Aug. 14 marked a high Sabbath for the West Central Multi-Cultural Church. Members and visitors gathered for the official opening of their new building.
The celebration featured music and special guests, including Alphonso McCarthy, North Pacific Union Conference vice president of multicultural affairs. Members recounted 25 divine blessings making the new church a reality.
The journey to the new church began on April 6, 2009, when Colin Dunbar, Spokane (Wash.) East Central Church pastor, received a letter from the City of Spokane saying church land was slated to become part of the new North Spokane, Wash., corridor freeway. They were given a year to relocate.
Finding a new place was a daunting prospect for Dunbar. In January, he received an unexpected visit from Vince Schutt, All Nations Christian Center pastor. His church had outgrown their current facility.
“Schutt told me he was convinced God wanted us to have their church,” says Dunbar. He was rather surprised by the visit and didn’t take immediate action on the offer until a few days later when Schutt paid him a second visit. “He told me he was so sure we were supposed to have their church, their board was willing to reduce the asking price by $120,000 and donate all their chairs and audio-visual equipment.”
Much prayer and discussion ensued. They eventually purchased Schutt’s church in March. Even though the move was unexpected and challenging, Dunbar emphasizes how God’s hand was evident throughout the process. Today, visitors find a welcome sign out front, displaying a new name and slogan for the church family: “West Central Multi-Cultural Seventh-day Adventist Church, a warm and friendly place for every race.”
Mable Dunbar leads the choir and congregation in songs of praise.
Colin Dunbar exhorts members to see the new building as a gift and a tool for outreach.
Alphonso McCarthy challenges members to bless their community.
West Central Multi-Cultural Seventh-day Adventist Church is located at 1201 W. Spofford, in Spokane, Wash.
