July 15, 2012

Central United Methodist Church
518 West Third Street

Central United Methodist Church

Spokane, Washington

In 1879 the first Methodist society in Spokane Falls was formed.  This was the first Methodist Episcopal Church in the area and the beginnings of Central United Methodist Church.  The first small church was built on the southwest corner of Sprague and Washington. (Link 1.)

1879 Church

"The second church building was constructed in 1889 at Sprague and Bernard, and it was a substantial brick structure...  The fire of 1889 that destroyed so much of down town Spokane did not reach this church, but already the congregation had outgrown it, and a new site was secured at Third and Howard Street, where the church known as the Tabernacle was built, the first of three edifices built on the same site. 

1889 Church

"It was after the building of this church that about 99 members withdrew to form another church, the Vincent Methodist Episcopal church, located at Main and Lincoln. From this time through subsequent decades, Central Methodist Church grew and was blessed with faithful pastors and countless dedicated lay men and women.

"...the church burned to the ground, and plans began without delay for the building of a new church on the same site.  The cornerstone of the new church, our present edifice, was laid in 1905. The basement was first used for services in 1906 and full use of the new church began on May 26, 1907. (Link 1.)

South Side of Church

"In 1923, church membership was close to 2,200 and Sunday School enrollment at 1,000.  The Ladies Aid Society had 260 members. In honor of returning solders of World War I and of those who died in the services, the large memorial stained-glass window was added on the south side of the sanctuary." (Link 1.) (See window below.)

Balcony Stained Glass Window Opposite the Altar

Today Central Methodist Church with its two square towers faces down town's  busy West 3rd Street, with the elevated Highway 90 a half block to the south.  Distinctive red brick stripes circle both the  western pillar and the extension of the west tower. Red doors with white crosses open to each of the two entrances on West 3rd Street and Howard Street.  The outline of the two rose windows of the Sanctuary are also prominent on both West 3rd and Howard Streets.

The sanctuary of the church is in the round with exposed organ pipes above the altar. (See photo below.)  The shape of the room and its recessed balcony is accented with ornate crown molding and pillars. 

Sanctuary

There are two rose windows in the sanctuary.  The memorial window (In photo above.) and the window that can be seen outside between the two square towers. (In photo below) Both widows sit in balcony walls.  The details of the balcony, it pillars, ornate crown molding, and brass rails can be seen in the photo below.

Balcony Stained Glass Window Opposite the Altar

In the ceiling of the sanctuary is a skylight. Small squares of glass are ribbed with struts which extend across the domed ceiling. (See photo below.)

Sanctuary Central Ceiling Skylight

Two congregations now meet at Central United Methodist Church.  The original congregation that now lives in all areas of Spokane and the young congregation of Vintage Faith Community Church lead by Kyle Brinkland.

Central United Methodist Church also played its part in the origins of Father's Day.  It was at this church in 1909 the Sonora Smart Dodd heard a sermon on Mother's Day. Because of the devotion of her father to the family she was inspired to look for support for a day for fathers, a Father's Day.  See Blog Post June 17, 2012 (Father's Day) for more about its history.

Thank you: To Steve Hart in the office of Central United Methodist Church and

                     Kyle Brinkland, pastor of the the Vintage Faith Community Church.

Photos: Taken in May 2012 by SW.
Link 1: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/spokane-centralumc/

                                                                           Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

Skykomish Community Church
112 4th Street

Skykomish Community Church

Skykomish, Washington


Skykomish is a small town  38.3 miles east of Seattle in Washington State.  It is named for the Skykomish River that must be crossed on the entry to the town from Highway 2. "The population was 198 as of the 2010 census, down from an estimated peak of "several thousand" in the 1920's. 

"Skykomish was founded as a railroad town. (It was incorporated in 1909.) Today, it is mainly a stopping point for recreational access to the surrounding mountains, including skiing at nearby Stevens Pass." (Link 3.) 

Sanctuary

Skykomish Community Church was built as a private home.  The square steeple with herringbone louvered inserts was added later, possibly in the late 1930's when it was remodeled to a church. According to Rose Marie Williams (See Thank You below.) it has always been named Skykomish Community Church and has always remained opened.  It now consists of a small entry room, a main sanctuary, and two small rooms. (The door to these rooms can be seen on the back wall in the photo above.) There is a separate small building in back of the church, the Children's Church, where the Sunday School meets.

