EVERETT — For the last 100 years, First Church of the Nazarene has served the spiritual and physical needs of Everett. What began as a simple tent meeting on Colby Avenue has grown into a vibrant church that has served Everett for a century.
For Pastor Marvin Bressler, the church’s history is just as important as its future.
“We feel just blessed to have such rich roots in the city and great, sacrificial people that have been good to the church,” Bressler said. “They keep us moving to where we need to go: forward.”
The church is on Lombard Avenue, in a building reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. Over the years, the church has had varying locations, from tent meetings on Colby to a more foreboding address: 1918 Wall St. The old church site is now under part of the Snohomish County Jail complex.
“It gets a big laugh out of people when you tell them that your church used to be where the jail is now,” Bressler said.
Twenty-four pastors have come and gone since the founding pastor, Reverend Lafayette Davis, established the church in November 1907. The job wasn’t big on earthly rewards. According to church records, Pastor Willard Anderson in 1936 received a raise that increased his weekly salary to $18.
In Bressler’s opinion, the church has endured because of the congregation and its devotion. Devotion to God. Devotion to the church. Devotion to service.
“Like every church, you have pillars,” Bressler said. “You have people who give faithfully and serve in many capacities. We have had a number of families who have supported ‘work and witness’ ministries that help with the facilities, hold Bible schools and Bible camps.”
The congregation also offers Hispanic church services at 7 p.m. Fridays and 1 p.m. Sundays.
In conjunction with other Everett churches, First Church of the Nazarene holds a weekly outreach to the homeless and working poor. Offering a hot meal, warm clothes, counseling and kind words are important, Bressler said.
“We have seen people who are unemployed, homeless, and need a friend as much as food,” he said. “We have seen them leave encouraged. They feel comfortable with us.”
While current ministerial needs are well tended, Bressler also looks to the future.
“I see the church challenged with the changing culture and we need to meet the deep needs of the people around us,” Bressler said. “The start will be the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
@2. Breakout Header:First Church of the Nazarene
Location: 2502 Lombard Ave., Everett Information: 425-252-5276
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