The below article was written by Wallingford resident Colleen Kurke, with special thanks to Regina Maza Conlon for the older photos.
Saying Farewell to a Wallingford Icon
The First Church of the Nazarene in Wallingford, built in 1952, has stood as a testament to faith, community, and resilience for over seventy years. We’ve all heard the saying, “if only these walls could talk.” That’s how I feel about this church, which has always stood tall, strong, and proud.
Having lived across the street from this church for 17 years, I have looked upon this building every day as a beacon of hope and life. When asked to write about this church, I felt humbled by the task. I realized that its history extended far beyond my own experiences. So, I reached out to the community through Vintage Seattle on Facebook and Nextdoor, and the overwhelming number of responses I received truly touched my heart.
Many people were curious about why the building was being torn down.
Mark Woodward, the former pastor of 19 years, explains:
“The building was too large and needed too many repairs to be viable as a church meeting space. We worked with a developer for over 15 years, aiming to enter into a partnership. However, this wasn’t approved by the denomination. The denomination felt the best path forward was to sell so funds could be invested in further and different ministry opportunities in Seattle. The developer was fantastic to work with and is a Seattle native with a good heart and success in investing in Seattle. We look forward to seeing the beautiful housing that will be created. Dick’s Drive-In has also purchased a portion of the property.”
Here are a few of the heartfelt memories shared by the community:
Marcia wrote, “I was the first baby dedicated and baptized in this church, born in December 1950. I spent a lot of the first 20 years of my life here. I remember when the new ‘Sunday School’ addition was added and even had an uncle married in the new chapel.”
Mary shared, “One Scout Sunday in the 1950s, the church hosted our Girl Scout troop. We all went. I remember the lesson was about letting your light shine, and the pastor had a flashlight to illustrate his point. Amazing that I remember that church service to this day.”
Lester wrote, “My wife grew up in that church. She and I were married there in 1973.”
Christelle mentioned, “I was named after a great member of the congregation.”
Cherilyn recalled, “My parents started attending in the mid-1960s. I was born and dedicated by Pastor Don Moore in the spring of 1968. I was married by Pastor Don Moore in the fall of 1985. Too many memories to share. My heart is sad.💔”
Bryan added, “I attended from 1969 to 1979.”
Terry added “I was the Youth Pastor there from 1970-1972 under Pastors Don Moore and Mel McCullough.”
Over the years, several other congregations have called this building their home. I’ll miss the singing on Sunday mornings and the laughter of children in the air.
The First Church of the Nazarene in Wallingford may become a distant memory in the hearts and minds of those who cherished it over the years and decades. I will be forever grateful for the many nights I sat on my porch, comforted by the moonlit cross that adorned the building and the hope and solace it provided. Farewell, old friend; you will be missed but not forgotten.
The cross on the building is looking for a new home. Contact me if you can help.
Colleen Kurke
Wallingford Resident
It was also home to a great little AA meeting for many years, “Tuesday Night Live”. It was an “open” meeting – open to anyone, in recovery or not – and we would often get medical students from the UW, who I believe were required to attend one meeting.
I am so very saddened to hear this news. This church holds a very special place in my heart. My parents were married there in the 60's. I was baptized in that church and attended there during my young childhood, living in Wallingford and going to Latona school. I have many memories of playing in and out of the church, climbing up and down stairways, playing in various classrooms, playing outside on the many steps (and metal railing), riding bikes on the sidewalks around the building, church parties and receptions, weddings, sleeping on my parents' laps during church, learning hymns and hearing the congregation – and also my visiting grandparents – sing loud and strong, our lives intertwined with the many interesting characters attending there… I often visit this church building in my dreams. We eventually left Seattle because of my Dad's career. After I graduated from college, I attended this church as a young adult and eventually became their choir director in the 90's. Because I loved my job as their choir director so much, I decided to get my master's degree in choral conducting from the University of Washington. Eventually I moved out of Seattle again (a very difficult decision), but whenever I'm back, I drive by my old church and am comforted that it is still standing. Is there any way to stop the demolition of this historic building?
Very sad to see it gone!