United Church in University Place came into being on January 18, 1970 – formed through the merger of two young churches, Mayflower United Church (UCC) and Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
Mayflower United Church began in the fall of 1959. Services were held at the home of Andy and Anita Anderson with Sunday School next door at the parsonage on Arbordale, at the former Adastra School on Bridgeport Way, and finally at Narrows View School until the new church was built in 1963 at 3912 Grandview Dr. West.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church held its first service in the late spring of 1961. Their property at 44th and Sunset Drive had a parsonage and a former peach packing shed that was converted for the temporary sanctuary. Sunday School classes were held across the street at Narrows View School until portables were added to their facilities.
Informal merger conversations began popping up, along with shared activities between the two congregations. This led to a committee of six plus the two pastors which met to shape the foundation for this possible new organization. The name United Church IN (rather than “of”) University Place was purposely chosen to reflect that we have always drawn members from a wider area.
An affirmative vote for merger ensued, and it was agreed that we would maintain the Mayflower property on Grandview Drive. The Aldersgate property was sold and the proceeds used to build the office and education wing. This new wing was dedicated in February, 1972.
In the fall of 1976, the parsonage on Arbordale was sold and the proceeds were used to add pews and carpeting to the sanctuary, pave the parking lot and freshly paint the building. Part of this money was also sent to the two conferences in recognition of their support of our two beginning churches.
A Moller pipe organ was installed in the spring of 1987.
The new Youth Wing was dedicated on November 25, 2001.
Programs have ebbed and flowed over the years as needs and interests have grown and changed. Latchkey after school care started with us and is now sponsored by the school district. We’ve been home to Narrows Co-op Preschool School for over 40 years. Bates Technical Vocational School early childhood consultation and support is involved with the preschool. We’re founding members of the Family Housing Network. We sponsor our youth for mission outreach trips. Bible study groups, book groups, and timely discussion groups have always been important.
We contribute annual apportionments to the United Church of Christ and the United Methodist Church. For more information about the ministries we support, please visit our Service opportunities page.
United Church In University Place 