“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” so says an ancient biblical proverb. Founded in 1883, Orcas Island Community Church has never been short on vision, the most recent example being the purchase of 1.33 acres to the north of the existing church property.
“In the 1950’s about 80 people attended church on property that is now the Brown Bear Bakery. But they had the foresight to buy land on Madrona Street and the vision to build a sanctuary that would seat 250,” said senior pastor Dick Staub.
Serving the island is a major theme at OICC. Just a few years ago the church helped the Orcas Island Food Bank raise the money for a new building and offered a $1 per year lease to place it on church grounds. A large number of community groups make use of church facilities free of charge, including Child Protective Services, DVSAS, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, a cancer support group, Kiwanis, Orcas Currents, the Orcas Boys Choir, OPAL land trust, DSHS, the Orcas Dental Van, Ask Orcas, the Orcas Island Shakespeare Festival, the Philanthropic Education Organization and high school sports teams. Memorial services, baccalaureate services, baby showers, events for children and families and an exercise group are regularly held at community church facilities.
The land is the only contiguous property potentially available to OICC, which is bordered by San Juan County Preservation Trust wetlands to the east, a private drive and residences to the south, and Madrona St. to the west. The purchased land is designated Village Residential and Village Commercial.
The property was purchased from Fred and Peggy Nicol through a boundary line modification for $148,313. “We’re very grateful that Fred and Peggy created this opportunity, for Teri Williams Realty professional services and to all our members who gave generously!” said Pastor Staub.
Due to great enthusiasm and generosity from supporters, the funds were raised in eight weeks and the sale closed on Sept. 21. The church community celebrated the purchase with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 18.
