More than 150 conference staff members, construction vendors and guests celebrated in December 2007 the grand opening of a new administrative office in Federal Way.
"I remember driving down Weyerhaeuser Way and thinking this would be a great place for a conference office," says Dave Weigley, former conference president, "and here you are."
John Freedman, conference president, explains the reason for moving the church headquarters for western Washington was to better manage financial and ministry resources. He adds, the new administrative office was built "as green as we could afford." The conference office and the new Adventist Book Center in Auburn were both built debt-free.
"This is an asset the church as a whole can be proud of," says Jere Patzer, North Pacific Union Conference president. "As beautiful as this facility is, this is not the conference or the church. The conference is designed to facilitate resources for local churches, schools and ministries. The church is beyond these walls, but is represented within these walls."
Conference staff began using the new office in June 2007. The office is located just east of Interstate 5, off exit 143 at 32229 Weyerhaeuser Way South.
Alice Hansen, administrative assistant to the president, has worked in three "new" conference office buildings during her career. (Heidi Martella)
Four Korean churches presented Washington Conference with a digital baby grand piano in commemoration of the new administrative office in Federal Way. (Heidi Martella)
Dave Weigley, former Washington Conference president who lead in the decision to move the administrative office, shared his congratulations during the grand opening ceremony. (Sherri Codd)
The Buena Vista Elementary Bell Choir, along with Auburn Adventist Academy's Sylvan Chorale, performed at the Washington Conference grand opening ceremony. (Heidi Martella)
Washington Conference President John Freedman thanks architect and designer, Don and Alice Kirkman, for their work on the new administrative office. (Heidi Martella)
North Pacific Union President Jere Patzer concludes the grand opening celebration with a prayer of dedication. (Heidi Martella)
The new conference administrative office in Federal Way was built debt-free. By downsizing the facility, additional resources are now available for ministry. (Heidi Martella)
