indefinite hold and the church building was faced with brick. In 1992, the sanctuary was restored to its original wood beam construction and decoration.
Seattle, Epiphany
In August 1907, Bishop Frederic W. Keator took a group of businessmen from St. Mark’s, Seattle and their rector, the Rev. Dr. John D.P. Llywd on a yachting trip on Lake Washington. As the yacht slowly passed the Madrona district, the bishop remarked how sad that this beautiful area had no church and that it would be a wonderful place to start a mission. That fall a Sunday school was begun in a storefront at 34th and East Union (pictured here).
Seattle, Epiphany
In January 1908, ten ladies met to form a Women’s Guild. The Guild began to raise money to purchase land and build a church.
Initially under the auspices of St. Mark’s, the congregation grew and by 1909, the new mission had raised the funds to buy
the present land. In 1912, Epiphany became a parish with a lovely new building (the present chapel) designed by a young parishioner, noted pioneer Seattle architect Ellsworth Storey. Photo by David Wilma
Seattle, Epiphany
Interior view of original church now the chapel.
Seattle, Epiphany - c. 1970
In 1951, a new church was built, and later an addition was made to the parish hall.
Seattle, Epiphany
Interior view today.
Seattle, St. Andrew's - 1956
In 1906 a notice was placed in a Seattle newspaper to catch the attention of Episcopalians interested in opening a church in the Green Lake area. For a short time a handful of people attended Sunday services in room known as Kidd’s Hall. A gift of property and a loan made possible the first St. Andrew’s building in 1909. By the late 1940s, membership had grown to the extent that plans were made to build a new church (pictured here) which was dedicated in March 1956.
Seattle, St. Andrew's - c. 2010
Exterior view - c. 2010
Seattle, St. Andrew's - c. 2010
Interior view.
Seattle, St. Clement of Rome
St. Clement of Rome was founded as a mission of Trinity Parish, Seattle. The congregation has met and held services at a variety of locations: in private homes of laity, 1890; at Calvary Presbyterian Church on 24th Ave. S. & Lane St., 1891; in the “old schoolhouse,” Market St. & Park Ave., 1894-1900; on 24th Ave. S. and Fir St., 1901-1947; and at 32nd Ave. S. & Atlantic St. (pictured here) from 1947 to the present.
Seattle, St. Clement of Rome - 1959
Interior view - 1959.
Seattle, St. Clement of Rome - 1959
Interior view with congregation - 1959.
Seattle, St. Dunston's - Henry Chapel
In 1949, the Rev. Canon Thomas E. Jessett organized a Sunday school for the Florence Henry Memorial chapel in the Highlands in north Seattle (pictured here.) In 1951, the congregation became a mission of the diocese. A growing congregation required additional space. Property was purchased
and the construction of a new building was begun. In 1960, the Highlands congregation became a parish taking the name, St. Dunston's Church of the Highlands Parish. Attendance gradually shifted from the Henry Chapel to St. Dunston's Church.
Seattle, St. Dunston's
Groundbreaking for new church building, 1959. See also: Shoreline, St. Dunston.
Seattle, St. George's
Situated in the Lake City area in northeast
Seattle, St. George’s Church began in the
fall of 1954 as a mission of St. Stephen’s, Seattle. Services were first held in the basement rooms of the Lake City Elementary School. By 1955, the church
became a diocesan mission. Rapid growth and enthusiasm led to the purchase of property at 2212 NE 125th St. and a house on the property was used for services until the church pictured here was constructed in 1959.
Seattle, St. George's
In 1992 St. George's became a parish. However, over the years St. George’s became a smaller congregation and its members made the difficult decision to close in 2011.
Seattle, St. John the Baptist
St. John the Baptist Church in West Seattle was founded as a mission in June 1892. The first services were held in a school where they continued intermittently until after the turn of the twentieth century. In 1901, a lot was purchased and in 1905, the congregation erected the first portable church building on the Pacific Coast. In 1922, a Roman Catholic church was purchased and was remodeled. A new parish hall was dedicated in 1957 and in 1963 the old church building was torn down and ground was broken for a new church. The new church, pictured here, was dedicated in 1964.
