WAUSeattleFirstBaptistChurchPH2016_087.xmlGuide to the Seattle First Baptist Church Photograph Collection circa 1900-1930Seattle First Baptist Church Photograph CollectionSpecial Collections, University of Washington Libraries© 2016 (Last modified: 11/27/2017)
Seattle, WA 98195
University of Washington Libraries, Special CollectionsPH2016-087First Baptist Church (Seattle, Wash.)Seattle First Baptist Church photograph collectioncirca 1900-1930198 lantern slides (4 boxes)Collection materials are in English.Glass lantern slides from the Seattle First Baptist Church located in downtown Seattle, Washington

Seattle First Baptist Church was founded in December 1869 when eleven members held the first service in the home of Abigail Hanford. The first church was built in 1872 and was located between present day 4th and 5th Avenues and Cherry and James Streets. The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 stopped short of the church, but the congregation soon grew too much for the little building to hold and a new sanctuary was built in 1899 at the same location. The regrading of downtown left the church at the edge of a deep cut on 4th avenue, and so in 1906, a committee was formed to oversee the building of a new church. The current site on the corner of Harvard Avenue and Seneca Street was chosen and completed in 1912.

From the beginning, the Church has emphasized Christian education and social outreach ranging from offering assistance during the resettlement of Japanese after World War II to the creation of the Christian Center, one of the first urban renewal projects in the country.

Church leadership has shifted away from a traditional hierarchical model to one of collaboration with a coordinating pastor leading a four-person pastoral team. The Church is known for upholding diversity and progressive values, and engaging in urban issues.

Glass lantern slides from the Seattle First Baptist Church. Images include individual portraits, group shots, church staff, images of the church and other buildings, Church-related activities, World War I Servicemen from the First Baptist Church, Dr. Whitman’s travels, children in school, young children in hospital, logging, illustrated hymn slides, and a series entitled “My Faith Looks Up To Thee,” featuring pictures of angels over a city. Some of the slides are labeled "Douglass Light Company, 2025 First Avenue Seattle" and "History in Glass Slides, made by Ben Pettit, delivered by Henry M. Pettit." Also included are three black and white photographs: Esther McCollough, "AUG 1940," and "X Ray."

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Status of creator's copyrights is unknown; restrictions may exist on copying, quotation, or publication. Users are responsible for researching copyright status before use.

Virginia M. Thompson, August 1, 2007.

Material Described Separately:

Seattle First Baptist Church Records (Manuscript Collection 5410)

First Baptist Church (Seattle, Wash.)--ArchivesFirst Baptist Church (Seattle, Wash.)--PhotographsBaptists--Washington (State)--Seattle--PhotographsSoldiers--Washington (State)--Seattle--PhotographsChildren--Washington (State)--Seattle--PhotographsChurch buildings--Washington (State)--Seattle--PhotographsBaptist church buildings--Washington (State)--Seattle--PhotographsLantern slidesVisual Materials Collections (University of Washington)ReligionSeattlePhotographs