Church by the Side of the Road

A simple question echoed in the hearts of a small group of believers in Riverton Heights: Where could their children learn about their faith? Right here, before the Church by the Side of the Road, stands a testament to their answer. This church, nestled in Tukwila, has a history as unique as its name. The Church by the Side of the Road didn’t begin in a grand building. It started as a humble Sunday school at Thorndyke Elementary School in 1924. There were no churches nearby, so these faithful parents sought permission from the local school board to use the school. Their simple request was granted. A pivotal moment arrived when a group of parents attended tent revival meetings held by Dr. Price in downtown Seattle. They returned with a renewed passion, a burning desire to transform their small Sunday school into a church. The Church by the Side of the Road owes its very location to the generosity of Hanna Goranson. She offered to donate land on the new Pacific Highway. The city agreed to extend South 148th Street to the new highway in exchange. Thus, the “church by the side of the road” dream began to solidify. The founders, determined to make their church a welcoming place for all, chose to remain independent of any denomination. In 1933, their vision materialized into the little white church you see before you. Over eighty-five years later, the Church by the Side of the Road continues its mission. It has nurtured future missionaries and pastors. It has inspired the planting of new churches, both locally and internationally. Most importantly, the message of faith that ignited the hearts of its founders continues to resonate within these walls. The church has seen changes over the years. A new sanctuary was built in 1962, completed thanks to countless hours of donated labor. The cost? Approximately $80,000, including $13,000 for the pews. A remodel in 2001, intended to be a small addition to the foyer, expanded into a much larger project. The church successfully raised additional funds to cover the unexpected costs. From a humble Sunday school to a beacon of faith, the Church by the Side of the Road stands as a testament to the power of community, faith, and a vision realized.