History
From the beginning, University Baptist Church has been a congregation ‘on the move’ both figuratively and literally. In 1901, about 30 Baptists met in worship at the home of missionaries George and Jennie Campbell, and in December of that year, organized University Place Baptist Church. Services were first held at May’s Hall (E. 42nd and 6th NE), then in the hall above Dr. Sherrick’s drug store at University Way and 42nd St.
On May 31, 1904, the cornerstone was laid for the congregation’s first building on the corner of 45th and Brooklyn (later site of the Safeco tower), with ‘Occupation Day’ on September 18th of that year. Even with improvements, the congregation outgrew ‘the little brown church’ by the beginning of the 1920’s, and briefly moved Sunday morning services to the new Neptune Theater across the street from the church. In another year, the congregation began worshipping in the Masonic Hall on University Way. After selling the property on 45th and Brooklyn, lots on the southeast corner of 12th and 47th were purchased in 1923. On July 4, 1925, ground was broken for the Education wing of the new building, and a short five and one-half months later, the congregation celebrated the Sunday before Christmas in their new home! Fundraising proved difficult for the remaining money to finish the Sanctuary, but this was finally accomplished and the Sanctuary was dedicated in 1938. A major renovation of offices and educational spaces took place between 1958 and 1961 to meet the changing needs of the congregation. Apartments were created on the third floor in order to receive Central American refugees in the early 1980s. Those same apartments later were home to conscientious objectors in 1991, and then homeless women and children. In 2007, the difficult decision was made to sell our building of 80+ years and concentrate on the mission of the gospel. In 2010, the congregation moved to its present location.
Over its 110 year history, the congregation of UBC has welcomed refugees from numerous countries, helped to establish Good Shepherd Baptist Church, operated a Saturday Kitchen, established a Child Care Center, and worked for peace and justice locally and globally. As our mission statement says, ‘We journey in hope.’
