A time in our history - 1919

1919 saw a surge of council-forming activity across the nation. The common theme of the emerging 1920’s was coagulates of churches coming together for the betterment of the common ground. The dedication and Christian commitment of the people involved in birthing the movement in Seattle can be seen in correspondence between the local pastors and ministers in the Seattle churches. Roy B. Guild, a key organizer, was looked to for direction and guidance as the movement began, per a letter from the Minister James E. Crowther of the 1st Methodist Episcopal Church in Seattle. Other local ministers were called upon to contribute leadership. In a letter dated July 15, 1918, to the esteemed Rev. M. A. Matthews, the importance of the church council movement is expressed. “The coming of the Inter-church World Movement to the Pacific Coast makes it very important that the Protestant church forces of Seattle be so organized as to care for this movement in Seattle as well as to carry out this program of cooperative work on the part of the Protestant church of the city.”