52 year old copper recycled into renovation of Shoreline church

Berean Bible Church

     
Text by Bob Junell

Photos by John Bates

When the Berean Bible Church was built in 1966, the Duwamish Shipyard coppersmiths created copper panels for the front of the fireplace in the old meeting room, in addition to wrapping copper panel around the rooftop cross.

Now, 52 years later, the copper still is intact on the cross, but the old copper on the fireplace has been reshaped by the same company’s current coppersmith for the new fireplace as part of the completed renovation.

Dave Hanoch and Traynor Hansen chat while Hansen’s sons, T Hansen and Alvin Hansen,
wait patiently while the adults enjoy conversation on Dedication Sunday.

The Duwamish shipyard and metal works were owned by the late William J Larsen who was a charter member of the church.

Berean Bible Church celebrated the nearly one-million-dollar renovation of the entry halls, bathrooms and especially a new, welcoming “Fireside Commons” as part of their Open Doors-Open Arms project to welcome both the church and community visitors who frequent various meetings at the church on North 195th and 1st Avenue NE.

The warmth and coziness of the new fireplace drew many for long conversations.
L to R - Liane Hanson, Teri Marks and Katy Sims.

To facilitate all the changes, contractors from J. M. Riley Company of Bellevue had to remove bearing walls, raise the roof, install new steel posts and beams, and install all new windows on the north side of the church.

In addition, a new and wider staircase was constructed at the entry from the parking lot on the westside of the church.

A dedication celebration of completion of the project was held Sunday, January 6 with church members and visitors enjoying the expanded facilities with food and conversation throughout. 

The food was plentiful as enjoyed by all.
L to R - Gerry Sue Pallas, T Hansen, Naomi Hansen and Kacey Kemper

The new fireplace was a hit of the project with many vying for a chance to warm up and visit in the new Fireside Commons.

Senior Pastor Jim Shemaria welcomed the church members and visitors stating, 

“Our goal was to create a place that will enhance our overall ministry as we continue to serve this neighborhood for the next 50 years.  

"We want this to be a church where all are welcomed and know that God loves them as we share together.”

Leadership reconvenes to enjoy the completion of the project.
L to R: Kyle Herr, Chairman of Elder Board, Craig Chaney, principal architect,
and Pastor Jim Shemaria, Senior Pastor of Berean

The principal architect for the project, Craig Chaney of Merrick Lentz Architects, stated,

“We worked with the Church to realize their vision, transforming a small lobby and narrow hallway into a large, light filled gathering space that presents a welcoming and comfortable environment to everyone who visits."

Two charter members, Harold Purkhiser and Jean Berg, enjoy the celebration festivities
while remembering the early days of the church from 1966.

Berean Bible Church is located at 2345 North 185th Street in Shoreline, just two blocks east of Meridian Avenue. 

For more information, contact the church office at 206-363-1466.