Seattle, St. John the Baptist
Interior view.
Seattle, St. Luke's
Originally called St. Stephen’s, St. Luke’s was founded as a missionary parish on property at 15th Ave. N.W. in Ballard. The first service was on or about March 1, 1891. The name of the church was changed to St. Luke's and in 1912 plans were made for a new building. A site was chosen and the new church was dedicated in 1924. By the 1960s, the congregation had outgrown its this building and converted its newer parish hall into a sanctuary. Today, located in Alan increasingly urban landscape, St. Luke’s is engaging with the community with plans to redevelop the property to provide moderate and low income housing and other resources to the community.
Seattle, St. Mark's - 1890 - First church
The late 1800s was a time of rapid population growth in Seattle and Trinity Parish, located in the downtown area was no exception. Episcopalians were drawn to the centrally located church which soon became over-crowded. A solution to the situation was to open a second church. That idea became a reality on June 30, 1889 when St. Mark’s Parish was formed. A temporary parish house was built at Olive and Stewart Streets, where the Times Square Building now stands. It was dedicated on February 16, 1890.
Seattle, St. Mark's - 1897-1931 - Second church
St. Mark’s congregation quickly outgrew its
downtown location and moved to Seneca and Broadway in 1897. This English parish-style church served as the congregation's home until 1931.
Seattle, St. Mark's Cathedral
In 1926, the diocese, led by Bishop S. Arthur Huston, adopted St. Mark’s as its cathedral.
Plans were laid and a grand, Gothic style cathedral was commissioned to be built on newly purchased land on Tenth Avenue East.
Construction began in 1928.
Seattle, St. Mark's Cathedral
An aerial view of the new cathedral.
Seattle, St. Mark's Cathedral - 2018
A number of changes and renovations to the Cathedral took place over the years - including the installation of the Flentrop organ and the re-facing of the west wall and the installation of the new west wall window. In 2016 another major renovation was undertaken resulting in the consecration and dedication of the most recent Saint Mark’s Cathedral renovations on October 21, 2018.
Seattle, St. Paul's - All Saints Chapel
St. Paul’s, Seattle was begun in 1892. In 1895 it officially became St. Paul’s Mission. In 1903, land for the present site at the foot of Queen Anne Hill was purchased and, soon after, the first church building was erected. Several additions including the still-in-use All Saints Chapel, were made in 1938.
The original 1903 church was razed on July 21, 1962.
Seattle, St. Paul's - All Saints Chapel
Interior of All Saints Chapel.
Seattle, St. Paul's
The original 1903 church was razed on July 21, 1962, and a soaring contemporary wooden structure was built.
Seattle, St. Paul's
Another exterior view showing St. Paul's labyrinth.
Seattle, St. Peter's
Groundbreaking, May 21, 1932.
Seattle, St. Peter's
In Seattle on Trinity Sunday, 1908, Evening Prayer was read in Japanese for the first time with five men guided by Asian scholar Herbert Henry Gowen, rector of Trinity Parish. “Trinity Mission to the Japanese” began in two rented rooms. In 1912, the work was assumed by the diocese as “St. Peter’s Japanese Mission.” In 1932 a multi-purpose church building (pictured here) was constructed.
Seattle, St. Peter's
In 1962, a new church structure was completed.
Seattle, St. Peter's
Interior view.
Seattle, St. Stephen's
The roots of this northeast Seattle church date back to the establishment of St. Stephen’s Mission in 1920. Later, property was purchased at the present site and an English style chapel was designed and built. The first services were held on Easter 1942.
The Sunday school and office building was completed in 1948 and continued growth required a new worship space that was
completed in 1957. In the early 1990s, the parish completely redesigned the interior
of the church.
