The Epiphany Church, at 1805 38th Ave. in Madrona, has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
From meeting outside a small grocery storefront in 1907 to adding a $1 million pipe organ 90 years later, the church has become one of Seattle's oldest congregations.
It celebrated its centennial Saturday, Feb. 10, and Sunday, Feb. 11; events will include an open house.
"Our doors are open to everyone," the Rev. Armand Kreft said. "We have a very welcoming spirit - that's why we've lasted."
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
Kreft is aware of the reputation that organized religion has in Seattle; it is considered an "unchurched" city. The fact that Epiphany has reached its 100th year shows its ability to adapt to changing times.
"Religion has changed since the '50s, when shops closed down on Sundays and families went to church," he said. "Now that we're competing with soccer and sports and TV, we've made some changes."
For some members, it's additions such as the new family-friendly, 35-minute service that have brought them to Epiphany.
For Mary Henry, it isn't the changes that have kept her interest for more than 30 years so much as the church atmosphere. A member since 1973, Henry has remained active in the church, working now as archivist and record-keeper.
Over the years, she has watched members come and go, things be added and taken away. After an arson fire in 1975, the chancel and sanctuary had to be rebuilt; recently the church added a sky bridge. The congregation, however, has been a solid reminder that some things are meant to stay.
"It's a great celebration that we've lived 100 years," she said. "There must be something good that's caused people to keep coming."
'A BIG HOMECOMING'
Members of the 400-person congregation hail from the Madrona neighborhood, as well as Mercer Island, North Seattle, West Seattle and surrounding neighborhoods.
Young, old, married, single, homosexual or heterosexual - all are welcome in the church, and all are invited to celebrate the centennial, Kreft said.
The event will start off Saturday with an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with docent-led tours available of the historically important aspects of the church buildings.
These include the baptismal font, purchased with money donated by President William Howard Taft; the stained-glass windows from the Connick Studio in Boston; and the chapel itself, designed by one of Seattle's most recognized architects, Ellsworth Storey.
At 1 p.m., Barbara Spaeth Stenson, author of "A Bridge Over Time; Seattle's Church of the Epiphany 1907-1997," will give a presentation about the history and influence of the church.
From 6 to 8 p.m. the public is invi-ted to a reception that will offer drinks, food and entertainment by singer Kelley Johnson.
On Sunday, former clergy, church members and anyone currently or previously involved with Epiphany are encouraged to attend the 9 a.m. service. Henry hopes this will be a chance for those with previous ties to the church to revisit the grounds and reunite with old friends.
"It's going to be like a big homecoming," Henry said.
A RICH HISTORY
Henry believes the event will draw even the non-religious, if only to appreciate the history behind the church.
Besides the famous architecture, the Seattle landmark has been associated with community involvement. During the civil-rights movement, the church helped to mediate issues within the multi-racial community.
"To our neighbors and friends, we've been a great influence," Kreft said. "We've always been involved in the community."
Currently, Epiphany is involved in several community programs. It works with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) to provide transitional housing for the homeless and provides a Teen Feed in the University District for homeless youths.
It also sends members to Guatemala for two weeks during the year to help with harvest and work on renewable-resource projects for communities.
For Henry, it's the good relationship between Epiphany and the community that has helped the church to reach its centennial, and she hopes the neighborhood will be there to help celebrate.
"Even if they're not directly involved in the church, it's still something important to see," she said. "It's history. This church is history."
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