North Wall Windows

"The three crosses in the front of the church were made and donated by Gary and Barbara Lihudis in the mid 1990's. The crosses depict Jesus Christ on the middle cross and the two thieves on each side.  The plaque carving on the north wall (between the colored glass windows) was made with a laser process and donated about 2006 by Howie and Marj Wenzel.  It is the Lord's Prayer." (Rose Marie Williams) .The top square panels of the side Sanctuary windows are colored glass. (See photo above.)

Over the years part time clergy, lay pastors, and Village Missions missionaries have lead the congregation.  In the 1950's or 1960's two Village Missions missionaries gave their leadership.  Miss Ruth played the piano and  also "began teaching the children music notes and soon had an elementary choir and a high school choir." (Rose Marie Williams)  The other, Miss Dorothy "gave the sermons and attended to other church duties...  both ladies studied how to lead and direct the (Swiss) hand bell choir.  The Swiss hand bell choir existed in the 1960's, beginning about 1964 After years of not being used, when the two ladies left our church...the bells were eventually given to another church." (Rose Marie Williams)


Since August 2011, the Village Mission missionaries to Skykomish Community Church have been Tony and Cathy Bittner.  Village Mission began in 1948.  It was founded to meet the spiritual needs of rural communities in Canada and the United States. It presently serves in 230 communities and  has served more than 1,000 churches. "The aim is to provide a Christ-centered community church program capable of involving the entire population of a local community.  This is accomplished through worship services, person contacts in homes, Sunday schools, home and group Bible studies, special youth and adult activities, vacation Bible schools, and other activities." (Link 4.)

Skykomish Community Church is the only church in Skykomish.  The congregation attendance on Sunday mornings is twenty.

Thank you: To Cathy and Tony Bittner, missionaries from "Village Mission" to

                      the Skykomish Community Church. To Rose Marie Williams, a 
                      member of the congregation since the 1930's, for history and 
                      architectural descriptions.

Photos: Taken in May 2012 by SW.

Link 1: http://www.manta.com/c/mm5h20t/skykomish-community-church

             (Original church established in 1930)
Link 2: http://www.city-data.com/city/Skykomish-Washington.html 
Link 3: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skykomish,_Washington
Link 4: http://www.village-missions.org/

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen

                                                                                    July 1, 2012    

Front of Church, 1970 

124 West 8th Street

Posthumous
Elim Pentecostal Chapel
North Vancouver, B.C. Canada

"Elim (Hebrew: אֵילִם‎, ’êlim) was one of the places where the Israelites camped following their Exodus from Egypt. It is referenced in Exodus 15.27 and Numbers 33.9 as a place where "there were twelve wells of water, and seventy date palms," and that the Israelites "camped there near the water... Thus, Elim is generally thought to have been located in Wadi Gharandel, an oasis 100 km southeast of Suez.

"Several ministries of mercy, Christian and otherwise, have adopted the name Elim, most prominently the Elim Pentecostal Church."  That church was founded in Ireland in 1915.  (Link 2.)  However, they have never had associated churches in Canada or the United States.

Fire Insurance Map, 1965

(Elim Pentecostal Chapel in red)

According to the Building Permit Book at the North Vancouver Archives, Elim Pentacostal Chapel was built at 121 West 12th Street in 1942 for $3000 .  Lot 4, Block 86, DL 548 lies in the first block west of Lonsdale Avenue on the west side of the lane.  Since this block is triangular, the lot runs from West 8th Street to West 12th Street. The entrance to the church when it was built in 1942 was on the north end of the lot, on West 12th Street.  

1958 Construction of Addition
(slide 2297 North Vancouver Archives)

The Building Permit also recorded that an addition was under construction in 1958.  The address is given as 124 West 8th Street as it was to include the new entrance.  According to photos from the North Vancouver Archives the addition seems to have doubled the size of the church building. The new North Vancouver City Library was built directly to the west at 135 West 12th  Street in the same year.