Seattle, Trinity Parish
Trinity Parish is the oldest Episcopal church in Seattle and known as the “mother of Seattle churches.” A building, pictured here, was completed in 1871 at the northwest corner of what is today Third and Jefferson. The congregation grew steadily but the building was destroyed by the great Seattle fire of 1889.
Seattle, Trinity Parish
In 1892, a vastly improved replacement for the original church was constructed further up the slope of First Hill at Eighth and James. However, fire struck again prompting a rebuild in 1902 that expanded and improved the worship space complete with a marble high altar and stained glass windows. In 1930 a parish hall (shown in this picture) was added.
Seattle, Trinity Parish - 1941
Altar and stained glass windows, 1941.
Seattle, Trinity Parish
The church building was badly damaged by the (Ash Wednesday) 2001 Nisqually Earthquake. A prolonged period of fundraising and re-construction followed until the church was re-consecrated in February 2006.
Seaview, St. Peter's
The recorded history of St. Peter’s began on December 13, 1896 in the Masonic Hall, Ilwaco. Services were also held in private homes and for a time in the Ilwaco Presbyterian Church. The original church register, which is still in use, records a service on April 24, 1898 as the last one
held for this early mission. In 1954, the vicar of St. John’s, South Bend, re-instituted services on the Peninsula and, in 1956, a
committee of laymen petitioned the bishop for organization as a diocesan mission. By the early 1970s, St. Peter’s congregation outgrew their meeting location at the same time that two Presbyterian congregations decided to merge and seek a larger church
building. On July 1, 1973, after many months of planning, Episcopalians and Presbyterians began an adventure in ecumenical cooperation, with the groundbreaking for the Peninsula Church Center in Seaview.
Seaview, St. Peter's
Interior view.
Sedro-Woolley, St. James
In 1890, St. David’s Episcopal Church was started in what is now Sedro-Woolley. The congregation met in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the town of Sedro. Sometime between 1894 and 1918, the name of the church was
changed to St. James and in 1907 the present building was built. This church building served the congregation for many years but in 2010, St. James’ congregation began to worship at the Central United Methodist Church while their 103-year-old church building underwent a structural evaluation resulting in the eventual decision to close the church.
Sequim, St. Luke's
In the spring of 1893, a small group of Episcopalians from the Sequim area gathered at the home of Captain and Mrs. Thomas Jones and decided to build a church. In 1894, the first service was held in the new building.
Sequim, St. Luke's
Interior of original church.
Sequim, St. Luke's - Parish Hall
In 1955 members of the congregation helped to build a parish hall.
Sequim, St. Luke's
By 1988 it was obvious that the congregation had outgrown the original church. Plans were started for a new church building. On July 5, 1992, the old church was deconsecrated and the congregation moved to the new church, which was consecrated by Bishop Vincent W. Warner on August 2, 1992.
Shelton, St. David of Wales
The work of the Episcopal Church in Mason County began in about 1890 when St. Barnabas Guild was founded in Shelton. Land for a church was donated by the town’s founder, David Shelton. The lots proved too steep to be useful and were
used as a down payment on the property where the present church stands.
Services of St. Barnabas’ Mission were held in homes, the Baptist Church and the Masonic Temple. In the early years of the twentieth century, services were discontinued but in 1936 the church was reorganized as St. David of Wales, and the congregation looked forward to building on the land which had been held since 1894. The Great Depression was followed by war and the building of the church was postponed until 1948.
Shelton, St. David of Wales
Interior view in 2010.
Shelton, St. David of Wales
Interior view - stained glass windows.
Shelton, St. David of Wales
Celtic cross on the church grounds.
Shoreline, St. David Emanuel
St. David of Wales began in 1958 as a mission of Epiphany with the congregation meeting at an elementary school in north Seattle. St. David's was recognized as a diocesan mission in 1961 and construction of the church building began in 1962. In 1995 St. David's merged with Emmanuel, a mission of St. Luke's in Ballard, to form St. David Emmanuel. Originally a north Seattle neighborhood, the area where the church is located is now in Shoreline.
