Walla Walla University Church: A History of Faith, Education, and Community
Walla Walla University Church stands as a testament to the intertwined histories of faith, education, and community in the Walla Walla Valley. From its humble beginnings as a small group of believers meeting in a private home to its current status as a vibrant and diverse congregation, the church has played a vital role in the lives of students, faculty, staff, and community members for over a century. The church's story is deeply connected to that of Walla Walla University, with the two institutions growing and evolving together over the years.
Early Days: Laying the Foundation (1890s-1910s)
The seeds of the University Church were sown in the late 19th century, as Seventh-day Adventists began settling in the Pacific Northwest. In the early 1870s, a small group of Adventists established the First Seventh-day Adventist Church of Walla Walla, erecting the first Seventh-day Adventist Church building in the Northwest in 1875. As Adventists expanded their educational programs, William Warren Prescott, the denomination's educational secretary, advocated for the consolidation of existing Northwest Adventist schools into a centrally located institution.
In 1891, denominational leaders resolved to locate their Northwest school on land donated by Walla Walla Mayor Dr. N.G. Blalock. Walla Walla College opened on December 7, 1892. The College Place Village Seventh-day Adventist Church became integrated with the history of Walla Walla College when Milton Academy was moved from Milton-Freewater, Oregon in 1892. The humble seekers first met in the T. S. Ragsdale home soon after they purchased a brick farmhouse not too far from the college site. As the organization got underway of what was to become Walla Walla College, the need for the Lord’s leading and guidance led to the desire for a place in which to worship God.
Outgrowing the space in the Ragsdale home, the church decided to move closer to the school, choosing a tool shed across the road from where the administration building was being built. This chapel served as the church's home for 20 years. The church then constructed a church building in 1912 on the site of the old tool shed.
Growth and Change: A New Era (1920s-1960s)
The church building opened in 1920 with a seating capacity of 1,100. The sturdy brick building, now called Village Hall, still stands serenely on the university campus.
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With increasing student enrollment and a swelling village population, Sabbath School became very noisy with college student classes in the balcony and village members classes on the main floor. This was one of the deciding factors that prompted consideration of other options.
In 1939 the college decided to move from the church into Columbia Auditorium, a large gymnasium. Not until 1947 was this worshipping group chosen as a separate, Conference-organized congregation. As the college grew, young families moved into the area wanting good educational opportunities for their children and youth. This created a need for additional space to meet the needs of the children. Soon a larger facility was not just a dream. Property was acquired about a mile away. The first meeting in the new church was a candlelight communion service held on the evening of December 20, 1968. Thus ended the 76 year wait by this congregation to have a church planned and constructed for the village church family.
Growth slowed in the 1960s. A church was built in 1962, the present-day University Church. It was a huge undertaking. The church had more square footage than any other Seventh-day Adventist church in the world at that time. The congregation intended the large building to be symbolic of the vision of a vast community seeking God's leading and His coming again.
The college radio station, KGTS, began broadcasting in 1963, as the first FM-radio station in the Walla Walla Valley. Several buildings were built towards the end of the decade. The college also began to liberalize its rules, allowing its female students more freedom in how they dressed, and also hired its first full-time black professor.
Modern Era: Adapting and Expanding (1970s-Present)
In 1998 a new addition was started and dedicated on August 28, 1999.
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On Oct. 15, the Walla Walla University Church celebrated the 60th anniversary of the current church building and the many years of ministry and worship that have filled it since that first day. In the morning, five alumni or former professors shared their memories of the 1962 march to the then new building. A special church service called congregation members to consider how the church has grown and changed since its opening day. A brass ensemble and ICantori of Walla Walla University filled the service with music reflective of that first day and the power of collective worship. After the service, members and students reassembled to listen to a panel discuss the role of the University Church and its future. The afternoon also held a particularly popular tour of sanctuary art and the organ. WWU music students led more than 200 people through a tour of the organ pipes.
The Walla Walla College Church marked the beginning of a new chapter in the church's more than 60-year history with a special program on Sept. 1, celebrating the changing of its name. In conjunction with Walla Walla University, the church's name is now the Walla Walla University Church. "Since we're located on the university campus and the students are a main part of our congregation, it only made sense that we should call ourselves the University Church," says Karl Haffner, senior pastor. The new logo prominently features the cross from the previous College Church logo. The tag line was also updated and now says, "Experiencing God's Grace, Seeking God's Truth and Sharing God's Love."
The Winter Quarter pulpit series at the University Church is entitled “Wise Guys.” Each Sabbath, a variety of preachers from our community (including our new senior pastor Andreas Beccai) will open the scriptures sharing from the wisdom literature books of: Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Job, and Song of Solomon.
The University Church continues to be a hub of activity, hosting events such as concerts, guest speakers, and community outreach programs. The church actively engages with the Walla Walla University community, welcoming students, faculty, and staff to participate in its various ministries and services.
Core Beliefs and Values
The Walla Walla University Church is a Seventh-day Adventist church, adhering to the core beliefs and values of the denomination. These include:
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- The Sabbath: Observing the seventh day of the week (Saturday) as a day of rest and worship, commemorating God's creation and redemption.
- The Second Advent: Believing in the imminent return of Jesus Christ to establish his eternal kingdom.
- The Bible: Accepting the Bible as the inspired and authoritative word of God, the foundation for all beliefs and practices.
- Health and Wholeness: Emphasizing the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual health, advocating for a balanced lifestyle that includes a vegetarian diet, regular exercise, and abstinence from harmful substances.
- Mission and Service: Engaging in local and global mission work, seeking to share the love of God and meet the needs of others.
The Church's Role in the Community
The Walla Walla University Church plays a significant role in the broader community, extending its reach beyond the university campus. Some of the ways the church serves the community include:
- Providing spiritual guidance and support: Offering worship services, Bible studies, and pastoral care to individuals and families.
- Promoting education and learning: Supporting Walla Walla University and other educational institutions in the area.
- Engaging in social outreach: Partnering with local organizations to address issues such as poverty, hunger, and homelessness.
- Fostering interfaith dialogue: Building relationships with other faith communities to promote understanding and cooperation.
- Offering cultural and recreational activities: Hosting concerts, lectures, and other events that enrich the lives of community members.
A Welcoming Community
The Walla Walla University Church is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The church embraces diversity and seeks to create a space where people of all backgrounds and experiences can feel valued and connected. The church's commitment to hospitality is reflected in its various ministries and programs, which are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of individuals and families.
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