Church History

In the Beginning (1906-1910) – Wilfred W. Shaw, pastor
Up the Hill (1911-1921) – Norman B. Harrison, pastor
In Whatsoever State (1922-1932) – Harry S. Templeton, pastor
How Firm a Foundation (1932-1947) – Dr. Peter W. Erickson, pastor
The Building (1948-1961) – Dr. L. David Cowie, pastor
Moving Outward (1962-1969) – Dr. Robert B. Munger, senior pastor
The Discovery of Gifts (1970-1977) – Richard P. Langford, senior pastor
Free to Serve (1980-1990) – Bruce Larson, senior pastor
Marching Onward (1991-2008) – Dr. Earl F. Palmer, senior pastor
Building for the Future (2008-) George Hinman, senior pastor

In the Beginning (1906-1910)

In the beginning was the Word. John 1:1

In 1906 Theodore Roosevelt was in the White House, Albert E. Mead was governor of the state of Washington, and Thomas B. Kane was president of the University of Washington. WilfredShaw A number of Seattle people thought it was time to start a Presbyterian church in the University District.

On their own initiative, three district residents who were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle selected three lots as the site for a future church. By the fall of 1907 the land was purchased and the title had passed to the First Presbyterian Church. With the backing of the parent church, and the assurance of lots on which to build, planning for a new congregation could begin in earnest.

In December, 1907, a group of interested persons gathered to discuss the general sentiment for establishing a church. On February 9, 1908 the first session of the Sunday school was held in a hall above a drugstore on what is now University Way. There were six classes: one for adults; one each for young men and young women; one each for boys and girls; and one for infants. On that first Sunday attendance was 29, the offering taken was $1.22.

On March 19, 1908, 51 people met to formulate the necessary petition to the Presbytery of Seattle for the formation of an independent church, to be called “University Presbyterian Church.” The petition was accepted on April 15 and the formal founding came on May 6, 1908.

Later that year, at a special meeting of the congregation, it was voted to call the Reverend Wilfred W. Shaw, of Govanstown Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland, to the pulpit. He accepted and was installed as the first pastor on April 28, 1909. The new congregation grew quickly, and by the time Shaw resigned in 1910 there were 154 members.

Up the Hill (1911-1921)

Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Rev. 3:8

Next to accept the call to pastor UPC was Norman B. Harrison, who was installed on November 17, 1911. Harrison saw that the prime need of the church was for a permanent home. All available volunteer labor was summoned – including men of the congregation, college students and the pastor himself – and in two weeks a chapel was ready to use.

On Sunday, February 18, 1912, the entire congregation marched up the street from a temporary, leased chapel to their permanent home, singing “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Over the next few years membership continued to grow, and so did the church building. On November 7, 1915 the completed church was dedicated and by 1920 a Christian Education wing was added. Harrison remained as pastor until 1921.

In Whatsoever State (1922-1932)

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound… I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:12, 13

UPC was now well established. It possessed an adequate facility, its finances were sound, experienced leaders were at its helm and membership topped 900. After a 14 month interlude between pastors the church called Harry S. Templeton to be its pastor. He accepted, and presided over his first Session meeting on October 16, 1922.

The church continued to grow under Templeton. Bible study was emphasized, and prayer was important. Attendance at Thursday evening prayer meetings reached 90 during the first months of 1923. Mission-minded from the beginning, UPC continued reaching out at home and to the far corners of the world. Missionary information and inspiration spread throughout the church, and a number of people from the congregation set out on mission trips to Alaska, Korea and China. Templeton tendered his resignation in March, 1932. During his time as pastor, membership climbed to 1,320.

How Firm a Foundation (1932-1947)

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Cor. 3:6

Templeton’s successor was Dr. Peter W. Erickson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Wausau, Wisconsin. Dr. Erickson assumed the pastorate on September 1, 1932. It soon became evident with Erickson’s arrival that things were moving upward at UPC. At Thursday evening prayer meetings the chapel room was filled; the Session ordered more hymnals, more Communion cups, and increased its membership from 16-24. A public address system with earphones for the hearing impaired was installed, and on Easter Sunday, 1934, there was an overflow crowd of 450 in the chapel.

