St Dunstan Episcopal Church

Hidden between Seattle and Shoreline, St Dunstan Episcopal Church has a fascinating story to tell. It all began with services in the Florience Henry Memorial Chapel in The Highlands in 1949. The community needed a spiritual home, and they found it there. St Dunstan Episcopal Church officially became a mission of the Diocese of Olympia in 1951. The congregation, then known as “The Highlands Congregation,” thrived. Their growth led to the construction of the building we see today on North 145th Street. Construction took place between 1959 and 1960. Originally called “Saint Dunstan’s Hall,” it became the church in 1962. The official name, St. Dunstan’s Church of the Highlands Parish, honors both its current location and its roots in The Highlands. St Dunstan Episcopal Church also boasts unique artwork. A carving of Chief Spokan Garry, created by Dudley C. Carter in 1961, stands on the parish grounds. Carter used a dead tree from the property, transforming it into a symbol of peace. The carving depicts Chief Garry holding a Book of Common Prayer while offering a sign of peace. Chief Garry, a key figure in negotiations with territorial Governor Isaac I. Stevens, championed peace for the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Colville nations. Another piece, a Celtic cross crafted by Lycia Danielle Trounton, adorns the porch. The cross incorporates elements of Dunstan’s life as a musician, illustrator, and metalworker, with a central image of the Holy Spirit. Even the parish logo tells a story. Designed for Dunstan’s 1000th anniversary, it highlights his roles as archbishop, spiritual leader, bishop, and metalworker. The pipe organ inside also carries a rich history, originating from the Temple de Hirsch in Seattle in 1902. It has been rebuilt and moved, continuing to fill St Dunstan’s with music. St Dunstan Episcopal Church is more than just a building. It is a testament to the growth and dedication of a community. It’s a place where history, art, and faith intertwine.