Church celebrates 85 years of devoted work

A stout rock wall stands tall and strong, escorted by a large and bright crucifix in front of the storied church.

The solid and profound facade, built one stone at a time by volunteer grit and sweat, withstood the test of time and supported the many changes to the multipurpose building of worship behind it.

The landmark represents the strength of its devoted congregation, symbolizes its faith and embodies a Christian community at work.

The wall, completed in 1965 on the church’s large L-shaped lot off Auburn Way South, endures for the many people and ministries who belong to the rich heritage of one of the city’s oldest and longest-running churches.

“I remember hauling the mud while putting it up,” said Auburn’s Vic Ray, 63, who helped his father Harold and other volunteers erect the wall in the early 1960s as a young man.

“That (wall) in itself is the rock of the church, the firmness of the people who went before it,” Ray said. “It (stands for) the super dedicated people who sacrificed and made everything possible that goes on today.”

It is known today as Northwest Family Church, which serves 600 strong, but its deep roots extend far back. What started as an interdenominational mission in the Truitt Building off Main Street in 1923 has survived three significants relocations and five building changes stretching nine decades.

The little church downtown eventually made its way up the south Auburn hill to the remote “woods” and became the Calvary Temple in 1961. Ground was broken in 1963 at the current site and the church grew over time, doubling in size during an early 1980s remodel push.

Only recently did the church adopt its more contemporary name.

While the church has adjusted to the times, its spirit remains strong in its mission for Assemblies of God, the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination.

“Our church has a reputation for being a caring church. We’re a church of strong leaders and workers,” said the Rev. Warren Bullock, the church’s senior pastor. “Just the longevity and the stability of the church is a real plus. … That history and leadership of our people provide us with wonderful strength.”

Bullock’s congregation celebrates its 85th anniversary today and Sunday with a weekend filled with ceremonies, music, food and storytelling. Many faces of the past will join those of the present to honor an evolving church that is generous with its aggressive and widespread missionary and ministry work at home and abroad.

Fledgling yesterdays

Once a meager church in search of an identity, Northwest Family continues to operate within its means while retaining dreams for further improvements and expansion.

“No one dreamed we would have the size of the church we have now,” Bullock said. “It has had its ups and downs … but it remains strong and steady.”

The church had humble beginnings. Its genesis came about as a merger among smaller congregations.

At its inception in 1923, service under the Rev. Grantham was held on the top floor of the original Truitt Building, which sat on the south side of Main Street.

The fellowship then moved to the “Hot Box,” a semi-permanent location on Auburn Avenue, three years later. It was well remembered for its woodstove, a 55-gallon barrel.

A new church was built on 4th and E Street in the early 1930s and survived the Depression throughout that decade and war-torn years of the ‘40s.

It was during that time when Ray’s grandmother, Rebecca, and mother, Ruby, became stalwarts behind what was then known as the Full Gospel Church.

“Sunday school was held at Grandma’s house, which was right behind the 4th and E building,” Ray said. “My mom and dad always worked with the children.”

The church underwent some rebuilding and expansion before it eventually outgrew its location.

The fellowship followed a move up the hill in 1961 to a spot surrounded by little development and much pristine forest. At first, Calvary Temple struggled through lean times, but persevered through faith and cooperation. Families came together and volunteered to pick up and pay the church’s bills with whatever means they had.

Calvary Temple eventually hit stride with visionary pastor Jim Nicholson, who became the fulcrum of the church during his 10-year stint from 1962-72. Nicholson, the “building pastor,” helped plant the seed as facilities improved.

Pastor Dave Tonn followed, and his evangelical approach attracted more worshipers. A series of younger pastors then came to attract the younger set.

The church matured because it had the right pastor for the right job at the right time, according to Bob Pogue, a 65-year member of the congregation and one of its volunteer forces.

“Longevity is having the right pastor there for the needs of the church at the time,” he said.

The church today continues to serve a balance of young and old, including long-attending families.

Generation of goers

Mark Johnson grew up a part of the church, and remains a part of it today as the full-time facility manager.

“It’s home, and there’s no place like home,” said Johnson, whose son Jordan, 20, is a fourth-generation member of the church. “It’s been a part of our family’s lives all these years.

“It’s a neat place with a lot of good history behind it.”

For Pogue and many families, the church is a significant partner in their upbringing. He was married at the church, as were his two daughters. He also has seen its progress and changes over the years.

Looking back, Pogue is filled with good memories and friendships. This weekend’s anniversary will stir those moments.

“I’m a real sentimentalist,” he said. “It’s quite an emotional time for me … when you go to the church all your life.

“Back then, church life was important to families.”

And it remains just as important today.

The church’s historical significance and rich heritage attracted a young Debbie Christian and her family to the church many years ago. The church immediately welcomed and embraced them.

“They made us a part of their family,” said Christian, a church leader. “My growth from a 20-year-old to today is huge.”

“I like the fact that it means something to them,” she said of the church’s heritage. “It makes it valuable to them, so it’s valuable to me.”

Today, the church faces many challenges, notably retaining and reaching more worshipers in an ever-changing, more mobile and diversified society.

“Most of the people don’t mind us being here … we’re good neighbors … but others just ignore us,” Bullock said.

“Everybody has hurts at some point in their life,” he said, “and we don’t always have an answer to all of those hurts. But we can help them spiritually.”

Celebration

• Event: 85th anniversary of Northwest Family Church, 3535 Auburn Way S.

• When: Today, noon to 2 p.m., with an all-church picnic, games and activities, Isaac Evans Park, 29627 Green River Road S.E. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. service, followed by 12:30 p.m. celebration banquet in the church’s gymnasium. Story and talent sharing session, along with music, at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary.

• Special guests: Former leaders and staff members, including former senior pastor Jim Filbeck and family.

• Information: 253-833-8252, www.nwfamilychurch.com.