When Erickson was asked for the secret to this healthy growth, he replied that, as on a farm, chickens would thrive and lay eggs only if they had correct food. Just so, at UPC, results would come only if the people received a nourishing diet of biblical truth.

College group Under Erickson's pastorship the department of Christian Education expanded. Teaching methods were traditional, and memorizing Scripture was emphasized. Christian Endeavor groups were formed for youth and young adults, and in 1944 UPC's Christian Endeavor Group won the silver cup award for being the outstanding C. E. Society in the Seattle Area.

As the United States emerged in 1945 from the shadow cast by the war, UPC found itself in good health in spite of all the crises. With no debt, a membership of 2,100 and a substantial savings account, the church was prepared to move forward. Dr. Erickson, now 65 years old, felt that it was time for him to retire and turn the congregation over to someone younger. He submitted his resignation, and the search for a new pastor began.

The Building (1948-1961)

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build in labor in vain. Psalm 127:1

Dr. L. David Cowie, pastor of the Linwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Missouri, was the next to accept the call to become pastor of UPC. He was installed on January 11, 1948.

During the Erickson pastorate, the UPC building 1950 need for more space had become acute. Recognizing this, the Session had begun the purchase of property south of the existing church, and had established a building fund. Construction began in the summer of 1951, and on May 18, 1952 the cornerstone for the Sanctuary was laid.

On October 12, 1952, the march to the new Sanctuary took place as it had done in 1912, into its new home. Construction continued through much of the decade; in 1954 committees were appointed for a new Christian education building. The cornerstone was laid on May 12, 1957 and the new building was dedicated in September. UPC’s spire was dedicated on May 20, 1959.

Calvin Club, organized for college students in 1948, continued to grow. In 1953, the first deputation teams went out to Guatemala and Alaska for a summer of service with missionaries stationed there. They returned with widened vision and deepened commitment. In 1956 Earl Palmer, who would later return to serve as UPC’s senior pastor, became minister of youth, expanding the department and giving it his own stamp of creative individuality.

Recognition had come to both pastor and congregation. A 1951 assessment of all Presbyterian churches in the U.S. by General Assembly rated UPC as 31st in size, ninth in rating of the 50 foremost churches, eighth in size of Bible school and 16th in total giving. Pastor and congregation had accomplished much together. Cowie remained at UPC until June, 1961.

Moving Outward (1962-1969)

Go ye into all the world. Acts 1:8

Next to assume the pastorate of UPC was Dr. Robert B. Munger, on May 1, 1962.

UPC was no longer a neighborhood church as it had been at its inception. It was now a community church, serving a city-wide area with city-wide responsibilities. The composition of its membership was unusual. A large percentage was made up of single individuals – students, university personnel, retired persons; there was a strong academic-professional quality to the group; the membership was mobile. The church had become a training school for leadership. These conditions made the Christian education, especially of adults, imperative. An Adult Education Council was organized to coordinate adult fellowship groups and to provide study classes for them. Such circles in various forms have flourished in the congregation from that time to the present.

In July, 1969, Dr. Munger responded to a call and accepted a position on the faculty at Fuller Theological Seminary and submitted his resignation. A formal statement honoring Dr. Munger, which was read to the congregation on October 12, 1969, mentioned the pastor’s emphasis on stewardship, his concern for each member, and the fact that to Munger, UPC was never his church – it was always Christ’s.

The Discovery of Gifts (1970-1977)

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6

RichardLangford In May, 1970, the pastor-nominating committee announced their unanimous choice – Richard Langford, who had come to UPC in 1968 as associate pastor in Christian education and who had been acting administrative head of staff in the absence of a senior pastor.

A graduate of William Jennings Bryan College in Tennessee and of San Francisco Theological Seminary, Langford had been with Young Life for 12 years, had been visiting lecturer in Christian education at Fuller Seminary, and had served as director of education at Hollywood Presbyterian Church.

Langford’s theology was this: Individuals are important packages of unrealized potential. He was an enabler, encouraging people to find their potential and giving them the freedom to develop it. Langford continued as pastor of UPC until November, 1977.

Free to Serve (1980-1990)

You will know the truth and the truth will make you free. John 8:32

After two and a half years without a senior pastor, Bruce Larson was called, accepted and preached his first sermon on May 18, 1980. Larson was an author, lecturer and former head of Faith At Work. Most members knew of Bruce Larson, and many had read his books (The Emerging Church had been required reading for all Session members in the mid-sixties).

