Steel Lake Presbyterian Church closes after 78 years of operations

Steel Lake Presbyterian Church in Federal Way will officially dissolve at the close of 2026, ending a nearly eight-decade presence in the city. The congregation, which traces its roots to a Sunday school started in 1928, held a final celebratory service on Sunday, Nov. 1, marking the end of its operational history.

The church was formally established on March 7, 1948, with 23 initial adult members. By the end of May that year, membership had grown to 43 individuals from 17 families. The organization originated when William and Carrie Laing began teaching a Sunday school in the Steel Lake Grange Hall. After that hall burned in 1938, the group relocated to the one-room Steel Lake schoolhouse before moving into their permanent structure at 829 S 308th St. in 1952.

Financial pressures drove the decision to close. Over several decades, the congregation faced declining attendance and high costs associated with building expansions. Members frequently re-mortgaged their personal homes to provide collateral for church debts. The board eventually decided to sell the original masonry building, which is now occupied by First Ukrainian Baptist Church. The congregation has since operated from a space in Calvary Lutheran Church on 320th Street.

Transitional Pastor Eyde Kinsbrook led the final service, which included hymns, a historical documentary, and a bagpipe postlude. Kinsbrook thanked the community and mission partners, noting that the church’s spirit would continue through the members who remained. "We want to thank you for being here to celebrate what the spirit of Christ has been doing in and through Steel Lake," she said.

Members shared personal reflections on the closure. Cheryl Volheim, a member since 1980, said the congregation provided essential support during the death of her husband. She is now looking to join the United Church of Christ, a denomination her mother attended. Allan Smith, 76, a board director for Arts Foundation Federal Way and a volunteer at the church’s soup kitchen, noted that while the closure is sad, it is not unusual in the current climate.

The service concluded with a reception where former and current members reconnected. Kinsbrook urged attendees to practice "divine welcome" as they move into new faith communities. The church’s next scheduled milestone is the formal dissolution of its corporate entity at the end of the calendar year.