A history of the Grand Coulee Community Church

In 1933, people of all denominations were flocking to the area and it was soon realized that the people, especially the children, needed Christian guidance. A worship center was set up in the school in 1933, but the people knew a church building would soon be needed.

The Washington Council of Churches was notified, and a collection taken from several Council of Churches denominations who thought it a worthy endeavor, although after the construction project was ended, it was thought, "the town would dwindle down to small interests but probably wouldn't disappear."

Funds collected totaled $1,600, and construction of the Grand Coulee Community Church began in November 1934 by volunteer workers. It was located on land donated by the Continental Land Company and the Short family. It is still the location of the church today.

By October 1935, the church was roughly constructed but not completed. It was dedicated, and services began being held to the glow of candles and with a pot-bellied stove for heat.

At one time there were as many as 23 denominations represented in the one congregation. The Council of Churches recommended that the organization join with an established denomination. After a vote by the members, the Methodist Church was chosen. On September 22, 1957 it became the Grand Coulee Methodist Church with membership totaling 83. In 1968, the Methodist Church nationwide joined with other denominations and changed the name of all their churches to United Methodist Church. 

Now, after 86 years of Christian service, we have come full circle and are now back to the original name of Grand Coulee Community Church, and we are an independent, non-denominational congregation, as of 2016.