Back of Church, 1970

121 West 12th Street

In 1970 the Church was appraised at $96,750 by Service Agencies and Appraisal Co. Ltd (North Vancouver Archives).  The City Directories at the North Vancouver Archives list Elim Pentecostal Chapel as being at 124 West 8th Street through 1973.  In 1974 the lot is listed as being under construction.

"Big Apartment Blocks changed look for 

lower North Vancouver City" 15/4/70 

(Elim Pentecostal Chapel in red)

In 1973 a new Elim Pentacostal Chapel was built at 2800 Mountain Highway. (See blog post October 12, 2014.) 

Photos: Taken of North Vancouver Archives documents in 2012 by SW.

Fire Insurance Map: 1965,North Vancouver Archives.
Link 1: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elim/143069615704723?sk=wiki
Link 2: http://www.elim.org.uk/Groups/109308/Our_history.aspx

                                                                                                          June 24, 2012

St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
127 Twelfth Avenue

St. John's Episcopal Cathedral
Spokane, Washington

St. John's Episcopal Cathedral at 127 Twelfth Avenue commands the escarpment south of the downtown area of Spokane.  Its spires and carillon bells are  beacons to the Christian community throughout the city.

"Notice the large rose window over the west entrance as it changes colors with the varying light of day."(See photo below.) (Reference.)

West entrance

"Often called the finest cathedral in the North west because of its beauty and authenticity, this Gothic-style cathedral was constructed between the years 1926 and 1954. Architect Harold C. Whitehouse adhered strictly to the principles of Gothic design in construction in this "labor of love".  Mr. Whitehouse worshipped here every Sunday until his death.  The solid masonry tower, which houses a carillon, stands 166 feet above the cathedral floor.  The interior is well worth a  tour." (Reference.)

Sanctuary

"The Cathedral organ is an instrument of generous size and genuine majesty representative of the finest period of cathedral organ design in America. It consists of three divisions and pedals plus a gallery division, over 4,000 pipes. It is installed in two chambers high above the entrance from the crossing to the chancel, with four ranks and the state trumpets mounted above the balcony at the west end of the Cathedral. The organ was designed, built and installed by the Aeolian-Skinner Organ Company of Boston, builders of the most notable pipe organs in America. In 2000, the console underwent major renovation and received new keyboards, draw knobs, digital combination action and digital control for all the pipework, performed by Marceau and Associates Pipe Organ Builders of Portland, Oregon.

"It is rare indeed for a city the size of Spokane to have a carillon at all, much less one as fine as this. The carillon in the tower of Washington National Cathedral, also cast and installed by Taylor and Sons, has only four more bells, 53 instead of 49." (See Link.)

One of a pair of front doors

Reference: Spokane's Historic Architecture, 1977.

Photos: Taken in October 2010 by SW.

Link: http://www.stjohns-cathedral.org/about/about_index.php

                                                                           Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                                                         June 17, 2012

806 West Knox Avenue

Corner of Knox and Post

Knox Presbyterian Church
Spokane, Washington

The origin of Knox Presbyterian Church started with the formation of Centenary Presbyterian Church in 1888.  It was organized by the pastor of First Presbyterian Church,  Spokane and had 19 members.  It was at Centenary Presbyterian Church, at the suggestion of Sonora Smart Dodd,  that the national  holiday "Father's Day" originated on June 10, 1910. (Link 3.)  "The Centenary Church at Sinto Avenue and Wall Street was partially destroyed by fire on March 2, 1917. " (Link  2.)    

                                       Centenary Presbyterian Church (Link 4.)

"Ground was broken May 17th  (1917) for a new edifice at Knox Avenue and Post Street with the name changed to Knox Presbyterian Church in honor of John Knox, the founder of Presbyterianism. The first service was held in the new building on November 11, 1917, less than six months from the time of groundbreaking. On December 1, 1918 the Reverend W. S. Middlemass of Red Wing, Minnesota was called at a salary of $1800 and free use of the manse. At the end of 1918 church membership was 338 and the outstanding indebtedness was $12,000... After Mr. Middlemass left, the Reverend Charles F. Koehler served from 1923 until 1946. His ministry was notable for 34 young people who went into various forms of full-time service for Christ. (Link 2.)

