University Unitarian Church

In 1959, a unique structure rose in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood. It was the University Unitarian Church, a testament to the vision of architect Paul Hayden Kirk. This wasn’t just another church. It was an embodiment of Northwest Regional style, a blend of modernism, natural materials, and Japanese influences. The University Unitarian Church sits nestled between 35th Avenue NE and 68th Street, about a mile and a half northeast of the University of Washington. Its location, near a busy street, influenced Kirk’s design. He created a small courtyard, a buffer between the bustling road and the serene church grounds. This integration of the building with its surroundings showcases Kirk’s signature style. The west façade, with its exposed structure and straight lines, is a classic example of Kirk’s work. Large vertical elements support intricate glass and screens. The detailed woodwork of these screens is another characteristic feature of his designs. The east façade features clerestory windows, hung by large bolted beams. These windows flood the sanctuary with natural light. Inside, the roof beams transfer weight from the west to the east walls, creating a traditional church layout of evenly spaced bays. However, the sloped ceiling plane is anything but traditional. This manipulation of ceiling height adds to the sequential experience as you move through the building. The University Unitarian Church’s history stretches back further than its current building. Unitarianism arrived in the United States with the pilgrims and puritans. The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909, a celebration of the City Beautiful Movement, encouraged the church to expand westward. As a result, the University Unitarian Church was established in Seattle in 1913. Initially, the congregation gathered in rented halls. Through fundraising and grants, they purchased their first church in 1915, designed by Ellsworth Storey. The Great Depression strained the church’s resources. Two retired ministers even returned to serve without pay. The 1940s marked a “golden age” for the church, a period of renewed prosperity. This led to the commissioning of the current building from Paul Hayden Kirk in 1955. The church cost $250,000, a substantial sum at the time. Today, it stands as a landmark. It showcases the architectural genius of Paul Hayden Kirk and the enduring spirit of the University Unitarian Church community.