BruceLarson When Larson preached his candidating sermon for UPC, “Let Us Rise Up and Build” (Nehemiah 2:28), he was referring to the building not made with human hands, but the people of God. Little did he know how literal his sermon title was to become! During Larson’s time as pastor, church membership continued to grow – once again necessitating the need for more space.

A Building Committee was formed in 1984 to review the existing structure, surrounding property and parking issues. After much planning and deliberation, Session approved the architects’ schematic design for space allocation and layout of the new building in January, 1988. This included an additional 23,446 square feet of ministry and training space, with numerous flexible classrooms for adults and youth, a gymnasium and an underground 48-car garage, along with modifications to the existing structure. In August of that year the congregation joined together in prayer and song to bless the site of the new building.

According to Larson, he “never intended to be involved in a building project… God has been blessing the ministry of UPC beyond all expectations, and we feel committed to being stewards of all he is providing, to see that all the varied programs and people are adequately housed.”

After years of planning, praying and waiting, the new building was dedicated on January 14, 1990.

Aside from structural changes, a great deal of activity was taking place at UPC during these years. A third morning service was added in 1985 to accommodate the large number of worshippers; several new fellowship groups were formed; and in 1987 the first class of 25 Stephen Ministers was commissioned. The mission program continued to grow under the leadership of Art Beals, who came to UPC in September, 1985 to serve as director of missions; an average of 600 university students were attending The INN each Tuesday night, under the co-leadership of directors of University Ministries Denny and Marilyn Rydberg who joined the staff in 1984.

Larson served as senior pastor until June 1990. From UPC he went to join the Rev. Robert Schuller as co-pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. The much-beloved pastor’s departure was met with sadness, but also excitement for the impact he would continue to have on the Kingdom in Orange County and around the world.

Marching Onward (1991-2008)

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Even without an official senior pastor, average Sunday worship continued to increase. In May, 1991, a fourth service at 6 pm was added to accommodate these growing numbers. The Sunday evening worship service incorporated contemporary Christian music, creating a more casual atmosphere. This evening service quickly grew in popularity, particularly among young adults and University students.

EarlPalmer Then in July, 1991, the call to pastor UPC went to Earl Palmer, who had served for the past 21 years as senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, Calif. and with Union Church in Manila for six years prior to that.

No stranger to UPC, Dr. Palmer had previously served as minister to students from 1956-1964. Dr. Palmer accepted the call and his formal arrival on September 23, 1991 was met with great excitement and anticipation.

Dr. Palmer has a worldwide ministry as a speaker, teacher and author. He has written 16 books, countless articles and speaks to many gatherings of pastors and church leaders. Most importantly he remains a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. After nearly 50 years of ministry he continues to open up the Scriptures to enable people to know Jesus personally.

Renovations to the church building have continued, including a remodel of third floor Sunday School classrooms, upgrades to the Sanctuary, and in November, 1999 the addition of the Reuter organ in the Sanctuary. This beloved instrument is the largest of the 2,200 organs built by Reuter. It was hand-crafted by 42 employees investing nearly 20,000 hours of labor, and incorporates about 7,000 pipes (only 80 of them visible) weighing approximately 111,000 pounds!

In 2008 UPC celebrated its 100th birthday with a weekend of festivities, including an organ concert, a picnic at Lake Washington, and a ministry fair. A time capsule was opened that contained mementos from 1952--coins, newspapers, church plans, registration cards, and more.

In late 2006 Earl Palmer shared a vision that he and others had for him to move into a new ministry that would allow him to serve God through teaching, writing, and encouraging pastors and laity in a more expansive way. UPC's Session and congregation voted to move into a transition model where Earl would remain senior pastor while a Senior Pastor Nominating Committee searched for a new senior pastor.

Building for the Future (2008-)
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:14

In 2008 the call to pastor went to George Hinman, Pastor of Discipleship at Bel Air Presbyterian in California. George accepted the call, and became senior pastor in fall of 2008. In 2009 George and the church leadership refocuse UPC's vision around three areas: Worship, Community, and Outreach.

