Our Church History
1941
Local Burien residents interested in starting an Episcopal church in the Burien/Seahurst area met with Reverend E. C. Schmeiser of St. John the Baptist Church, West Seattle, and decided to launch a mission church offshoot of St. John called “St. Elizabeth.” On Palm Sunday, April 6, 1941, Reverend Schmeiser held our first official service at the Masonic Temple in Burien.
1944
February 7: St. Elizabeth admitted as an organized Mission of the Diocese.
1945
Christmas: First service held in the original church building at the corner of SW 152nd and 18th Avenue SW.
1948
The Reverend Edward Slater assigned as half-time vicar.
1952
The Reverend Herman Berngen assigned as full-time vicar.
1955
December 18: Our new church was dedicated, its architecture winning several awards, and eventually being featured in the American Exhibit in Moscow in 1959. Original church building sold.
1959
St. Elizabeth admitted into the Diocese of Olympia as a Parish. Father Berngen passes away suddenly. Reverend Charles Forbes assigned as our first Rector.
1960
November: St. Elizabeth featured in The Episcopalian article, “Churches in the Space Age”
1965
January 13: Our church addition, including the existing Parish Hall and Sunday School, was dedicated. These facilities are now being rented by Hope Christian Fellowship and a private pre-school program.
1968
July 1: Father Albert Allen chosen to be Rector, Father Jack Tench as Curate, Father Douglas Hadley assigned as priest.
1972
September 1: Father Patrick Tomter assigned as Rector.
1973
Vestry renamed “Council of Elders.” Father Tom Murphy added as Assistant.
1975
Our beautiful, massive pipe organ was installed.
1977
Hosea musical group formed as “St. Elizabeth Folk Mass Group.”
1980
January: Reverend Jon Lindenauer installed as Rector.
1984
Parisioner Jean Frantz designed and built our Trinity Window (over the choir loft), dedicated by Bishop Cochrane on March 11.
1994
Father Duncan Clark accepts position as Rector.
1994-2006
More information coming soon!
2007
St. Elizabeth launches stelizabeth.us website.