A Journey of Faith: The History of Madison Park Church of Christ

“The Year of Jubilee” — Celebrating 50 Years of Faith, Fellowship, and Forward Movement

Madison Park Church of Christ has been a beacon of faith, hope, and community in Seattle’s Central District for 50 years. Nestled in the heart of Seattle, Washington, our story began in 1973 when a small group of devoted believers came together with a shared vision for a Christ-centered congregation. Early worship services were held in the gymnasium of the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA—a modest space where, as some of our former ministers fondly recall, the pulpit stood directly beneath the basketball hoop. Though the setting was simple, the worship was sincere, the teaching sound, and the fellowship strong. It was there that God began laying the foundation for a church that would serve generations to come.

Over the years, Madison Park has grown and endured through seasons of challenge and change, always grounded in the love of Christ and a commitment to His Word. What began with folding chairs and faithful hearts has become a lasting presence in Seattle’s faith community. From our earliest days to our present ministry, we have remained anchored by an unwavering belief in God’s purpose for His church and the enduring strength of spiritual family. Our journey continues, shaped by those who laid the foundation and those who now carry the mission forward.

In June of 1975, our Articles of Incorporation were officially recorded, establishing Madison Park Church of Christ as a recognized congregation. Just two years later, in 1977, the church found its permanent home located at 1115 19th Avenue in Seattle. In a deeply symbolic and powerful moment, members walked in a prayerful march from the YMCA to their new church building site, a sacred procession marking a new chapter in the congregation’s journey. The City of Seattle later issued the official Certificate of Occupancy on February 7, 1979, confirming the building as a space of worship, service, and gathering for generations to come. The congregation has witnessed the evolving landscape of its community and the spiritual journeys of countless individuals.

The members came together and formed a spiritual family. Dedicated with a vision to create a welcoming space for worship and fellowship. The church quickly became a cornerstone for the community, providing spiritual guidance and support.

Throughout our history, Madison Park has been blessed with several men of God serving the congregation as ministers who have left a legacy and impact on the congregation. And for us that remain, and stand, are grateful for their commitment to the Lord and the local church; it is on their shoulders that we stand today. Men like Bro. William Harper, Bro. Isiah Williams, Bro. Bill Hunter, Bro. Paul Dillard, Bro. Thomas Martin Jr. and Bro. James Opelus Maxwell. In past years, the congregation has ordained elders who played a crucial role in guiding the church's mission and vision. Men of God like Bro. EH Baker, Bro. William Elleby, Bro. Connie Hudson and Bro. Donald Booker. We are currently working to raise and equip future Elders and Deacons.

Today, the Madison Park Church of Christ is led by Bro. Nathaniel E Whitlock Sr., who has been serving since May 2023. Under his leadership, the church continues to thrive, embracing the modern challenges while staying true to our biblical foundational values. Teaching and preaching the truth of the gospel of Christ, outreaching to the community, in-reaching to care for the family of God, providing multiple bible study classes on Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening, and Men’s and Women’s classes.

Our story is inseparable from the larger narrative of Black Churches of Christ in the Pacific Northwest, as chronicled in The Harvest Is Great But the Laborers Are Few by E.H. Baker. During the mid-20th century, African American members of the Churches of Christ in Seattle and Tacoma faced the dual challenge of upholding the truth of the Gospel while navigating limited institutional support and systemic racial inequities. Despite these challenges, their labor bore fruit. Madison Park emerged as a vibrant congregation rooted in faith, resilience, and the desire to create a spiritual home where all could worship freely.

Over the years, Madison Park Church of Christ has been deeply involved in the Seattle community. Standing for justice against gun violence, volunteering at local shelters, to hosting community events and educational programs, the church has consistently sought to serve those in need, embodying the spirit of Christ’s love. Madison Park has continued to grow spiritually, numerically, and in impact. We have nurtured generations through biblical teaching, youth mentorship, community outreach, and prayerful service. From the early days of folding chairs in a gym to now celebrating our 50th Anniversary, we remain anchored by an unwavering faith in God, His Word, and the love of Christ and the enduring faith of those who came before us.

As Madison Park Church of Christ looks toward the future, it remains committed to fostering a welcoming, loving, and supportive community. With a rich history of dedicated ministers and committed members, the church continues to inspire faith and hope in the lives of its members and the wider Seattle community.

As we celebrate this Year of Jubilee, we remember our past with deep appreciation, reverence, embrace our present with gratitude, and look to the future with hope. Madison Park Church of Christ is not just a place; it is a people. A people committed to worship, to work, and to walk in the light of God's Word.

“The Year of Jubilee”

Celebrating 50 Years of Faith, Fellowship, and Forward Movement

To God be the glory for all that He has done—and all that is yet to come.