EVERETT — A church planted by a streetcar ministry during Everett’s infancy continues to thrive 125 years later.
Everett First Baptist Church celebrated the milestone after its Sunday services May 21.
The church is the fruit of the Evangel, a streetcar built by the American Baptist Publication Society. After its dedication in Cincinnati in 1891, missionaries rode the car west, spreading the gospel.
The following spring, the Evangel made its way through Puget Sound communities, founding churches in Seattle and Snohomish, according to a history prepared by First Baptist Church.
It soon rolled into the gritty mill town on Port Gardner that was incorporated as Everett two years earlier.
First Baptist marked its official founding with 13 members on April 17, 1892. From the railroad car, the services moved to a tent, a hall and a tabernacle. In the early 20th century, the congregation built a brick church on Lombard Avenue where Xfinity Arena now stands.
Today, First Baptist typically draws about 450 people for its Sunday services. The cornerstone was laid in 1959 for its current building on Pacific Avenue in downtown Everett. The Rev. Brian Harpell has served as senior pastor since 1988.
“We want to be a light and a source of strength in the community here on this corner of Pacific and Wetmore (avenues),” Pastor Ray Berig said.
The church lives by the words, “Connecting real people to Jesus through real relationships.” It’s known for providing Friday night meals to people who are homeless or struggling financially. It hosts the annual Fun in the Sun street fair, following Everett’s July 4 parade.
Throughout its history, church life has revolved around smaller meetings at private homes during the week. Today, its members include prominent business people and professionals, as well as others coping with hardship. Some worshippers come from families who have lived several generations in Everett, while others have immigrant backgrounds.
“This church is highly diverse,” Berig said. “There are a broad range of different people who attend church here.”
The church is affiliated with the American Baptist Church of the Northwest.
Four other Everett churches are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year: First Presbyterian Church of Everett, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and Trinity Episcopal Church of Everett. Zion Lutheran in Snohomish also observed its quasquicentennial, or 125th anniversary, this spring.
Trinity Episcopal Church has planned commemorative events Sunday at 2301 Hoyt Ave. in Everett. Activities include a 9 a.m. worship service followed by a brunch with a presentation by local historian Jack O’Donnell. A free, public concert with choral and orchestral music is set for 3 p.m.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @NWhaglund.
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