‘Cooperative coexistence’ is the watchword: Bequest, land donation were key 50 years ago
Published 11:40 am Thursday, July 18, 2024
- A sign on 40th Street leading into Seaview signals directions to the Peninsula Church Center, home to three congregations in an unusual building-sharing arrangement that is still going strong after 50 years which members of all three congregations call “a family.”
The 50-year history of the Peninsula Church Center can be summed up in a word: Cooperation.
Liz Hylton of Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church, recalls a conversation with its pastor, Jim Tweedie, who led the church some years ago. “The question was, ‘Can one church meet the needs of all people?’” she recalled. “I said, ‘No … but together we can!’”
Just The Facts
Peninsula Church Center
5000 N Place, Seaview
Opened 1974
Designer, Durham Anderson Freed, Seattle
Contractor, Fodge & Jensen, Aberdeen
A 30-page historical booklet published for the 40th anniversary highlighted how the Sept. 8, 1974 dedication came about.
On July 4, 1973, the Ilwaco Tribune reported on “an historical and significant event.” Watched by a crowd of 150, ground was broken on the new center. Attending were members of the Ocean Beach Presbyterian Church and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.
The unusual collaboration was between long-established congregations on the south end of the Long Beach Peninsula.
‘Can one church meet the needs of all people?’
Liz Hylton, Presbyterian leader
St. Peter’s was founded in 1894 in Ilwaco, although it had a 55-year break. Ocean Beach Presbyterian was formed by two congregations in Ilwaco and Long Beach, both dating to 1893, one led by pioneer James D. Holman and one by Long Beach founder Henry Harrison Tinker. They joined forces in 1966 then began holding joint services with the Episcopalians while talks were under way about the joint project.
It led to the opening of the center, which was labeled 10 years ago as “an ecumenical achievement.”
A March 28, 1972, agreement stipulated the project would be a church building, chapel, clergy offices, parish hall and educational facilities.
The concept was for each of the churches to own a portion of the buildings and collaborate on Christian education. “Cooperative coexistence shall be the watchword so that the effectiveness of these churches in the community shall be enhanced,” it read.
Funding for the $300,000 facility came in part from a bequest from Episcopalian Mary Johnson, which stipulated it was for a church only. The property at 5000 N Place, Seaview, was donated by Eola Keller. The Episcopalians and Presbyterians contributed funds for a building whose design has two chapels on the south end and offices and the educational component to the north — with a roofed walkway between the two separate structures. Extra space for the daycare center was added later.
Efforts were led by an 11-person building committee chaired by William K. Ferguson. At the dedication, the Rev. Robert F. Burger, vicar of St. Peter’s and the Rev. Thomas W. Heald, pastor of the Ocean Beach United Presbyterian Church, were presented with the keys during a ceremony at which the Episcopal Bishop of Olympia, the Rt. Rev. Ivol I. Curtis proclaimed, “Let the doors be opened!” Cornerstones were set in the breezeway between the two buildings.
Ecumenical efforts didn’t end with two denominations. St. John Lutheran was invited to use the chapel for its Sunday services beginning in 1975; the Quakers (Society of Friends) have also met in the building.
More recent highlights:• 1989, pipe organ installed by Bond Organ Co. of Portland (the two congregations each contributed about $45,000);
• 1990, opening of an addition for the Church Center daycare, spearheaded by Martha Murfin;
• 1994, stained glass installed in the St. Nicholas Chapel;
• 1998, stained glass containing symbols of Presbyterian and Episcopal faiths installed in the sanctuary;
• 1999, Celtic cross installed on roof.
