Our sanctuary · Dedicated October 26, 1975
Where faith
takes form.
A sacred gathering place where African heritage, Northwest materials, and Christian symbolism meet in wood, color, and light.
Built through faith and generosity
More than a structure.
A place of belonging.
Our sanctuary was dedicated on October 26, 1975, through the sacrifice and generous giving of Mount Zion’s members. Its materials and imagery invite us to reflect on God’s enduring presence and our continuing Christian journey.
Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney worked with architects Durham, Anderson & Freed to express African heritage in the church’s design.
Historical context: City of Seattle landmark record.
Read the architecture
A language of faith.
The church’s own interpretation of its design connects the shape of the building to Scripture and the life of the congregation.
The three roof borders carry triangular forms symbolizing Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Twelve supporting wooden beams recall the twelve tribes of Israel.
Skylights recall Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—the four Gospel writers.
A floor plan in the shape of a cross centers the pulpit and communion table.
Unfinished Northwest wood points to the work still before us on our journey of faith.
The Church and the World
Light that carries
a legacy.
Eighteen stained-glass windows, arranged in nine pairs, were created by Douglas Phillips of Cleveland, Ohio. Their theme honors people whose contributions helped shape African American history.
The church interprets green and blue as hope, growth, renewal, faithfulness, and truth; violet recalls penitence; red speaks of God’s love and sacrifice. The rainbow brings the colors together as an image of unity.
Art as a witness
A tapestry of
renewal and grace.
Commissioned for the 1975 sanctuary, the appliquéd tapestry was designed by Larry Metcalf, an art professor at Seattle Pacific University. Its images invite reflection on God’s presence, reconciliation, and new life.
The eye & the rainbow
The eye represents God’s all-seeing presence. The rainbow recalls pardon and reconciliation after the biblical flood.
The dove & hyssop
The hyssop held by the dove symbolizes penitence and humility in the church’s interpretation of the artwork.
The water & the fish
Water recalls baptism, cleansing, and new life in Christ. The fish connects the baptism of Jesus with an early Christian symbol of faith.
A space with many stories
Every detail invites reflection.
Gathered around the cross
The baptistery is at the head of the cross-shaped plan. The pulpit and communion table occupy the center, with the choir and pipe organ to the north, the chapel to the south, and the center aisle to the east.
Love and belonging
Red represents divinity and the blood of Christ. Purple speaks of royalty and the dignity of belonging to God’s family.
A wider community
Flags express connections with the church, Christian and Baptist fellowships, the nation and state, African American identity, and the wider world.
Experience this sacred place.
Join us for Sunday worship at 10:00 AM Pacific. For a visit outside worship, contact the church office to ask about arrangements.