Sanctuary

Stained Glass Windows

Knox Street side of Sanctuary

Dormers in Roof of Sanctuary

"On February 17, 1957 a remodeled church was dedicated. The structure included new east and west entrances , extensive alterations to the sanctuary and educational units, and electrical and heating improvements. (Link 2.)

The old 1917 church building was nestled in the center of the new surrounding 1957 red brick.  A new entrance on the corner of Post St.and Knox St. was added to the sanctuary and downstairs fellowship hall.  Another addition was built on to the original 1917 building at the alley corner off Post St. The  large educational wing was added to the far end of the original 1917 building.  However, the 1917 sanctuary retained many of original elements: the dark wood beams of the ceiling, the stained glass windows, and the dormers in the roof.  At intervals its 1917 stained glass windows peek through the 1957 red brick.

Rear View from Post Street

"The Reverend Leigh P. Taylor began the second longest pastorate at Knox Church on August 1, 1967. His coming inaugurated one change in the relationship between church and pastor. He was offered the choice of the use of the manse or a manse allowance. He accepted the allowance and served the church for 23 years. He became very involved in the establishment and progress of “Operation Nightwalk” which began in October 1970. Spokane ministers took turns walking the streets of downtown Spokane at night to be available to individuals with problems of homelessness and despair. In 1980 the Reverend Joel Crosby began his ministry at Knox. His tenure included the formation of a “Trainee” ministry to conduct an active ministry with children, youth and adults during summer times. The program was supplemented by an “Enabler” ministry in which employed young people were encouraged to give spare time to church service. 

"The history of Knox Church would not be complete without mention of the unique ministry of Albert Arend. He was born June 5, 1900 and joined Knox Church in 1910. At age 22 he became an elder of Knox Church. During the years that followed he spearheaded the Christian Endeavor movement at the church. Of special interest also is the correspondence relating to the rescue of the Reverend Leon I. Rosenberg from Nazi persecution in Lodz, Poland just before WWII." (Link 2.)

"Knox Presbyterian Church has embarked on a fascinating new journey called Shared Ministry. Shared Ministry represents a return to how the early Christian churches practiced and lived their faith. It is congregation-centric, not leader-centric as in the true spirit of Presbyterianism. Under the Shared Ministry model adopted by Knox Presbyterian Church, the Session (elders) provides the vision and leadership for the church, and the congregants—by organizing and actively participating in one of three shared ministry  “teams” (Administration; Worship experience; Outreach/mission)—run the church. In fact, Knox and its shared ministry ‘experiment’ will be one of the daily featured devotionals in the 2012 Presbyterian Yearbook For Prayer." (Link 1.)

The Korean congregation of Spokane Hope Christian Reformed Church also meets at Knox Presbyterian Church.  

Note: For more on the origin of Father's Day see Blog Post 1/17/2012 on Central United Methodist Church, Spokane, Washington.
Photos: Taken in April 2012 by SW.
Link 1: http://www.spokaneknoxpc.org/
Link 2: http://nwda-db.wsulibs.wsu.edu/ark:/80444/xv71480
Link 3: http://fathersdaybirthplace.com/includes/media/documents/FathersDayPressRelease_srcvb0110.pdf
Link 4: http://www.sos.wa.gov/history/cities_detail.aspx?i=18

                                                                            Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

                                                                                                                June 10, 2012

First Presbyterian Church
1910 Church
Fourth and Cedar

First Presbyterian Church
Spokane, Washington

"The Rev. Thomas G. Watson, a Presbyterian missionary from Waukesha, Wisc., stepped off the train in Spokane Falls, as Spokane was then known, in 1883 to start a new church in the dusty frontier town of 1,500... meeting in various downtown buildings..." (REF 2.)

One of these was the Bank of Spokane Falls.  In 1884 they moved because the  bank needed the office space.  (REF 1.)

Bank of Spokane Falls (REF 1.)

"... a new First Presbyterian Church was dedicated in December 1886 at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Monroe Street.  The cost: $3,200.  Amid a real estate boom, the church was sold in 1889 for $21,000..." (REF 2.)

