Modern Sacred Spaces: Japanese Presbyterian Church | Seattle

Join Docomomo US/WEWA on Saturday, August 15, 2026 for a talk + tour of the Japanese Presbyterian Church in Seattle’s north Rainier Valley area. 

Built in 1963 and designed by the prominent Seattle architecture firm of Kirk, Wallace, McKinley & Associates, the shape of the sanctuary was intended to be reminiscent of the Ark of the Covenant, and the entire building suggests the form of someone kneeling in prayer (For the Glory of God dedication booklet, 1963). The church was inspired by other projects of the firm which featured post and beam and wood joinery, a design approach similarly aligned with traditional Japanese architecture.

Our program includes a talk about the architecture and significance of this modern sacred space. We’ll tour the building after.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE THROUGH ZEFFY. 

WHEN: Saturday, August 15, 2026 (10:00 to 11:30 am)
Check-in at 10:00 am; program begins at 10:10 am.
WHERE: Japanese Presbyterian Church (1801 24th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144). Free parking is available in the church parking lot. Enter the building on 24th Ave S at the main entrance.
COST: $5 (Advance online registration. No ticket sales at the door.)

Note: Church members do not need to register. Admission is free for church members. Just arrive at 10:00 am and identify yourself as a church member. 

Docomomo US/WEWA’s 2026 programs are partially funded by a 4Culture Preservation Sustained Support Grant.

Photo (this page): Church exterior (credit: Eugenia Woo)
Homepage photo: Church interior – sanctuary (credit: Eugenia Woo)