Shoreline, St. Dunston's
See also: Seattle, St. Dunston - Henry Chapel
In 1959, a successful capital funds drive resulted in the construction of a large building containing a parish hall,
church school rooms, and office space with the sanctuary added at a later date. In 1962, the Highlands congregation was admitted into the Diocese of Olympia as a parish, taking the name “St. Dunstan’s Church of the Highlands Parish.” Over the next twenty years, the bulk of attendance gradually shifted from the Henry Chapel to St. Dunstan’s. The parish continues to celebrate the early Eucharist on Sundays in the Henry Chapel, but 90% of the congregation attends the Eucharist at St. Dunstan’s. In 1995, this part of north Seattle was incorporated into the city of Shoreline.
Silverdale, St. Antony of Egypt
In 1983, the potential for an Episcopal congregation in the Silverdale area of the Kitsap Peninsula was noted and in July 1985, the purchase of a five acre site which included a house, garage, barn and pond was approved by the diocese. The church
was named St. Antony of Egypt and the first service was held on October 27, 1985 in the basement of the house.
Silverdale, St. Antony of Egypt - 1995
Over the succeeding years, the congregation worked on improving the facilities so when St. Antony’s celebrated their 10th anniversary in 1995 they could do so in a new and expanded church with worship space for 120.
Silverdale, St. Antony of Egypt - 1995
Interior view.
Silverdale, St. Antony of Egypt - 2019
As the congregation grew they began looking for property where they could expand and In 2014 purchased a parcel one mile north of their current location and began a building campaign. In June 2019 the first service was held in the new building.
Snohomish, St. John's
In the spring of 1889, the Rev. George Watson of Trinity Church, Seattle, and the Rev. Mr. Taylor of St. Paul’s, Port Townsend, visited Snohomish and informed Bishop John Adams Paddock of the need for an Episcopal church in that community. The first service was held in the old Cathcart Hall in June 1889. Soon after, the present site was purchased and a $250 construction contract was awarded, with most of the materials donated by members of the parish. The tall, white, high-steepled structure remains today, one of the few original churches left in Snohomish. St. John’s was built to serve not only the local townspeople, but also residents from as far as Gold Bar to the east and Arlington to the north. Because of the financial panic and Depression of 1893, the construction moved slowly and the church was not ready for occupancy until 1894.
Snohomish, St. John's - Parish Hall
In 1927 construction was started on a new and much larger parish hall (pictured here) funded by parishioners, St. John’s Guild and a “mile of pennies” contributed by the children.
Snoqualmie, St. Clare's
In 1982, a group of lay people submitted a letter of intent to Bishop Robert H. Cochrane, who then allowed services to be held in North Bend. At first the new preaching station met in the home of parishioners. In 1984, services were held at Si View Park in North Bend. In 1987, the Si View Park building was damaged by fire and St. Clare’s was compelled to meet in various locations until the Snoqualmie United Methodist Church invited the congregation to share their building. Then, in 1995/1996, the Assemblies of God Church building in Snoqualmie was placed up for sale. The building next door, now St. Clare’s parish hall, was part of the property. With the help of the diocese and member pledges, St. Clare's was able to buy the building. The Sunday after Christmas 1996 was St. Clare’s first Sunday in the “new” building. Unfortunately, in 2006, St. Clare’s suffered the devastating effects of a flood which necessitated the demolition of their church building. Since that time, the congregation has moved the altar into the parish hall which now functions as the church.
South Bend, St.John's
In 1890 a group of Episcopalians requested
that a mission be organized. Thereafter, services were held in South Bend on the first Sunday of each month. There was no recorded activity from 1896 to 1911 when clergy from Centralia began to hold services again. In 1912 the church officially reorganized. A church building was constructed and was dedicated by Bishop Frederic W. Keator on March 20, 1914.
South Bend, St. John's
Once a prosperous community, South Bend's economy declined and the population dwindled. Church membership followed suit and the congregation wasn't large enough to maintain the building The church was closed in January 2012 and the building was eventually sold.
