“Joining Jesus,” that’s the motto of the United Presbyterian Church of Seattle. It speaks volumes about this church’s mission. Let’s uncover its story together.
The founding of University Presbyterian Church, now United Presbyterian Church of Seattle, began in 1896. The University of Washington decided to move. It was moving from downtown Seattle to a timber-covered plot. This plot was northeast of Lake Union.
Over the next decade land was cleared. Houses began to scatter the area. In 1906, UW announced the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. It would be held at the campus. This announcement generated growth in the district. The area boomed and the growing community needed a church.
Several local residents decided to move into the “U-District”. They wanted to start UPC. The hope was for UPC to serve as a place of faith. It would be a place of worship for university students and staff. It would also serve the neighbors around the campus.
So, in 1908, UPC was founded. The congregation initially met in Sherrick Hall. This hall was on the University campus. In 1912, UPC dedicated its new sanctuary. It was a wooden building built on 47th Street. This was just a block north of UW.
The church grew rapidly in its first years. After World War I, the congregation swelled. It grew to 4000 members.
Today, United Presbyterian Church of Seattle’s mission remains the same. It is a center for Christian faith development. They invite people in and send them out. They want to spread the good news. God has strategically placed UPC. It is in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood. This neighborhood is known for medicine, high-tech, and entrepreneurship.
The United Presbyterian Church of Seattle’s local outreach is significant. They aim to transform lives by serving with local partners.
Weekly, you can drop off donations on Sunday mornings. The red barrels at the church’s entrance collect food for the U-District Food Bank. They serve individuals and families in need. Needed items include canned meat and fruit. Shelf-stable milk, paper products, baby supplies, and socks are also appreciated.
They serve neighbors living on the streets of the U-District. This is done with the Union Gospel Mission. Search and Rescue teams are led by experienced UGM staff. They focus on the safety of volunteers. They ensure sensitivity to those they serve.
The Language Institute offers classes. These classes improve English skills. You can volunteer to teach language learners.
Elizabeth Gregory Home is one of UPC’s community partners. They provide refuge to women experiencing homelessness. They also help women facing trauma or economic insecurity.
Street Youth Ministries serves homeless youth. The Drop-in Center is on the North side of the UPC building. It provides basic needs. These needs include food, hygiene items, showers, clothing, and laundry.
United Presbyterian Church of Seattle also supports organized tent cities. These provide safe places for homeless people. They can stay as they look for work. They can also find more permanent housing.
Annually, United Presbyterian Church of Seattle organizes several events.
They host the Back to School Backpacks and Pizza Party. This takes place annually in August.
The church has a partnership with the Village of Algodon. This village is in the Dominican Republic. They support Algodon throughout the year. They do this through intergenerational trips and prayer.
The United Presbyterian Church of Seattle is more than just a building. It is a community. It is a family joining Jesus. They transform lives in Seattle and around the world.