Located in Edmonds, Washington, KCIS is more than just a radio station. It is a piece of Seattle’s broadcast history. Let me tell you its story. KCIS first signed on in 1954 as KGDN. It broadcast from what was then known as King’s Garden. That is the former name of Crista Ministries. The call sign KGDN actually stood for King’s Garden.
In 1960, KGDN added an FM station at 105.3 MHz. Initially, it simulcasted the AM programming. Later, it switched to separate religious programming and Christian music. This FM station first went by KGFM. It then became KBIQ and is now KCMS. KCMS is still co-owned with KCIS.
Interestingly, KCIS was a daytime-only station for many years. In the 1970s, its power was boosted to 5,000 watts. But it still only operated during the day. That changed in 1985. The station switched to its current call letters, KCIS. It then received permission to broadcast 24 hours a day. To avoid interfering with other stations, KCIS reduces its power at night. It broadcasts at 2,500 watts using a directional antenna. The nighttime tower is located off Kaltenborn Road in Snohomish.
Now, let’s talk about KCIS’s programming. During the day and evening, KCIS airs national religious shows. These shows are hosted by Christian leaders. You might hear Jim Daly, David Jeremiah, Chuck Swindoll or June Hunt. Overnight, KCIS plays soft Christian music. You can also find short features and vignettes on KCIS, such as Newsmakers with Keith Black and BreakPoint.
The studios and offices of KCIS are located on Freemont Avenue North at Kings Garden Drive in Seattle. Just up the street from the KCIS studios there is a building at the top of a hill. At the very top of that building is a cross. It has seen a lot of history unfold over the years.
This building was originally built in 1911. It was the Firland Tuberculosis Sanatorium. In 1949, after World War II, Mike and Vivian Martin leased and renovated the old abandoned sanatorium. They started a youth home and retirement community. They served people with the love of Jesus. The cross had always been there from the beginning. It is still there today.
KCIS Radio is part of CRISTA Ministries. CRISTA Ministries is a family of five Christian ministries. They are pursuing the Lord’s call to serve the needs of the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Their ministries include CRISTA Media, King’s Schools, World Concern, CRISTA Camps and CRISTA Senior Living. So, next time you tune into KCIS, remember its rich history. Remember its commitment to Christian broadcasting. It is more than just a radio station. It is a ministry.