The oldest Protestant congregation in Seattle, Plymouth Church has been in the heart of Seattle for over 140 years. Founded in 1869, the year Seattle incorporated, Plymouth has played an important role in the city's civic and spiritual history.
Our Buildings
Our first services were held in 1869 in Yesler’s Hall, a large room above a drug store in Pioneer Square. As the congregation grew, we sought out a location for a place of our own. Arthur Denny donated a parcel of land on Second Ave and Spring Street, and Captain William Renton contributed lumber for the first Plymouth Church building, dedicated in 1873.
As more and more people came to Seattle in the late 19th century, Plymouth assumed the role of “mother church,” helping to establish Congregational churches in outlying areas of the city. Our own congregation soon outgrew our building again, and built a new church at Third and University. This beautiful brick building housed the congregation until we once more outgrew the space and built a new church at Sixth and University, dedicated in 1912.
In the late 1950s, it became clear that our church building, as beloved as it was, had antiquated systems that were inadequate for modern demands. The last service was held there in 1966. The columns from that building were salvaged and stand today in a small park at Pike and Boren. While our current building was being constructed, the congregation worshipped at the Fifth Avenue Theater. Plymouth’s current building was dedicated in 1967, and is a distinctive part of Seattle’s modern architecture.
A History of Spiritually Informed Social Justice
Throughout Plymouth history, our members have faithfully offered their time, service and commitment to the greater community. Plymouth has long been recognized for our commitment to social justice. From hosting women's Suffrage events, to protecting Chinese laborers in the riots of the late nineteenth century to the peace movements and civil rights struggle of the sixties, addressing the homeless crisis of the 1980s, advocating for equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and challenging issues of economic inequality, Plymouth has taken the lead and sounded the voice of progressive theology in the Northwest and beyond.
Commitment to the Arts & Music
The arts and music have always been a focus at Plymouth. Our first pump organ, on display in our Lounge, was brought by covered wagon by our founders. Plymouth has had a succession of gifted organists and choirmasters, who have played not only for services but for the broader community.
Ministry of All Members
Plymouth ministers to the wider community through our Ministry Teams arranged around Parish Care and Fellowship, Outreach and Social Justice, Worship, Faith Formation, and Administration. Through these Ministry Teams our members continue the Plymouth tradition of helping and advocating for children, youth and families at risk, the homeless and hungry, and for economic, social and environmental justice.
Click here to purchase a copy of Plymouth’s history from 1869 through the early 1980’s:
Seeking to Serve, by Mildred Tanner Andrews
Seeking to Serve was updated to reflect the 1980s through the early 2000’s. Click here to purchase a copy:
Still Seeking to Serve, by Mildred Tanner Andrews
A PDF version of Still Seeking to Service is available for download at no charge here PDF Still Seeking To Serve