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UPC Home > About UPC > Church History Church History In the Beginning (1906-1910) – Wilfred W. Shaw, pastor Up the Hill (1911-1921) – Norman B. Harrison, pastor In Whatsoever State (1922-1932) – Harry S. Templeton, pastor How Firm a Foundation (1932-1947) – Dr. Peter W. Erickson, pastor The Building (1948-1961) – Dr. L. David Cowie, pastor Moving Outward (1962-1969) – Dr. Robert B. Munger, senior pastor The Discovery of Gifts (1970-1977) – Richard P. Langford, senior pastor Free to Serve (1980-1990) – Bruce Larson, senior pastor Marching Onward (1991-2008) – Dr. Earl F. Palmer, senior pastor Building for the Future (2008-) George Hinman, senior pastor In the Beginning (1906-1910) In the beginning was the Word. John 1:1 In 1906 Theodore Roosevelt was in the White House, Albert E. Mead was governor of the state of Washington, and Thomas B. Kane was president of the University of Washington. A number of Seattle people thought it was time to start a Presbyterian church in the University District. On their own initiative, three district residents who were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle selected three lots as the site for a future church. By the fall of 1907 the land was purchased and the title had passed to the First Presbyterian Church. With the backing of the parent church, and the assurance of lots on which to build, planning for a new congregation could begin in earnest. In December, 1907, a group of interested persons gathered to discuss the general sentiment for establishing a church. On February 9, 1908 the first session of the Sunday school was held in a hall above a drugstore on what is now University Way. There were six classes: one for adults; one each for young men and young women; one each for boys and girls; and one for infants. On that first Sunday attendance was 29, the offering taken was $1.22. On March 19, 1908, 51 people met to formulate the necessary petition to the Presbytery of Seattle for the formation of an independent church, to be called “University Presbyterian Church.” The petition was accepted on April 15 and the formal founding came on May 6, 1908. Later that year, at a special meeting of the congregation, it was voted to call the Reverend Wilfred W. Shaw, of Govanstown Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, Maryland, to the pulpit. He accepted and was installed as the first pastor on April 28, 1909. The new congregation grew quickly, and by the time Shaw resigned in 1910 there were 154 members. Back to Top Up the Hill (1911-1921) Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. Rev. 3:8 Next to accept the call to pastor UPC was Norman B. Harrison, who was installed on November 17, 1911. Harrison saw that the prime need of the church was for a permanent home. All available volunteer labor was summoned – including men of the congregation, college students and the pastor himself – and in two weeks a chapel was ready to use. On Sunday, February 18, 1912, the entire congregation marched up the street from a temporary, leased chapel to their permanent home, singing “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Over the next few years membership continued to grow, and so did the church building. On November 7, 1915 the completed church was dedicated and by 1920 a Christian Education wing was added. Harrison remained as pastor until 1921. Back to Top In Whatsoever State (1922-1932) I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound… I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:12, 13 UPC was now well established. It possessed an adequate facility, its finances were sound, experienced leaders were at its helm and membership topped 900. After a 14 month interlude between pastors the church called Harry S. Templeton to be its pastor. He accepted, and presided over his first Session meeting on October 16, 1922. The church continued to grow under Templeton. Bible study was emphasized, and prayer was important. Attendance at Thursday evening prayer meetings reached 90 during the first months of 1923. Mission-minded from the beginning, UPC continued reaching out at home and to the far corners of the world. Missionary information and inspiration spread throughout the church, and a number of people from the congregation set out on mission trips to Alaska, Korea and China. Templeton tendered his resignation in March, 1932. During his time as pastor, membership climbed to 1,320. Back to Top How Firm a Foundation (1932-1947) I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Cor. 3:6 Templeton’s successor was Dr. Peter W. Erickson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Wausau, Wisconsin. Dr. Erickson assumed the pastorate on September 1, 1932. It soon became evident with Erickson’s arrival that things were moving upward at UPC. At Thursday evening prayer meetings the chapel room was filled; the Session ordered more hymnals, more Communion cups, and increased its membership from 16-24. A public address system with earphones for the hearing impaired was installed, and on Easter Sunday, 1934, there was an overflow crowd of 450 in the chapel. When Erickson was asked for the secret to this healthy growth, he replied that, as on a farm, chickens would thrive and lay eggs only if they