“Epiphany,” they named it. That word embodies a sudden revelation. Epiphany Church of Seattle started in a humble storefront in 1907. It aimed to meet the spiritual needs of Seattle’s growing population.
Bishop F. W. Keator saw the need for a church while yachting on Lake Washington. He commented on the need for a church in the Madrona area. This led to the founding of Epiphany Church of Seattle.
The first Sunday school took place in a storefront at 34th and East Union. Mrs. E. F. Blaine paid the rent. In 1908 the women of the parish chose the name Epiphany. By 1912 Epiphany Church of Seattle became self-sustaining.
Ellsworth Storey designed the chapel in 1911. He was a parishioner and architect. The first service in the new chapel took place in September 1911. Mrs. Storey donated the candelabra. Members of the parish made the third communion set from melted gold and silver. In 1971 the Seattle Chapter of the American Institute of Architects cited the chapel as significant architecture. In 1978 it became a Seattle Landmark.
Epiphany Church of Seattle expanded over the years. It adjusted to the needs of Seattle. After World War II it became a central meeting place. Boy Scouts met here. Dance classes were taught here. A thriving choral music program developed too. In the 1950s a school was built next to Epiphany Church of Seattle.
Christie House became the Parish Office in 1983. It honored Reverend Elmer Christie. He was the rector from 1939 to 1968. The Parish Hall was built in 1941. H. C. Whitehouse designed it. It housed a growing Sunday School program. The Great Hall hosted assemblies with a stage and kitchen.
The main church was built in 1951. Whitehouse also designed it. Stained glass windows from the Connick studio adorn it. Ole Sunde crafted the oak carvings. In 1966 Bishop Ivol Ira Curtis consecrated the building.
An arson fire damaged the sanctuary in 1975. The original appearance was restored. The Noack organ was installed in 1997. A bridge connected the church and Parish Hall. A columbarium was added in 1999 for the placement of ashes.
Epiphany Church of Seattle has a history of social outreach. Trinkets and Treasures, a consignment store, operated for 45 years. Proceeds supported social outreach programs.
Located in a diverse neighborhood Epiphany responded to community needs. They worked with a Hunger Task Force. They provided a Drop-In Center and summer programs. The church partnered with other churches for social outreach.
Epiphany Church of Seattle also supported missions. The rector conducted services on Mercer Island and Kirkland. These efforts led to new parishes. In 2004 Epiphany formed a relationship with a parish in Jordan.
The Epiphany School opened in 1958. It provided Christian education. In 1969 the school became independent. It continues to operate on the church campus.
Reverend Dr. Laura Cameron Fraser was ordained at Epiphany in 1977. She became one of the first female priests in the Pacific Northwest.
Today Epiphany Church of Seattle is a spiritual center. It offers respite and fosters relationships. It values beautiful music and heartfelt worship. In an era of social action Epiphany works to be a spiritual home for those seeking the way of Jesus.