Lopez Community Church Open House

Lopez Island Community Church invites the public to an Open House on Sunday, October 3, from 1:00-4:00pm to see renovations made throughout the past year and meet the new pastor, Jeff Smith, and his wife Melody, who arrived in late July.

Kerby Phelps served as contractor coordinator for the renovations, which began in September of 2003 thanks to a very generous bequest by the late Captain Howard Cole. The Church enters its second century with a new, firm foundation. The interior of the building was stripped to the framing and there is new drywall, trim, carpet, and windows. There was also some dry rot that was removed. There is new concrete work in front, on the side, and in the driveway, which provides easier access for disabled patrons and other church members.

There are new stained glass windows made by George Willis, who also did most of the contract work. The stained glass windows from the old doors, one made by Robin Bergstrom and the other done by Rae Schouweiler, are now in the narthex.

The false ceiling was removed and the sanctuary extended. As a result of the extension there is a larger stage, added storage space, and more seating, which is all new and replaces the old pews. Both alterations have also improved acoustics in the building, which churchgoers will especially notice with the baby grand piano that David Hubbard, a professional musician, found at a good price secondhand.

The bell tower remains original, and the 100-year-old bell is still functional.

New pastor Jeff Smith is originally from Washington, but he and his wife have spent the last 10 years in Santa Cruz, CA where he was an associate pastor. This is his first senior pastor position. Smith says they are loving it on Lopez. “We used to vacation here so it is nice to live here.”

The congregation moved back into the church again and began holding services Sunday, September 19. October 8, 9, and 10 will be a homecoming and reunion for former and current members, pastors, and missionaries.

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