“What was once a dream, became a vibrant reality”. That is the story of Saint Alphonsus Parish. It has been serving Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood since 1891.
Redemptorist Fathers cared for Catholics in Ballard back then. They came from Sacred Heart Parish in Seattle. Mass was first celebrated on NW 58th Street. It was between 20th and 22nd Avenues NW.
In 1901, Father Gustave Achtergael became the first pastor. He chose the location on 15th Avenue. Bishop O’Dea laid the cornerstone in 1902. Father Achtergael also started a parish school. He invited the Dominican Sisters from Chehalis to help.
Holy Angels Academy opened in 1907. Seventy-five students attended. Bishop O’Dea dedicated the permanent building in 1923. It now houses Saint Alphonsus Parish School.
Father John D. McGrath led the purchase of more land. He planned a new church and rectory. The parish had outgrown the first church. Other buildings needed replacement too.
Father A.J. Shaughnessy coordinated the building of three brick structures. They replaced the old church, rectory, and convent.
The Fritts-Richards tracker organ was installed by Father Jeffrey Sarkies. It is still used today. It is world-renowned for its sound.
Father Joseph Doogan moved the baptismal font. He put it into the main church. The baptistery became a chapel.
Father Paul Byrne focused on the school. He refurbished the building. He brought it up to current codes.
In 1993, the Dominican Sisters left Saint Alphonsus Parish. Father James Gandrau renovated the convent. He turned it into Fonzi’s. It became a center for senior parishioners. He also started Perpetual Adoration. He launched a drive to build a new gymnasium. The Family Center was completed in 1998.
Saint Alphonsus was entrusted to SOLT priests in 2007. The Archbishop of Seattle made this decision. SOLT sisters and novices were assigned to the convent. The convent served as a novitiate house. It was for women discerning consecrated life. This lasted until 2012. Then it became a postulant house.
Father Shane McKee implemented facility upgrades. The 2014 RESTORING GLORY Capital Campaign led to a new boiler. New church doors were added.
In 2021, SOLT decided to leave Seattle. Father Richard Klepac left in June 2022. Saint Alphonsus returned to diocesan priests in July 2022. Many upgrades were made during Father Klepac’s time. These focused on security, safety, and technology. They were needed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saint Alphonsus Parish School was founded in 1907. It has served Ballard families for over 100 years. Over 280 graduates have entered religious life. It once was named Holy Angels Academy.
Saint Alphonsus Parish continues to evolve. It remains a pillar of faith. It enriches the Ballard community.