“Rooted in Scripture and steeped in Anglican Tradition.” That’s not just a motto. It is the very essence of St. Barnabas Anglican Church. St. Barnabas stands here in Shoreline. It offers a sanctuary. It is a place for faith and community.
St. Barnabas Anglican Church began in 1972. Local residents wanted a parish closer to home. They had been attending St. Paul’s Anglican Catholic Church in Bellevue.
The founders aimed to maintain rich Anglican traditions. This included using the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Rev. John Pafford visited monthly to celebrate Holy Communion. Deacon Enright Lorenz led weekly worship.
Early services were held in local mortuary chapels. In 1974, the Vestry sought a permanent location. They looked north of the Ship Canal. They wanted to be west of Lake Washington. Fr. John Hamers found a vacant lot on N. 155th St. It was overgrown. Blackberry brambles covered it. Children kept a horse in a makeshift stall.
The Vestry negotiated a price of $10500. Providence intervened after a $500 deposit. They offered the owner $9000 cash. He accepted. The church saved $1000.
Odgers Construction Co. built the church shell for $42000. St. Barnabas secured a $30000 loan. The congregation did all interior finish work. Parishioners and friends provided additional funds. They bought internal bonds.
After the walls went up, they laid a concrete cornerstone. It was placed under the altar floor. The stone encased a Bible. It also held a 1928 Prayer Book and a membership roster.
The first service in St. Barnabas was held on Trinity Sunday in 1976.
In 2005, Fr. Harley Crain became rector. Bishop Richard Boyce installed him. In 2011, Bishop Kevin Bond Allen succeeded Bp. Boyce. Allen became bishop of the newly formed Diocese of Cascadia.
St. Barnabas values its traditional liturgy. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer is central. The church features organ-based hymn singing from the 1940s hymnal. They hold Matins or Morning Prayer and Eucharist services.
St. Barnabas has missionary ties with Nigeria and The Philippines. Each summer, they celebrate Nigerian Sunday. This honors Nigerian Anglican traditions.
The church reaches out to the community. They provide Thanksgiving meals to five families. These families attend Parkwood Elementary School. Each year, they bring gifts. They give them to the children at Mary’s Place. They also give cosmetics to all members of Mary’s Place.
St. Barnabas plans a new outreach. It will serve community members with disabilities.
Today, Fr. Harley Crain serves as Rector and Dean. He is known for his warmth. His enthusiasm is infectious. He is a cherished member of the St. Barnabas family.
St. Barnabas Anglican Church is more than a building. It is a community. It welcomes all to His table. St. Barnabas is rooted in scripture. It is steeped in Anglican tradition.