Dedication of the Present Sanctuary

MAY 12, 1974

Faced with a growing congregation, the Mercer Island Covenant Church began the first phase of an expansion program by constructing this 8,925 sq. ft. sanctuary.

The program developed by the Building Committee expressed a desire to build upon a tradition of the Evangelical Covenant Church which dates back to the denomination's origins in Sweden. The early Covenanters separated from the established State Church of Sweden and found it necessary to gather in homes. This generated a sense of a “Gathered Christian Community" and it is this concept upon which the design of the new sanctuary is based.

A partial in-the round scheme seemed to best express this traditional concept. The nature of the Covenant Church was further expressed by simple, sturdy materials handled in a straightforward manner. We attempted to provide the Mercer Island community with a subdued, dignified -- not formidable -- neighbor which would invite all to enter.

WILLIAM POLK, AIA
WALDRON & POMEROY

SYMBOLS  INCORPORATED INTO THE DESIGN AND THEIR MEANING

	THE CHI RHO is a sacred monogram formed from the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ (XPICTOC). This symbol is found on the walls of the catacombs and in the streets of ancient Ephesis.
	THE NATIVETY of Christ is portrayed in the symbol of a manger with halo. The legs of the manger form the CHI & above it rises the RHO (See above)
	THE MINISTRY of Christ is depicted by the basket of bread and the fish which portrays the feeding of the 5.000. The wheat represents Christ as the Bread of Life. {Mark 14:22)
	THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST and man’s redemption is shown by the cross which is repeated alone and incorporated in several symbols (i.e. the ship). A circle with the cross symbolizes eternity.
	THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST is portrayed in the brick carving on the south wall of the bursting pomegranate. Thus the truth of Christ’s bursting forth out of the tomb on Easter is depicted.
	CHRIST’S VICTORIOUS SACRIFICE is shown in the wood and brick carvings of the Lamb of God (John 1:29} standing with the standard or banner of victory.