1886 Church (REF 1,)

"The congregation's first edifice of its own, erected 1886, where the Spokesman- Review building now stands, served the members until early 1889 when it was sold for $21,000 in a booming real estate market.

1890 Church (REF 1.)

"The second building, dedicated Dec. 21, 1890, was located at the south-east corner of Second and Jefferson Streets.  Church officers considered it a temporary place of worship since they envisioned a "magnificent stone church" to be built on an eligible site.

1890 Interior (REF 1.)

"Interior of Second and Jefferson church.  It was fitted out with 535 opera chairs.  The congregation worshipped here until 1910. (REF 1.)

The  new stately stone church that is used today was built  at Fourth and Cedar and  dedicated June 12, 1910. (REF 1.)  

The sanctuary arches around the distinctive exposed organ pipes at the back of the chancel.  Below the pipes are the chairs for the choir.   A large stained glass window is on the wall to the right of the pipes and a decorative screen on the wall to the left. The red draped area of the chancel in the photo below held the bells for the bell ringing choir that was playing to celebrate Easter.  The curved communion rail is below that.  The pews are banked with side aisles.  Large stained glass windowa also are on the east wall on the main floor and the south wall of the balcony. (See bottom photo.) Adjacent to the sanctuary on the west, below the wooden screen, is a room that can be opened for additional seating.

Sanctuary Easter Sunday 2012

East Wall of Sanctuary 2012

East Wall of Sanctuary 2012

(Center Detail)

Balcony 2012

In 1995 an education wing was added that includes a gym. A section of the exterior wall of the 1912 building was left exposed near the entrance to the new wing.   Today the First Presbyterian Church of Spokane serves a congregation of 2000.

Note: In Canada in the year 1925 The United Church of Canada was formed.  All the Methodist and Congregational Churches joined and most of the Presbyterian Churches.  Today there are still a few Presbyterian Churches in Canada, but only one in North Vancouver, St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church.  Suzanne Wilson attended this church for a short period of time and two of her children took piano lessons from the pastor's wife, Mildred Allison.

Thank you: To the ushers and women in the church library for their help.
Photos: Taken on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 by SW. 
                 Also from Reference 1. below.
REFERENCE 1: Many Lamps, One Light, A Centennial  History  1883-1983 
                       First Presbyterian Church, Spokane, Washington.
REFERENCE 2: The Spokasman-Review, February 20, 2012, page 5, 'Review Tower, Newspaper's home replaced Presbyterian church'.
Link: http://www.spokanefpc.org/

                                                                               Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen (SW.)

orld. Amen

                                                                                                                            6/3/12

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

1023 East Russell Avenue

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1023 Russell Ave. Entrance to church prior to 1959

(Published on Bay View Heritage Facebook)

According to the "1970 Photo Directory" of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, it was founded and dedicated in 1870.  The "1970 Photo Directory" which included the history of the church was published to commemorate its 100th anniversary.  The original entrance to the church was at 1023 Russell Avenue in the heart of the Bay View area on the south side of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The high vaulted ceiling of the sanctuary gave it the look of a cathedral.

Sanctuary Stained Glass Window

Later additions to the church included the stained glass windows.  The primary window faces east and the church's school building.  The other five major windows depict the "Mysteries of the Rosary".  A new entrance, in the photo above,  on Kinnickinnic Avenue the main commercial street of Bay View, was built in 1959.  It features four Greek columns.  Sometime after 1959 the most spectacular feature of the church building was added.  This was the 2 1/2 storey high mosaic mural behind the front altar of the sanctuary.  It depicts the family tree of Jesus from Adam and Eve to Mary and Joseph.

Mosaic Mural behind the Front Altar

Today 500 families  are registered as member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  The Pastor is Rev. Ronald E. Kotecki. 

Thank You: To Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Youth Minister Bob Boehm for the information references from the "1970 Photo Directory" regarding the history of the church.  .

Photos: Exterior photo taken in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2006  by SW. Interior photos taken by Myron Thomsen 2012.

Link:  http://icbayview.wordpress.com/

Note: Suzanne Wilson grew up on Logan Avenue (See Blog Post August 4, 2010.) two blocks from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, (or "IC" as the neighbors called it).