MUKILTEO – The old white church on Third Street no longer sees services on Sundays.
But the congregation that once worshipped in the 99-year-old building still thrives.
This weekend, hundreds of people from the Mukilteo Presbyterian Church celebrated the church’s 100th anniversary since being incorporated by the state on June 4, 1907.
“This church has been a cornerstone of the community for many years,” said Janet Coe, the church’s director of music. “It was in the heart of Old Town for a long time.”
More than 350 people are expected to gather today at the church at 4514 84th St. SW. The festivities, scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m., will include children ringing the old church bell 100 times, a potluck dinner and a play about the congregation’s history.
The original church building, which was completed in 1908, was purchased by a family in 2004 and converted into a home. Back in 1907, the tract of densely wooded land for the building was purchased for $275.
“We’re happy our old building found a good home,” said church member John Collier, who has researched the church’s history with his wife, Ann Collier.
“This was the first church organized in Mukilteo,” Ann Collier said.
The church was founded on April 24, 1907, by nine women and four men. By 1915, the cash-strapped church had enrolled 110 people in its Sunday School program.
Church membership dwindled in the 1920s but then climbed steadily to 82 by 1958. After another decline, membership more than tripled to 186 after the church hired its first full full-time pastor, the Rev. Phillip Laurie, in October 1966.
The church has been a hub for several community organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts and the American Red Cross.
The church also plays host to service programs such as a food bank, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and a support group for unwed mothers.
Linda Lee, the church’s women’s ministry director, said she believes the church will see another 100 years go by.
“We’ve just followed God’s faithfulness every step of the way,” Lee said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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