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Tracyton United Methodist Church

5153 Naomi Street
360-373-6425

Church services began in Tracyton in 1889 in the school house, which was donated by the Mill Company. Mr. M. E. Johnson started religious observances by holding Sunday school services. Later, a minister from Sidney (which is now Port Orchard) rowed by boat to Tracyton. In 1907 the Silverdale and Tracyton churches were designated by the Methodist Conference to share a pastor. The pastor either walked or rode horseback five miles to and from Silverdale.

The old school house became crowded on Sundays. Church construction began in 1908 with the property being donated be early settler, J. P. Riddell, whose descendants still worship here today. Our little white church on the hill overlooking the waters of Puget Sound, surrounded by fir trees, was erected and the Tracyton Methodist Church was incorporated January 21, 1909.

The first parsonage was purchased in 1946. It was a small structure on the church grounds. In 1948 Tracyton Church dissolved the joint pastor arrangement with Silverdale and the Rev. Thomas Slate became our first full-time pastor.

In 1955 the Education building (our current fellowship hall) was built, followed in 1964 by the present sanctuary. After that the old church started to "teeter back and forth" every time there was a storm and was demolished in 1969.

From 1988 to 2000 the church benefited from the leadership of pastor David L. Aasen. The sanctuary was remodeled, the fellowship hall expanded and office space added, a new parsonage was built. The undeveloped property across the street was transformed into a beautiful park in memory of Ruth and Lester Farrar. All loans were paid and a generous mission fund established. With a solid foundation in place for growth and ministry, David retired and Stephen P. Rice was appointed pastor. Steve and his wife Judy are welcome additions to our church and community.


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