170 Years and Counting
In a letter dated Tuesday, December 6, 1853, inaugural First Church pastor Rev. David Blaine wrote: “Last Sabbath I preached two sermons and organized a church of four members, of whom Catharine was one. It rained all day. … Our village contains only about 30 houses and I think 26 of them have been put up during the past six months. But as yet it is mostly in the woods.” So it began 170 years ago, the founding in 1853 of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Seattle. (The denomination’s name has changed over the years from First Methodist Episcopal to First Methodist, and most recently First United Methodist Church.) The text of this letter comes from a book in the church archives: Letters of Catharine and David Blaine on Early Seattle.
On November 12, 1853, First Church celebrated its 170 years of ministry and mission in
Seattle. In worship, the Proclamation by Mayor Harrell of the City of Seattle was read naming November 12-18, 2023 as First United Methodist Church of Seattle Week. During Holy Communion, elements were served from silver plates and chalices engraved with the words First M.E. Seattle, W.T. (The abbreviation W.T. signified Washington Territory. Washington did not become a state until 1889.). The 170th Anniversary Celebration continued with a special reception after worship. On display were artifacts and photos from the archives spanning over 100 years. A delicious spread of food
graced the tables. The joyous celebration was made possible by many hands. Special thanks to the archives team, Claire Gebben, Jim Palmquist and Mona Tanaka for their diligent care of the archives and setting up of the displays before, during and after the event. Thanks to Patrick Ferguson for a special photo display. Thanks to John MacKean for polishing the communion silver and Vi Boyer for excellence as communion steward. The day of the event came together so smoothly thanks to: Duuna Evans, Sharon, Julius and Rowan Perez, Gina Rosario, Eric Martin, Jim Schone, Sharon and Doug Donohue, Jeremy Smith, Kristina Gonzalez, Tom Bruhns, Barbara Moreland, Tom Carlson and Peter Jabin.
Thank you to all who celebrated with us!