Seattle, WA (August 13, 2018) — University Christian Church (www.uchristianchurch.org) (UCC), a progressive Christian community seeking peace and justice, today announced it has begun the process of selling its last remaining property in the University District. Proceeds from the sale will go into a foundation established by remaining UCC members. Funds will be used to advance causes consistent with the church’s mission.
Located at 4731 15th Avenue NE, the aging brick property comprises roughly two-thirds of a half-block. Members voted earlier this summer to sell the church, due to ongoing decline in membership and inability to financially support operations and maintenance of the large, seismically-fragile facility. Several of the remaining UCC members will merge with an established congregation in Lake City earlier this year to form a new church, called Journey Christian Church.
“For more than 100 years, University Christian Church has provided a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world,” said Laura Robinson, Congregational President at University Christian Church. “While the sale of our existing house of worship is bittersweet, we look forward to continuing UCC’s legacy through the new foundation, which will benefit causes near-and-dear to our congregation’s hearts.”
In 2016, UCC sold five lots across from the current church site to low-income housing developer Bellwether Housing. The property is now Arbora Court, a low- and moderate-income housing project completed in late Spring 2018.
About University Christian Church
University Christian Church has been a progressive witness to Seattle since 1890. Over its 130-year history, the church has furthered discussion of important ecumenical issues of benefit to the University District community, and providing a welcome home to the Church Council of Greater Seattle and other organizations working on behalf of peace and justice, affordable housing and hunger . As part of the sale of its current building, the church will consolidate with Lake City Christian Church. Learn more at www.uchristian.org and www.lakecitychristianchurch.org.
