History of United
Our History
Through more than 100 years of shared ministry, the United Churches of Olympia, comprised of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ, has been a model of what can happen when two distinctive traditions enrich each other in ministry.
The nine people who gathered 150 years ago in the cooperage shop at Fifth and Columbia Streets were products of the pioneering spirit of independence that was pushing the American frontier into the Pacific Northwest. These people had left the security of society in the East to travel by prairie schooner to establish new homes.
Pastor George Whitworth and his family left Indiana in the spring of 1853, leading a wagon train to the Oregon Territory. They spent their first winter in Portland before moving to Olympia. In July of 1854, the Whitworths established the first Presbyterian Church north of the Columbia River and west of the Rocky Mountains in what was Washington Territory. Today, we are the oldest Presbyterian congregation in the Synod of Alaska-Northwest Alaska, Washington, and Northern Idaho.
The First Congregational Church (now known as the United Church of Christ) was organized on April 26, 1873, and became the fifth denomination to be represented in Olympia. There were 15 original members. The new congregation purchased and used an abandoned Catholic school. The Rev. E. R. Loomis came with his family and remained until the fall of 1907. In January 1910, the Rev. Robert H. Edmonds began his pastorate and remained with the church until the federation of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches.
The Congregational Church outgrew the quarters, and in 1914, a committee was authorized to consider the purchase of a new property for building purposes. At that time, the possibility of a united church for Olympia was suggested, hoping that a number of denominations would share in the vision. However, serious conversations resulted only between the Presbyterians and the Congregationalists. On May 11, 1915, the invitation by the Presbyterians was accepted by the Congregationalists, and the union was consummated on December 6, 1916.
In 1937, the two churches were officially incorporated. The Community House was sold, and the old church was remodeled. The Lemon family gave the church a building site at 11th and Washington in 1939. Soon after, the Congregational Church bought adjoining property to the west, giving the church almost a full block. Plans were completed for a building in 1941 but were set aside when World War II broke out. Following a devastating earthquake in 1949, building a new facility became necessary, and the way was cleared. The present building began in 1951, with the sanctuary's dedication in 1955. In 1979, the present chapel was added, and extensive remodeling was done throughout the building. In 1987, the sanctuary was remodeled, and the organ was rebuilt and expanded. In early 1990, the Capitol Way parking lot was purchased, and the church became debt-free. Over the decades, we have continued to adapt and change to serve our community's needs, spread God's love and grace, and follow in Jesus's footsteps.
Stained Glass Windows
Take the walking tour through our stained glass window collection in our Sanctuary and Chapel.
Currently, the Sanctuary is undergoing renovations and is not open to the public for viewing the windows.
Rose Window in the Sanctuary
Memory Window in the Sanctuary
Click to open