Tacoma, All Saints
All Saints traces its beginnings to an 1890 service held in a private home. Clergy from Tacoma churches travelled by steam railroad to serve the new mission in Larchmont. In 1893 an acre of land was purchased and a parish house was built. When not used for services, the facility became a gathering place for the community. During the depression years of 1893-1898, the little mission at Larchmont experienced hardships, many members moved, and visiting clergy made irregular visits, but the church community continued to meet. In the 1950s membership increased and a building was purchased to be used as a parish hall, leaving the 61-year-old parish house for church services. In 1959 adjoining property was acquired and a house on the property was remodeled for Sunday school rooms and an office for the vicar. Fire destroyed the Sunday school/ office building in 1963, and the church in 1964. Again, All Saints undertook a building project. In August 1965, the first services were held in the present church building.
Tacoma, All Saints - 1988
Exterior view - 1988.
Tacoma, All Saints - 1992
Exterior view - 1992
Tacoma, Christ Church - Wells Hall 1927
In 1926, two Tacoma churches - St. Luke's (1884) and Trinity (1889) - merged and met in Trinity's larger facility. The the now combined parish was named Christ Church. In 1927, a large multi-purpose hall housing a gymnasium, locker rooms, sexton’s apartment, meeting hall, banquet room, parish offices and church school facilities was completed. The structure was named Wells Hall in memory of Fr. Lemuel Wells who had served both congregations for many years. The Hall continues to be the center of church-related activity today, though uses of the space have changed over the years.
In the 1940s the combined parish became two again.
Tacoma, Christ Church - c. 1930s
This photo shows Christ Church with Wells Hall adjacent to it as it appeared in the 1930s. However, in 1968, the handsome, old Victorian-gothic church building, which had been altered and expanded several times since 1889, was declared structurally unsafe,
and was deconsecrated by Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis to make way for the building of a new, dramatically different structure, unlike any
other church building in the Pacific Northwest. See next photo.
Tacoma, Christ Church
Christ Church’s starkly modern building, completed in 1969, is an extraordinary work of architectural art. Designed by internationally known architect, Paul Thiry, the architectural style is based on the early modernist work of Le Corbusier. Though there are similarities in its rugged, massive simplicity to the Romanesque churches of Medieval Europe, its architectural roots are modern. The soaring sanctuary, with its combination of natural native materials, wood, concrete, and stained glass, provides an inviting, resonant space for liturgy enhanced by music and the visual arts.
Tacoma, Holy Communion
The Church of the Holy Communion was founded in 1885. It was first called St. John's Chapel. The name was later changed to Holy Communion. The church building pictured here was begun in the middle 1920s and was dedicated by Bishop S. Arthur Huston in 1928. Holy Communion served its community for many years until its closure in 1976.
Tacoma, Holy Communion
Interior view.
Tacoma, Holy Family of Jesus - 1986
In the fall of 1980, St. Matthew’s, Tacoma, sponsored a Cambodian (Khmer) refugee family. By 1982, thirty percent of St. Matthew’s congregation was Cambodian.
On May 31, 1985, the Cambodian group was accepted as a developing congregation by the Diocese of Olympia under the name Holy Family of Jesus and in 1986, the decision was made to seek their own church home. The diocese purchased property in the area where much of the Cambodian population lived and plans were developed to build a multi-use facility that would meet the needs of the growing community. The groundbreaking for the new building was held on May 18, 1988.
Tacoma, Holy Family of Jesus
Holy Family of Jesus held its first worship service in the new building on April 1, 1990 and it was dedicated on May 16, 1990 by Bishop Vincent W. Warner.
Tacoma, St. Andrew's - First Church - 1892-1952
On September 14, 1890, the first service was held in a rented hall with just 12 members. Two building lots were donated and a small church building was constructed. Bishop John Adams Paddock led the first service in the new church on June 19, 1892. This building served the congregation for many years until it was sold in 1952.
