Kirkland Congregational Church

A Progressive Christian Voice in the Heart of Kirkland

Gleanings From
In Christian Fellowship

By Shirley Lindahl
Edited by Jerry Rutherford

In Conclusion

In the March issue of the Good News the last of Shirley's book there was a list of "Pastors in the Pulpit" which was to have ended: "Following is a list of ministers serving the church from 1880. Ron Hutchinson 1969 --"

Shirley published her book in 1979 before Ron completed his ministry in 1993. We had other ministers also serve the church before Walter John Boris arrived.

This completes Shirley's collection of the history of our church to 1979. A wonderful legacy that she has left us as we celebrate our 125th Anniversary. Someone who enjoys research and has the time needs to update our history. Who will step forward?

Following are a few general items of interest excerpted from Shirley's book which are of particular interest at this time in our history:

The history of the city of Kirkland and the Congregational Church are closely bound together. Over the years, many city officials were also active members of the church. Reverend E. Newberry, who served as minister three different time periods between 1908 thru 1937, was mayor of Kirkland in 1933. He also taught in the local high school, served as city clerk, and a councilman.

He was followed in office by another church member, Irving Gates. Mr. Gates was also one of the founders of the first telephone company in Kirkland. Another church member, Ollis Patty, was elected city treasurer over 20 times. Lake Washington School District superintendents and many school teachers were also active church members. We have been a member of Greater Kirkland Ecumenical Paris and an Open and Affirming Congregation.

The first Cub Scout Pack in America was begun by church member, Amelia Newberry, on January 20, 1921. Ten years earlier, she had started the Campfire Girls in Kirkland.

During the year 2000 our church celebrated its 120th Anniversary by holding reunions which included Sunday school teachers, weddings, baptisms and choir. This year the city of Kirkland celebrates its 100 birthday and it is the 125th anniversary of our church. On April 27 members of our church will participate in the monthly program at Heritage Hall at 7:00 PM.

Kirkland Congregational Church, UCC continues its lifetime history of participating in the life of the community as well as many outreach programs. Two other congregations hold their worship service in our building. Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, twenty-one 12-step groups, and an Alzheimer's Support Group meet in the building during the week. A folk dance group practices here and there are CPR classes offered through the Red Cross quarterly. We have hosted Tent City 4 for a 90-day period a couple of times in the past.

What other new experiences will we record in our 125th year? Our 135th year? Our 150th year?

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