One of Renton’s Oldest Churches Celebrates Renewed Life and Renovation On Sunday, Jan. 28th

One of the oldest churches in Renton, WA - St. Luke’s Episcopal Church - will celebrate its recent renovations, ministry and current and future lives at 4pm on Sunday, January 28th.

The region’s dynamic Episcopal Bishop, The Right Reverend Bavi “Nedi” Rivera, will preside over the festivities, which include formally receiving Kevin Pearson as their priest, introducing the parish’s new musician, Rich Pellegrin, and unveiling the church’s interior after several months of renovation.

St. Luke’s was founded in Renton in the late 1800s, and the current church was constructed in 1928. Built on 99 Wells Avenue South, just across from Jones Park near the Cedar River, the building has gone through several previous renovations, including the removal of a leaning bell tower in 1960 due to riverbed soil settling. This latest renovation involved refinishing the interior of the main church, including its original hardwood floors, removing the upper choir area and the addition of a lift with full disability access.

Renton, WA, home to Boeing (NYSE: BA), is located just southeast of Seattle on the shores of Lake Washington, and has a population estimated at 58,360.

Kevin Pearson came to St. Luke’s Church in the Spring of 2004. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Kevin studied religion at Seattle Pacific University and received his Master of Divinity degree at the General Theological Seminary in New York City. Kevin served several congregations in Seattle, Chicago, and San Francisco prior to beginning his ministry at St. Luke’s.

“I am thrilled to be part of this newly restored and vital church, and look forward to continuing a tradition of presiding over a church for all people here in Renton,” said Pearson. “This building, community and congregation have a great history, and I am excited about the future here.”

Kevin’s first love is crafting liturgy (worship) and presiding over the worship life of a congregation.

“At its best, our worship allows us to transcend our individuality and touch the Mystery together,” he says, “and that to me is what a church should do.”

In addition to his work at St. Luke’s, Kevin serves as chaplain to children and their families at Children’s Hospital in Seattle and is a member of the hospital’s Institutional Review Board, where he reviews human subjects research.

Kevin, his life-partner, Tom Kenison, and their dog, Sparky, make their home near the Sound, in Burien and love daily walks on the beach and woods. Yet, it’s in the kitchen that Kevin is most at ease. “Cooking is how I relax and unwind,” he finds, “and, hopefully, create something both luscious and beautiful.”

All are welcome to come celebrate this renewed, historic church at 4pm on Sunday, January 28th, at 99 Wells Avenue South in Renton, WA.