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First Baptist Church 257 100th Ave NE This building was the first Baptist Church in Bellevue. It was built on land donated by Seattle attorney Corwin S. Shanks in 1904 at 100th Ave NE and NE 10th Street. On November 29, 1904, a contract of $1,138 was signed for construction of a church auditorium. Members of the church and friends cleared the half acre site. Architect James Stephens designed the building. The church was dedicated on April 9, 1905. On Easter Sunday morning, April 15, 1905, the people were called to worship by an 800 lb. cast-iron bell installed in the church belfry. This bell still hangs in the church bell tower. In October 1919, the membership voted to move the church building to its present location. The church was placed on logs and pulled by teams of horses to the new site. The church building relates to the study unit themes of religion and architecture. Architect James Stephen designed many early Seattle schools. This is one of very few architect-designed buildings in Bellevue's early years. Despite remodeling, the church building retains its overall integrity and the basic character of its original design. |