A HISTORY OF ST. BRIDGET’S PARISH

In late June 1968, it was decided to split Assumption Parish and form a new parish, St. Bridget’s.  The Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle, named Father Stanton Boyle pastor of the new parish.

The new church was to be built at 50th Ave NE and NE 50th Street, and its parish boundaries would run from the University of Washington Stadium to Sand Point Naval Base and from the east side of Sand Point Way to Lake Washington.  A portion of Hawthorne Hills was also included.

While the church was being built, the new parishioners attended Mass at the Sacred Heart Villa.  Everyone greatly appreciated the nun’s gracious hospitality.

Two essential projects were undertaken immediately.  The first was a complete census.  The census found 420 families in the parish.  The second was a drive to fund the new church, called the Foundation Campaign.  The goal was $175,000, and the campaign surpassed it, collecting $230,000 in pledges.

The next step was to hire an architect and have plans drawn up for the church building.  James Klontz was contacted to do this.  The church was designed to hold 500 people and was circular, with an adjoining Parish Hall.  Bids were then submitted, and Strand Incorporated was chosen as the contractor.

On February 21st, 1971, ground was broken, and construction began.  The first completion date was set for October 1971; however, due to summer strikes, it was moved to sometime in April 1972.

It may have taken longer than expected, but it was certainly worth the wait.

-Mary Goetz, Parishioner of St. Bridget’s Parish