Seventy-five years ago a dream took root. This is the story of Olympic View Community Church. It began in 1948 not as a grand edifice but a vision. Seattle’s First Church of the Brethren a congregation established in 1903 sought a new home. They chose a location in Maple Leaf. The towering Douglas firs were young then. The Olympic Mountains were clearly visible hence the name Olympic View Community Church.
Pastor Dewey Rowe worked tirelessly. He went door-to-door welcoming everyone regardless of denomination. It truly was the community’s church. His genuine care attracted many. The Seattle Council of Churches approved the location. There were few churches in that area. Olympic View flourished for decades. It grew it thrived it even split once. But time marches on. Membership declined.
Yet Olympic View’s commitment remained steadfast. It served the neighborhood supported the district and advocated for various camps. A futures committee formed in 2015. The church was smaller some activities unsustainable. What was the future? Around 30 community organizations used the church. Thanksgiving baskets were assembled for families and a women’s shelter. Space was rented to other non-profit churches and a Mandarin preschool. The decision was made to stay and continue serving. Other churches found a home there. A Spanish-speaking church met on Sunday evenings. A Korean church used it on Sunday afternoons. An Eritrean Orthodox Church also worshipped there. This church included refugees sponsored by Olympic View.
The pandemic brought changes. Older members found online worship sufficient. Managing the building’s tenants became demanding. The income kept the church afloat but it raised questions about their purpose. Burnout threatened some.
In 2022 Northaven a senior living community founded by the church over 50 years prior offered a solution. Worship could take place at Northaven. After evaluating five options selling the building and worshipping at Northaven became the consensus. A new visioning group formed their vision guiding the transition.
The church building held much history. It was valuable property desirable to developers. But it was a house of worship and remained so. The best option was to pass it on to another congregation. The Eritrean Orthodox Church expressed interest. They purchased the building.
Now Olympic View worships at Northaven. It’s a mile north of the old building. It’s exciting challenging glorious. The story is one of death and resurrection. The old church was laid to rest but a new one rises. Proceeds from the sale benefit the district denomination and Northaven. The commitment to the neighborhood started 75 years ago. That commitment continues. The Eritrean Orthodox Church serves the community. Olympic View moves forward into something new.