“New name, same great taste.” That’s what they say here at Calvary Fellowship. Founded nearly five decades ago this church has been an important part of the community. Calvary Fellowship started in Seattle as Love One Another Fellowship. Wayne Taylor founded it. He is the father of the current lead pastor Riley Taylor.
Back then Riley Taylor was just a kid. The church needed more space. It moved to its current spot in Mountlake Terrace. That was in 1997. The church grew in popularity. People came from all over the Seattle area. Big conferences were held here. Well-known Christian speakers and musicians came. Calvary Fellowship became a regional church. This wasn’t planned. It just happened.
Now things are changing. Pastor Riley Taylor has been leading for five years. He sees the church differently now. COVID changed things too. The church is becoming more local. Most congregants live nearby. They didn’t grow up attending big concerts here. The name Calvary Fellowship didn’t quite fit anymore. So the church changed its name to Mountlake Church. This new name reflects the changes. It also shows commitment to the city. Many churches in Mountlake Terrace have closed or moved. Calvary Fellowship wants to stay.
The name change has two main reasons. First it shows where the church is located. Second it shows the church’s commitment to Mountlake Terrace. Calvary Fellowship wants to be visible in the community. They partner with the city on events. The Halloween event is one example. They work with local organizers to make it great. Calvary Fellowship is committed to staying in Mountlake Terrace. They will not move out of the city. This is a big deal.
The church sits on four acres in the Town Center District. Developers are very interested in this land. The church has considered selling in the past. But they aren’t actively trying to sell right now. They would need to find a new location first. The current building is old and hard to maintain. Pastor Taylor hopes to find a new “forever home”. He likes the name Mountlake Church. It feels very Northwest to him. He thinks of mountains and lakes. Wayne Taylor never loved the name Calvary Fellowship. Another church already had his first choice. That church was Calvary Chapel of Seattle. They wouldn’t give up the name. So he chose Calvary Fellowship as a compromise.
When Riley Taylor took over his father told him to change the name. He always hated the name Calvary Fellowship. Even with the name change the church’s mission stays the same. Calvary Fellowship wants to help people find new life and hope in Jesus. They focus on each individual. The church welcomes everyone. It provides a friendly atmosphere. People describe the bible teachings as easy to understand. They say it’s the best church they have ever been to.