First Baptist Church
Port Angeles, Washington

"Port Angeles is a city in and the county seat of Clallam County, Washington, United States.   The population was 18,397 at the 2000 census, making it the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula.


"The city is situated on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula along the shore of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It features a long and narrow natural sandspit named Ediz Hook that projects north-easterly nearly three miles into the Strait, creating a large, natural deep-water harbor shielded from the storms and swells that move predominantly eastward down the Strait from the Pacific Ocean. The harbor is deep enough to provide anchorage for most kinds of ocean-going ships.  The south shore of Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria, British Columbia are visible across the Strait to the north." (Link 1.)

"Back in 1890 a small group of Pioneers gathered to start an organization which later resulted in incorporation of the First Baptist Church of Port Angeles... That first group... erected a one-storey framed building at the corner of Second and Oak Streets...services were held only occasionally, between 1905 and 1913...the mortgage ...was foreclosed;... but a few brown stained pews (now in Fellowship Hall and the gallery) were saved.

Sanctuary

In 1914 the Baptists again started a church, first in a parlor, then in the Four Square Gospel Chapel, then "erecting a new building" on Seventh and Peabody. "In 1919 we decided to acquire lots at the corner of Sixth and Laurel Street, (105 West 6th Street) on which to build a much needed larger building... On December 1923 this was dedicated.  This cost the Church $9000 and is now being used as part of our Sunday School unit...in 1939...the members voted to build what is now our main Sanctuary.(Reference 1954.)

Rose Window

In 1941 a "Rose Window" was placed high above the main entrance to the Sanctuary picturing our Christ with His outstretched hands beckoning all to "Come Unto Me".  The First Baptist Church's sister church in Santo Tomas, Costa Rica is copying this Rose Window in their new church building. In 1968 a new Education wing was built. (Reference "Our First Hundred Years".)

Memorial Cross

In 1971 a beautiful wood (memorial) cross behind the baptistry was mounted.

"The mission of the church remains what it has always been, to share the love of Christ with our neighbors, and therefore any of our "neighbors" who read the blog are welcome to visit." (The Reverend Timothy Hughes.)

Thank you: To Barbara Cummings for history and for photos.
                        (Photo shopped by SW.)
                        References: Brief History of the First Baptist Church...1954,
                                                                  by H. Fred Bishop
                                                Our First Hundred Years 1890-1990
                                                                  by Martha Hollingsworth
                                              
Link 1: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Angeles,_Washington
Link 2: http://www.fbcpa.org/about.html

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Prayer

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