our history

In 1963, the Washington North Idaho Conference, United Church of Christ, put in motion the steps towards realizing a new church on Mercer Island by allocating funds and forming a sponsoring committee. The conference purchased a parcel of land on Island Crest Way for the future church. Early services were held in Island Park Elementary School. In February 1964, the sponsoring committee called the Rev. Jim Gilliom as the first pastor of the Mercer Island United Church of Christ.

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Worship services were held at the Island Park Elementary school until the new church was completed in 1969. The new building was designed by Don Frothingham, a Seattle architect. The church building extensively uses Northwest materials and takes full advantage of natural lighting, bringing the trees and sky into the sanctuary. 

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Over the years of the church’s history, membership has ranged from approximately 250 members to around 100 members.

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The Congregational Church on Mercer Island has had several pastors since its inception:

 

• The Reverend Jim Gilliom (1964 to 1971)

• The Reverend Ray Boston (Interim 1971)

• The Reverend Robert L. Haertig (1972 to 1980)

• The Reverend Cynthia Brandt (Interim 1980)

• The Reverend Bruce Van Blair (1981 to 1996)

• The Reverend Michael Bush (Associate Pastor 1994 to 1996, Pastor 1996 to 2001)

• The Reverend Deborah Adams (Associate Pastor 1996 to 1998)

• The Reverend Anni Stedman (Interim 2001 to 2003)

• The Reverend Doctor Samuel Sawitski (2003 to 2008)

• The Reverend Mark Travis (2008 to 2013)

• The Reverend Doctor Mark Henry Miller (Interim 2013 to 2015)

• The Reverend Roberta Rominger (2015-2022)

• The Reverend  Jennifer Castle began her service in 2022