Tacoma, St. Andrew's - 1953
A piece of property was purchased as a site for a new church and a groundbreaking ceremony occurred on April 25, 1953.
Tacoma, St. Andrew's
On September 3, 1953, a dedication service
was held in the first small portion of the new church. On September 19, 1968, the present
sanctuary was dedicated.
Tacoma, St. John's - 1927
In 1973 St. John's closed and the congregation merged with St. Joseph's, becoming St. Joseph - St. John in Steilacoom, now Lakewood. See Lakewood, St. Joseph - St. John.
Tacoma, St. John's - c. 1927
Tacoma, St. Luke's Memorial
The Episcopalians of New Tacoma began meeting in the downtown Brick Hall (some say the Temperance Hall) as early as 1878. This group met with Bishop John Adams Paddock and Mr. Charles Wright, a churchman, railroad pioneer and land developer. Mr. Wright pledged the funds for the construction of a church that would serve Tacoma and later become a memorial to his wife and younger daughter. St. Luke's later became the Pro-Cathedral for the diocese. The church was under construction from 1883 through its consecration in 1884.
Tacoma, St. Luke's Memorial
Tacoma, St. Luke's Memorial
The plaque memorializing Charles Wright's daughter, Kate Elizabeth.
Tacoma, St. Matthew's
The first service of St. Matthew’s, a mission of Christ Church, Tacoma, was held in a vacant store on St. Matthew’s Day, September 21, 1951. Later services were held in members' homes. Soon, planning began for a permanent church structure. The first
service was held on Christmas Night 1952, in the partially completed chapel.
Tacoma, St. Peter's - Watercolor
The oldest church in Tacoma was founded in 1873 by an Episcopal bishop, the Rt. Rev. Benjamin Wistar Morris, and was served for years by Episcopal clergy. Though no longer officially part of the Diocese of Olympia, St. Peter's is a link with the Church's missionary past and a historic landmark in 'Old' Tacoma.
Tahuya, St. Nicholas - 2010
St. Nicholas began in the fall of 1968. The first service was held on September 8, 1968 in an unused one-room school house in Tahuya. A new log building, built of native materials to harmonize with its wooded creek side site, was dedicated on Saturday, April 20, 1974.
Tahuya, St. Nicholas - 2010
Exterior view.
Tukwila, St. John's Sudanese
St. John's Sudanese Episcopal Church has been worshipping together since 2001. They meet at the Church by the Side of the Road in Tukwila. Most members of the congregation are refugees who have come to Seattle from resettlement camps in Kenya and Uganda. This ministry began when several of the “Lost Boys of the Sudan” who had made their way to the Seattle area felt called to minister to the 200 Sudanese refugees then housed here. Many members of the Sudanese community are Anglican and it was natural for the Diocese of Olympia to work with the community. St. John is the patron name associated with the Episcopal Church in the Sudan.
Vancouver, All Saints
All Saints is one of five Episcopal
churches in Clark County. In 1966 the diocese and St. Luke’s, Vancouver purchased a five-acre piece of property in the Hazel Dell area. The first service was held on September 17, 1978, at Eisenhower Elementary School. Services continued at the school until 1980 when services moved across the street to Messiah Lutheran Church. In May 1981 ground was broken for All Saints’ own building. In 1991, the congregation broke ground again and ‘raised the roof,’ adding the present sanctuary, a loft library and sacristy.
Vancouver, Good Shepherd
Good Shepherd was founded as a mission of St. Luke’s in Vancouver in 1966 . A five-acre piece of property in the Hazel Dell area was purchased and ground was broken for a new church building in 1967. The first service in that building was held on January 7, 1968 and Good Shepherd was dedicated by Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis on April 13, 1968.
Vancouver, Good Shepherd
Interior view.
Vancouver, Good Shepherd
In 2020, the church building underwent major renovation and by the end of the year, the new construction was almost complete. This is a view of what the remodeled church building will look like when completed.