had correct food. Just so, at UPC, results would come only if the people received a nourishing diet of biblical truth. Under Erickson's pastorship the department of Christian Education expanded. Teaching methods were traditional, and memorizing Scripture was emphasized. Christian Endeavor groups were formed for youth and young adults, and in 1944 UPC's Christian Endeavor Group won the silver cup award for being the outstanding C. E. Society in the Seattle Area. As the United States emerged in 1945 from the shadow cast by the war, UPC found itself in good health in spite of all the crises. With no debt, a membership of 2,100 and a substantial savings account, the church was prepared to move forward. Dr. Erickson, now 65 years old, felt that it was time for him to retire and turn the congregation over to someone younger. He submitted his resignation, and the search for a new pastor began. Back to Top The Building (1948-1961) Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build in labor in vain. Psalm 127:1 Dr. L. David Cowie, pastor of the Linwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, Kansas City, Missouri, was the next to accept the call to become pastor of UPC. He was installed on January 11, 1948. During the Erickson pastorate, the need for more space had become acute. Recognizing this, the Session had begun the purchase of property south of the existing church, and had established a building fund. Construction began in the summer of 1951, and on May 18, 1952 the cornerstone for the Sanctuary was laid. On October 12, 1952, the march to the new Sanctuary took place as it had done in 1912, into its new home. Construction continued through much of the decade; in 1954 committees were appointed for a new Christian education building. The cornerstone was laid on May 12, 1957 and the new building was dedicated in September. UPC’s spire was dedicated on May 20, 1959. Calvin Club, organized for college students in 1948, continued to grow. In 1953, the first deputation teams went out to Guatemala and Alaska for a summer of service with missionaries stationed there. They returned with widened vision and deepened commitment. In 1956 Earl Palmer, who would later return to serve as UPC’s senior pastor, became minister of youth, expanding the department and giving it his own stamp of creative individuality. Recognition had come to both pastor and congregation. A 1951 assessment of all Presbyterian churches in the U.S. by General Assembly rated UPC as 31st in size, ninth in rating of the 50 foremost churches, eighth in size of Bible school and 16th in total giving. Pastor and congregation had accomplished much together. Cowie remained at UPC until June, 1961. Back to Top Moving Outward (1962-1969) Go ye into all the world. Acts 1:8 Next to assume the pastorate of UPC was Dr. Robert B. Munger, on May 1, 1962. UPC was no longer a neighborhood church as it had been at its inception. It was now a community church, serving a city-wide area with city-wide responsibilities. The composition of its membership was unusual. A large percentage was made up of single individuals – students, university personnel, retired persons; there was a strong academic-professional quality to the group; the membership was mobile. The church had become a training school for leadership. These conditions made the Christian education, especially of adults, imperative. An Adult Education Council was organized to coordinate adult fellowship groups and to provide study classes for them. Such circles in various forms have flourished in the congregation from that time to the present. In July, 1969, Dr. Munger responded to a call and accepted a position on the faculty at Fuller Theological Seminary and submitted his resignation. A formal statement honoring Dr. Munger, which was read to the congregation on October 12, 1969, mentioned the pastor’s emphasis on stewardship, his concern for each member, and the fact that to Munger, UPC was never his church – it was always Christ’s. Back to Top The Discovery of Gifts (1970-1977) Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6 In May, 1970, the pastor-nominating committee announced their unanimous choice – Richard Langford, who had come to UPC in 1968 as associate pastor in Christian education and who had been acting administrative head of staff in the absence of a senior pastor. A graduate of William Jennings Bryan College in Tennessee and of San Francisco Theological Seminary, Langford had been with Young Life for 12 years, had been visiting lecturer in Christian education at Fuller Seminary, and had served as director of education at Hollywood Presbyterian Church. Langford’s theology was this: Individuals are important packages of unrealized potential. He was an enabler, encouraging people to find their potential and giving them the freedom to develop it. Langford continued as pastor of UPC until November, 1977. Back to Top Free to Serve (1980-1990) You will know the truth and the truth will make you free. John 8:32 After two and a half years without a senior pastor, Bruce Larson was called, accepted and preached his first sermon on May 18, 1980. Larson was an author, lecturer and former head of Faith At Work. Most members knew of Bruce Larson, and many had read his books (The Emerging Church had