A Parish Story from Columbia City | Seattle, WA

In this time of church decline and aging congregations, particularly in the mainline, many of us are asking what to do with church property so that we can use it for the good of the neighborhood. In the Columbia City neighborhood of Seattle, Pastor Darla DeFrance and Columbia City Church of Hope have a vision to transform an aging church building to a community hub.

After living in the neighborhood for three years, Pastor Darla began working with the Northwest Washington Synod of the Lutheran Church (ELCA) in 2010 to create a new congregation. The neighborhood was rapidly changing, with gentrification accelerating after the recession and the introduction of the light rail. Once a diverse, affordable area, Columbia City was becoming dominated by expensive housing, leaving little room for lower-income and multicultural families.

Columbia City Church of Hope had inherited a building in disrepair, yet the congregation grew to become a crucial community hub. Recovery groups, arts and music programs, and community choirs found a place within its walls.

Partnering with El Centro de la Raza, an organization dedicated to community development, they set out to redevelop the block. The plan includes 87 units of affordable family housing, multilingual childcare in Mandarin, Spanish, and English, and a new 2,500-square-foot church space. Construction began in the spring of 2024. The new development, set to open in early 2025, promises to restore this gathering space and enhance their mission of radical hospitality.

Currently, the congregation rents space in a nearby community center, maintaining their presence and accessibility. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged in-person gatherings, but the community’s spirit remains strong. Their charter emphasizes the importance of a spirituality that impacts lives, supports the community, and extends radical hospitality.

As they await their new home, the Columbia City Church of Hope looks forward to hosting once again, lowering barriers to entry, and fostering a welcoming environment for all. Visit the church online at www.columbiacityhope.org.