Vancouver, St. Luke's- 1857
In 1853, the Rev. Dr. John D. McCarty, missionary rector of Trinity Church in Portland and chaplain of the Fourth Infantry
at Vancouver Barracks, founded St. Luke’s Church. A deserted schoolhouse was purchased, furnished as a church (pictured here) and on May 22, 1860 was consecrated.
Vancouver, St. Luke's
In 1873, the second St. Luke’s church building was erected. The church was built of hand-hewn cedar timbers and lumber. With its tall, pointed spires, the structure served as a landmark for surveyors and later as a beacon for aviators. The building burned in December 1931.
Vancouver, St. Luke's - 1932
The cornerstone for the replacement church was placed in the church’s present location on August 7, 1932.
Vancouver, St. Luke's - 1932
After the cornerstone laying, the third St. Luke's church building (pictured here) was erected.
Vancouver, St.Luke's/San Lucas
Beginning in 1955, the church was rebuilt
and new stained glass windows were added. Hispanic ministry began at St. Luke’s on September 6, 1998 and has become a central focus of ministry there. Over the years, the two congregations, St. Luke’s and La Iglesia Episcopal de San Lucas have come together and now are, one.
Vashon, Christ Church
The first recorded Episcopal service on Vashon Island was conducted on September 12, 1912 at Portage, in the hall over what is now Lavendar’s Grocery Store. By July 1913, the church building - pictured here - had been erected and the congregation took the name Christ Church.
In the 1930s, the church building was sold and the Episcopal Church ceased to be a part of Vashon Island.
Vashon, Holy Spirit - c. 1948
In 1944, the Vashon church reopened under a new name, Church of the Holy Spirit, as a mission of St. John the Baptist in West Seattle. The congregation met in a church rented from the Lutherans for $1 per service, more if heat and lights were
used. In 1948, a parishioner purchased the old Christ Church and donated it to Holy Spirit. It was moved from Portage to Vashon, remodeled, and served the congregation until 1960 when it was destroyed by fire. Interior view.
Vashon, Holy Spirit
The current church building (pictured here) was built and dedicated in 1963.
Washougal, St. Anne's
For many years, Episcopalians in the Washougal area either traveled to St. Luke's in Vancouver or attended churches of other denominations in Camas or Washougal. Eventually, a few Episcopalians visualized a local church and with the help of St. Luke’s and the consent and support of the diocese, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church was born. The first services were held in the old Christian Church on Sixth Street in
Camas. Soon, the congregation moved to a basement room of the Crown Willamette Inn. In 1952, the old Christian Church in Washougal was purchased and, though it has been remodeled, continues to serve as the home of St. Anne’s today.
Washougal, St. Anne's
Over the years many renovations were undertaken and additions made to the church building. In September 2010, the church as it is today was dedicated.
As a result of the strategic plan, St. Anne’s also strengthened
Westport, St. Christopher's
On July 1, 1959, Bishop Stephen F. Bayne, Jr. assigned Capt. Wesley Janke, of the Church Army, the task of establishing a mission in Westport. The warning that it would be a “shoestring” operation was proven with the arrival of a tent in which to house services. The tent arrived via auto freight collect!
The first service was held on July 5, 1959 at 11:00 a.m. with 29 people in attendance.
Westport, St. Christopher's
Another picture of the tent!
Westport, St. Christopher's
In early fall, 1959, the old Westport school was placed up for auction and the building along with three adjacent lots was purchased. The building was refurbished and formed into a chapel, a parish hall and Sunday school.
Westport, St. Christopher's
The original building - though remodeled and improved over the years - served the congregation until 2014 when the church was closed. However, the building is still being used for ministry as it is currently serving as one of three locations for Chaplains on the Harbor, a group of chaplains seeking to empower the leadership of poor people in Grays Harbor County.
Chaplains on the Harbor stands alongside the poor of Grays Harbor who have lost resources, land, and spirit, by…
Providing spiritual and material support to people in jail and on the streets
Creating wrap around support toward healing
Supporting the leadership and expertise of poor people
Building regenerative community ownership through community-led social enterprise and job creation