On a small patch of land in downtown Seattle, Plymouth Pillars Park stands as a quiet testament to a vibrant past. Plymouth Pillars Park isn’t just a green space. It’s a portal to a time when Seattle wrestled with issues of diversity, suffrage, and civil rights. The four pillars that give Plymouth Pillars Park its name are more than just architectural features. They’re remnants of the historic Plymouth Congregational Church, a beacon of progressive thought in a rapidly changing city.
Founded in 1869, the original Plymouth Congregational Church stood at the intersection of 6th Avenue and University Street. In the late 19th century, when anti-Chinese sentiment ran high in Seattle, the church’s leaders bravely spoke out against the injustice, advocating for the rights of Chinese immigrants. Years later, during the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition, the church hosted the National American Woman Suffrage Association Convention, adding its voice to the growing chorus for women’s right to vote.
Plymouth Congregational Church also played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. In 1961, the church welcomed Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his only visit to Seattle. This visit underscored the church’s commitment to social justice and equality. The 1965 Puget Sound earthquake tragically damaged the historic church building, leading to its demolition. However, the four iconic pillars were salvaged. A local businessman and art collector, John Hauberg, purchased the pillars and later gifted them to the city.
Today, these pillars stand proudly in Plymouth Pillars Park, marking the entrance to this small but significant urban oasis. They serve as a reminder of the church’s rich history and its enduring legacy of inclusivity and social progress. Plymouth Pillars Park also offers a practical amenity for city dwellers: a dedicated off-leash area for dogs. Located across Boren Avenue, this fenced-in gravel area provides a welcome space for dogs to play and socialize. So, as you admire the pillars of Plymouth Pillars Park, remember that you’re standing on ground hallowed by history, a place where social justice and community spirit converged. The park is more than just a pleasant green space. It’s a living testament to the enduring power of progressive values.