A BRIEF HISTORY OF

MERCER ISLAND COVENANT CHURCH

by

Jim Marek and Muriel Prirzs

The first organizational meeting was held in the Spring of 1949. Five families, representing three denominations, including two members of Seattle 1^st Covenant church, were represented at the meeting.

After much prayer, a plan was formulated for a Sunday School on Mercer Island to meet the needs of un-churched children, and for families who were commuting off the Island to attend in other communities. The families represented at this meeting were: the Bill Birches, the Harold Dirs, the Sam Gaffneys, the Tonnis Prins’ and the Lester Seeds. Soon after this early meeting, Arnie Holing and Godfrey Peterson joined with the group in the prayer and planning which resulted in the first service being conducted in the basement of the Lester Seed home on May 7, 1949. There were 23 adults and children present.

Services were held in homes that spring and summer, and, starting in September, arrangements were made to use the facilities of the Mercer Island Club house, with Godfrey Peterson serving as lay pastor, followed by the first minister, Rev. Folke Ekblad. At this time the tiny group was called "Mercer Island Community Sunday School", although regular worship services were held as well as Sunday school.

Formal organization with the framing of a constitution and by-laws came in October, 1951. At that time affiliation was made with the North Pacific Missionary Conference of the Mission Covenant Church. Seattle l^st Covenant Church helped to establish this affiliation and assisted in many ways.

The first annual congregational meeting was held on January 12, 1952, at which time Mrs. Bobbie Gaffney was elected as the first chairman. Other Charter Members were, in addition to the Gaffney’s, the Harold Dirs, Tonnis and Muriel Prins, and Arnie and Betty Holing. Associate members were: Art and Verna Reiswig and Don and Kay King, with Godfrey and Ruth Peterson as advisors.

Many others attended and gave fully of themselves and their resources as the work grew. The blessings were many as the tiny new church weathered the process of organization and went on to become a servant to the spiritual needs of the community. At this time it was known as the Mercer Island Community Church. Interim Pastors included the Rev. Morris Larsen, Rev. Lee Biers and Rev. Wendell Anderson. The first full time pastor called was the Rev. Charles Nelson, who served from August 1952 to August 1954.

In 1954, another important milestone was reached when a lot (the present U. S. Post Office site) was purchased for $4,500. Ground breaking ceremonies took place in March of 1955, and building of the "Fireside Chapel" was commenced, greatly aided by a gift of $4,200 from the Frontier Friends program of the Covenant. The first service in the new building was held in August, 1956. The Rev. Ernest Hanson, a student pastor, served the church during some of this period.

As the fellowship expanded, more space was badly needed, and in the Spring of 1959, property was purchased at the present site. The Fireside Chapel was moved to the new property, and a new Sanctuary, classrooms, assembly area and Pastor’s study were added. The cost of the property and new construction was approximately $70,000, with much of the labor donated by members and friends of the Church. Much of the painting was done by the ladies.

The new structure was dedicated the week of November 19-23, 1960. The Rev. Robert Larson was the pastor during this period. Rev. Larson was later called into full-time service on the staff of the Covenant at its headquarters, and Rev. LeRoy Carlson became pastor.

About this time another half block of property was purchased, completing the acquisition of the strategically located site that we are appreciating so much today. Rev. Carlson was followed by the interim pastorate of Rev. James Luckman, who served until the calling of our permanent Pastor, Rev. Burdette R. Palmberg, who came to us in May, 1967, and who was joined by assistant Pastor Rev. Ron Baltrusis in July, 1973.

This Godly team of men minister to our ever-increasing number in many ways, and, under their leadership, the lovely sanctuary being dedicated on May 12, 1974 came into being, aided by many able, dedicated, - and tireless workers of the congregation, members and friends alike. Construction started early in 1973 with ground-breaking ceremonies and the first Sunday worship was held on April 14, 1974, a glorious Easter Sunday, when some 605 gathered to rejoice again over Christ’s resurrection. HE LIVES!