by Kirby Lindsay, April 6, 2005
Originally, the North Seattle Herald-Outlook newspaper published this column on April 6, 2005.
On August 2, 2014, the Fremont Baptist Church will open its doors for a tour and sharing of the organization’s history. The Fremont History Walk, produced by Fremocentrist.com, will start at the corner of Patches Place & Troll Avenue, at 3p, for a stroll up to The Troll and then on to the Church. This column gives some background, for the tour and those interested in learning more about one of Fremont’s oldest organizations.
Recently they changed the sign in front of the only church in downtown Fremont. For 3 years we’ve called it Fremont Community Church – a name appropriate to our use of this institution. Beyond place of worship, it also serves as meeting space, school, polling place and theater for various community groups of any denomination, and has done so for decades.
However, the church that began here in 1892, has always been and will henceforward be Fremont Baptist Church. Their new pastor, Reverend Judy Gay, explained that across the region – beyond Fremont – the name never changed. Others simply failed to learn the name and simply know it as “that church with all the 12 step programs.” Reverend Judy counted 15 groups that currently conduct meetings there.
From A Chapel Car To A Pastor
Established at first as a “chapel car church,” the original missioners set a base here to go out and evangelize. In 1912, they replaced the original wooden building with the brick edifice that stands today. 17 different types of Baptist churches exist Reverend Judy taught me. Fremont Baptist belongs to the American Baptist Churches U.S.A., although the Church remains autonomous. For instance, the congregation chose their pastor – with help from a list of likely candidates.
Reverend Judy lives in Lynnwood and attended Seattle Pacific University (on the southern shore of Fremont) for two degrees. She went to Fuller Theological Seminary, also across the canal. “Fremont was always a place I drove through,” she explained. She worked in education – as an administrator and a special education teacher – before coming on as interim pastor at F. B. C. last July. As of January 1st she gratefully accepted the congregation’s offer of a permanent job – her first pastorate.
‘Love Being Here’
At F. B. C., Reverend Judy proceeds lightly. Like a new principal at a school, she knows the importance of equilibrium and honoring existing relationships. She has no interest in revolutionizing the F. B. C. She doesn’t take credit for the name reversal – the congregation decided that.
She enjoys the diversity in this church. “Everyone is accepted,” she explained, “You don’t find that mix in suburban churches.” She spoke with respect about the past. She knows many members of her congregation have a long history here. While some don’t live nearby, they did at one time and they work to stay connected. Her parishioners want to help “their” neighborhood, and “their” school, even if they no longer live in Fremont and never attended B.F. Day Elementary.
“I love being here,” Reverend Judy told me. Her enthusiasm shows, especially when she talks about our school. “B.F. Day is our community mission,” she explained, “I sense an excitement here about it.”
At first they collected back-to-school supplies. Now on the second Sunday of each month they collect snack items. Teachers distribute these to children who attend after-school tutoring sessions. Such efforts led to more opportunities. An office gave surplus notepads to the school. The Church adopted two families at Christmas to give gifts. Reverend Judy participates in literature circles with the children. She learned about the school’s clothes closet, and their need for toothbrushes and soap. She attended one of B.F. Day’s heartwarming family dinners and saw the strong support system among the families and school staff.
Different Needs
An urban school has different needs, Reverend Judy pointed out, just as does an urban church. B.F. Day must recruit students rather than taking enrollment for granted like suburban schools. B.F. Day has a population of students without permanent homes and some unique problems. Reverend Judy hopes to see community support for B.F. Day grow. Her dream right now is to see the needs of the school publicized and to have community-wide involvement.
At the same time, they also work on growing as a Church. A biannual concert takes place on May 18th with the Chinese Gospel Chorus, the O’Haras and the Fremont Baptist Choir performing. No matter what your denomination – if you have one – the F. B. C. invites you to attend. It may no longer say Community Church outside but just like always – everyone, from anywhere, finds something within.
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