Hope Lutheran Brethren Church of Everett, Washington began as a Bible study group in February of 1972. This new church started under the direction of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The CLB Home Mission Director Harland Helland worked locally with James Olson, who was a missionary home from Japan and Maple Park Lutheran Brethren Church Pastor Dave Rinden of Lynnwood. Sunday School and Worship services began in September of 1973 in the basement of the Begis Building on Evergreen Way. The congregation was officially organized on April 10, 1974 with 20 charter members.
In June 1977, construction began on the church facility at 11329 26th Drive, which at that time was somewhat rural and forested. The first services were held in the new building in November, 1977. A special dedication service was conducted on March 19, 1978.
In the early 1980’s there was a need for additional space. The addition for fellowship hall and classroom space was completed with capable and dedicated volunteers from the congregation. The expanded facility was dedicated on September 26, 1982.
In 1998, the vision of many years was realized with a new access road and a total remodeling of the church facilities. Without adding on to the existing building, the sanctuary was expanded and new classrooms added. New carpet, new paint, and new seating were some of the highlights of the remodeling. Also part of the newness was the excavation and construction of “the courtyard”. The courtyard provided handicap accessibility to the lower level of the fellowship hall. It was a ton of work, taken on by volunteers from the church to move and stack pallets and pallets of retaining wall blocks. Having doors and windows in the fellowship hall basement was an huge improvement and blessing for church ministry. In addition to these changes, the church property was annexed into the city of Everett and received a new street address: 11329 23rd Drive SE. The dedication for the remodeled church building was coupled with a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Hope’s organization on April 11, 1999.
Hope Church at Silver Lake became the official name of this congregation in January 2005 to simply clarify the hope that comes from a life changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ and that this church ministers in the Silver Lake area.
During the summer of 2006, another “freshening” of the church facility was undertaken. Members of congregation, directed by Bergsagel Construction, made improvements and upgrades to the church. Offices were relocated, a new church nursery was added, the lobby was improved and fellowship hall updates were done. The congregation thanked and praised God in dedication to His work at Hope Church on September 24, 2006.
Hope Church at Silver Lake Mission Statement:
In Jesus Christ, honor God through teaching Biblical truth, practicing loving fellowship, and promoting active outreach.