been required reading for all Session members in the mid-sixties). When Larson preached his candidating sermon for UPC, “Let Us Rise Up and Build” (Nehemiah 2:28), he was referring to the building not made with human hands, but the people of God. Little did he know how literal his sermon title was to become! During Larson’s time as pastor, church membership continued to grow – once again necessitating the need for more space. A Building Committee was formed in 1984 to review the existing structure, surrounding property and parking issues. After much planning and deliberation, Session approved the architects’ schematic design for space allocation and layout of the new building in January, 1988. This included an additional 23,446 square feet of ministry and training space, with numerous flexible classrooms for adults and youth, a gymnasium and an underground 48-car garage, along with modifications to the existing structure. In August of that year the congregation joined together in prayer and song to bless the site of the new building. According to Larson, he “never intended to be involved in a building project… God has been blessing the ministry of UPC beyond all expectations, and we feel committed to being stewards of all he is providing, to see that all the varied programs and people are adequately housed.” After years of planning, praying and waiting, the new building was dedicated on January 14, 1990. Aside from structural changes, a great deal of activity was taking place at UPC during these years. A third morning service was added in 1985 to accommodate the large number of worshippers; several new fellowship groups were formed; and in 1987 the first class of 25 Stephen Ministers was commissioned. The mission program continued to grow under the leadership of Art Beals, who came to UPC in September, 1985 to serve as director of missions; an average of 600 university students were attending The INN each Tuesday night, under the co-leadership of directors of University Ministries Denny and Marilyn Rydberg who joined the staff in 1984. Larson served as senior pastor until June 1990. From UPC he went to join the Rev. Robert Schuller as co-pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. The much-beloved pastor’s departure was met with sadness, but also excitement for the impact he would continue to have on the Kingdom in Orange County and around the world. Back to Top Marching Onward (1991-2008) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23 Even without an official senior pastor, average Sunday worship continued to increase. In May, 1991, a fourth service at 6 pm was added to accommodate these growing numbers. The Sunday evening worship service incorporated contemporary Christian music, creating a more casual atmosphere. This evening service quickly grew in popularity, particularly among young adults and University students. Then in July, 1991, the call to pastor UPC went to Earl Palmer, who had served for the past 21 years as senior pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, Calif. and with Union Church in Manila for six years prior to that. No stranger to UPC, Dr. Palmer had previously served as minister to students from 1956-1964. Dr. Palmer accepted the call and his formal arrival on September 23, 1991 was met with great excitement and anticipation. Dr. Palmer has a worldwide ministry as a speaker, teacher and author. He has written 16 books, countless articles and speaks to many gatherings of pastors and church leaders. Most importantly he remains a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. After nearly 50 years of ministry he continues to open up the Scriptures to enable people to know Jesus personally. Renovations to the church building have continued, including a remodel of third floor Sunday School classrooms, upgrades to the Sanctuary, and in November, 1999 the addition of the Reuter organ in the Sanctuary. This beloved instrument is the largest of the 2,200 organs built by Reuter. It was hand-crafted by 42 employees investing nearly 20,000 hours of labor, and incorporates about 7,000 pipes (only 80 of them visible) weighing approximately 111,000 pounds! In 2008 UPC celebrated its 100th birthday with a weekend of festivities, including an organ concert, a picnic at Lake Washington, and a ministry fair. A time capsule was opened that contained mementos from 1952--coins, newspapers, church plans, registration cards, and more. In late 2006 Earl Palmer shared a vision that he and others had for him to move into a new ministry that would allow him to serve God through teaching, writing, and encouraging pastors and laity in a more expansive way. UPC's Session and congregation voted to move into a transition model where Earl would remain senior pastor while a Senior Pastor Nominating Committee searched for a new senior pastor. Building for the Future (2008-) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 3:14 In 2008 the call to pastor went to George Hinman, Pastor of Discipleship at Bel Air Presbyterian in California. George accepted the call, and became senior pastor in fall of 2008. In 2009 George and the church leadership refocuse UPC's vision around three areas: Worship, Community, and Outreach. Questions? Comments? 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