More Than a Century of Faith, Fellowship, and Community

For more than 120 years, Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church (MBPPC) has been a place of worship, fellowship, and service in Seattle's historic Mount Baker neighborhood. From its humble beginnings in a small wooden church to its beloved landmark building overlooking the community, MBPPC's story is one of enduring faith, remarkable architecture, and a congregation committed to serving God and its neighbors.

Humble Beginnings: 1902–1910

The story of Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church began in 1902 when George M. and Martha Taggart donated property at 34th Avenue South and South Horton Street for the construction of a neighborhood church. Originally intended to serve a Methodist congregation, the first wood-frame church was completed in 1906.

As the neighborhood grew, so did the Presbyterian presence. Influenced in part by the ministry of the Reverend Mark Matthews of Seattle's First Presbyterian Church, local residents and church leaders petitioned the Presbytery of Puget Sound to establish a Presbyterian congregation in Mount Baker. Their request was granted, and on September 26, 1906, York Methodist Church officially became York Presbyterian Church.

On September 10, 1910, the congregation adopted the name we proudly carry today: Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church.

A Vision on the Hill: 1915–1925

By 1915, the growing congregation began envisioning a new church building that would better serve the expanding Mount Baker community. A determined committee of women canvassed the neighborhood, requesting pledges of $10 per household. In just one week, they raised an impressive $1,000.75, demonstrating the generosity and community spirit that would become hallmarks of MBPPC.

In 1919, the Reverend William Major became pastor and championed the vision of a larger church situated prominently on the hill. He imagined a building with a tower visible from across Lake Washington, Beacon Hill, and throughout the Mount Baker neighborhood.

In 1921, the congregation purchased property at Hunter Boulevard and South Hanford Street. Designed by the prominent Seattle architectural firm Albertson Architects, the new church reflected the beauty of Italian Romanesque Revival architecture.

The cornerstone was laid on September 21, 1924, and on March 22, 1925, the magnificent new church building was dedicated. Constructed at a cost of $123,000, its distinctive 85-foot bell tower quickly became a recognizable feature of the neighborhood skyline.

A Sacred Work of Art: The Stained Glass Windows

Among the church's most treasured features are its magnificent stained glass windows, commissioned from the renowned Charles J. Connick Studio during the 1950s.

Established in Boston in 1912, the Connick Studio became one of America's most celebrated stained-glass workshops, creating thousands of commissions for churches, universities, and cathedrals throughout the country.

The sanctuary windows at MBPPC beautifully illustrate the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, from the Nativity and His early ministry through the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension.

These windows are more than artistic masterpieces. They are visual expressions of faith and lasting memorials to loved ones, many of whom were members of the Mount Baker community. Their rich colors and radiant light continue to inspire worshipers and visitors today.

An Architectural Treasure

MBPPC's historic sanctuary is one of Seattle's notable examples of Italian Romanesque Revival architecture. Its design features a traditional basilican floor plan, richly detailed brickwork, colorful terra cotta ornamentation, decorative wooden ceiling beams, and an impressive bell tower.

In 1941, the William A. Major Chimes were installed in the tower, adding another distinctive feature to the church's presence in the neighborhood.

The building's architectural significance and longstanding relationship with the Mount Baker community led to its official designation as a Seattle Landmark in 2002.

That recognition celebrates not only the beauty of the building but also its place in the history and identity of the surrounding community.

Faith That Withstands the Test of Time

Like many historic buildings, MBPPC has weathered its share of challenges.

The 2001 Nisqually earthquake significantly damaged the church's beloved bell tower. Faced with costly repairs, the congregation and surrounding neighborhood rallied together under a banner proclaiming, "Save Our Tower."

Approximately 100 Mount Baker residents, many of whom were not church members, contributed to the restoration effort, along with support from Historic Seattle. The tower was successfully repaired, with the seismic retrofitting project completed in 2003.

The outpouring of support was a powerful reminder that MBPPC belonged not only to its congregation but also to the heart of the community.

Between March 2020 and March 2021, the sanctuary underwent another significant transformation. The chancel was redesigned to create a more open and welcoming worship space, hardwood flooring was installed on the new platform, and the original concrete floors were refinished after decades beneath carpeting.

These improvements honored the building's historic character while preparing it to serve future generations.

A Church Rooted in Community: Throughout its history, Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church has understood that its calling extends far beyond Sunday worship.

The church has opened its doors to schools, recovery and support groups, Scout troops, artists, dancers, community organizations, and neighbors seeking a place to gather, learn, and grow.

In 1992, when a fire severely damaged the Mount Baker Community Club building, MBPPC provided space for community activities while repairs were completed.

Over the decades, the congregation has also supported organizations and ministries serving vulnerable individuals, children, and families throughout Seattle.

This spirit of hospitality and service reflects a longstanding conviction that the church is called not simply to occupy a place in the neighborhood, but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of its neighbors.

Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future

From the generosity of its founders to the vision of its early leaders, from the artistry of its sanctuary to the resilience of its congregation, Mount Baker Park Presbyterian Church has been shaped by generations of faithful people.

Our history is written not only in brick, stained glass, and architectural details, but in the prayers offered, relationships formed, lives touched, and acts of love shared within and beyond these walls.

As we continue our journey, we honor the legacy entrusted to us while embracing new opportunities to worship, serve, welcome, and grow.

Our building is a landmark. Our faith is a living legacy. And our mission continues: Transforming Lives through Christ's Love.