The Beginning

The beginnings of University Place Presbyterian Church (UPPC) first began as a mission of First Presbyterian Church of Tacoma in the 1920’s. A Sunday School was begun in a clubhouse on Day Island. Most of the students were children and attendance averaged 22. From these beginnings, momentum continually grew for the movement of creating a church in University Place. The mission Sunday school went through a couple of moves first to Grandview near 27th street and an abandoned tomato warehouse called Wayside Chapel and then in the 1940’s to a rented out auditorium and then gymnasium at University Place Elementary School on 27th and Grandview.

The first meetings to organize the church, called Christian Endeavor, began during this era and late in the year 1944, the first worship service began at the elementary school. As the church began thinking about building they often reflected on the words in Psalm 127, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

With this trust in the Lord, the church approved the first building project at a cost of $25,698. The groundbreaking ceremony for the first official building was held April 3, 1949. In late 1949, UPPC opened and quickly saw its attendance rise to 265 members. From its inception, God provided pastors and members who were committed to extending Christ’s message to the greater community. An active and diversified session, including a female member, rare for the Presbyterian Church in those days, developed programs to include all ages and interest. Sunday School and summer Vacation Bible School attracted children, youth gatherings flourished, choirs added joy, men’s and women’s Bible study and social activities provided teaching and fun for adults, and monthly potluck cemented it all together.

By the late 1950’s, the church needed more space for its growing membership, so a new sanctuary, social hall, kitchen, and education space were added. The hand hewn cross hanging in the sanctuary today is from that growth period. The 70’s realized a new pipe organ and the beginning of the food bank. UPPC continued to pastor, teach, mentor, reach out in mission, and to grow.

The Present

UPPC now stands at 8101 27th St W in the heart of the thriving city of University Place. The building has grown to include a larger sanctuary, a Christian Education wing, and most recently a gymnasium, café, youth room, and a new set of classrooms. Memberships have grown as well since the first building, now standing at 1700. Although many people recognize UPPC because of its structural location in University Place or its many members, the church is much more than a popular location. The goal since the tomato shed beginnings in the 1920’s has always been to love God and love others. This is evident today as it has been throughout UPPC’s history in the value people place on their relationship with Jesus and with others. The goal today is realized for members in the vision statement of the church: To be a community of fully devoted followers of Christ demonstrating God’s transforming love. This will continue to happen throughout the community our members live in including University Place, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound Region.