A HISTORY OF FAITHFULNESS
Our founding Church Historian, Nellie Fried, is quoted as saying, “It is always risky to name people who gave of their time and talents when there were so many involved, but some of the members went the 'second mile.'" From dedicated pastors, to courageous missionaries, to diligent leaders, the rooms in our building are named in their honor. You can read their stories below.
Pastor Charles & Jan Anderson
ROOM 1

In November 1979, Pastor Charles Anderson was called to lead the church, accompanied by his wife Jan and their sons, Ray and Mark. Their journey from Missouri marked the beginning of a new chapter, rooted in dedication and service to the gospel. From the very start, Pastor Charles demonstrated unwavering commitment—even preaching his first sermon by kerosene lantern after a windstorm knocked out the power, creating a memorable and symbolic moment of perseverance.
A gifted bass vocalist, Pastor Charles enriched worship with music, joined by Jan, a talented pianist. Their “Sermon in Song” held on most fifth Sundays became a cherished tradition.
Beyond the pulpit, Charles and Jan embodied hospitality, welcoming members into their home for meals, fellowship, and joyful gatherings. Their warmth and generosity fostered deep connections and lasting friendships within the church family.
Even as they accepted the call to serve in Sultan First Baptist Church in October 1991, the Andersons’ legacy of faithfulness, music, and hospitality continued to touch lives, leaving an enduring impact on all who were blessed to know them.
A gifted bass vocalist, Pastor Charles enriched worship with music, joined by Jan, a talented pianist. Their “Sermon in Song” held on most fifth Sundays became a cherished tradition.
Beyond the pulpit, Charles and Jan embodied hospitality, welcoming members into their home for meals, fellowship, and joyful gatherings. Their warmth and generosity fostered deep connections and lasting friendships within the church family.
Even as they accepted the call to serve in Sultan First Baptist Church in October 1991, the Andersons’ legacy of faithfulness, music, and hospitality continued to touch lives, leaving an enduring impact on all who were blessed to know them.
Bill & Alma Clark
ROOM 2

The story of our church’s foundation is inseparable from the vision, perseverance, and selfless service of Bill Clark and Alma Clark. In 1969, Bill Clark stepped forward to lead the architectural planning for the new building, embracing the responsibility with unwavering commitment. Throughout the many challenges and changes that arose, it was their faith, wisdom, and patience that guided the congregation forward, from humble beginnings as a mission chapel renting space at the local Seventh Day Adventist church, to a fully thriving church family with our own new church campus. Their steadfast dedication inspired gratitude from all, with the church extending heartfelt thanks not only to Bill Clark, but also to Alma Clark, whose understanding and support were vital every step of the way.
Beyond their leadership in construction, Alma Clark served as organist and played a key role in organizing events like Vacation Bible School, fostering a spirit of fellowship and joy within the church community. The Clarks’ home became a welcoming space for gatherings, socials, and picnics, reflecting their generosity and commitment to nurturing Christian fellowship.
We honor Bill Clark and Alma Clark for their extraordinary contributions. Their vision, faith, and devotion transformed a dream into reality, creating a place where the gospel, worship, and fellowship flourish. Their legacy continues to inspire all who walk through these doors.
Beyond their leadership in construction, Alma Clark served as organist and played a key role in organizing events like Vacation Bible School, fostering a spirit of fellowship and joy within the church community. The Clarks’ home became a welcoming space for gatherings, socials, and picnics, reflecting their generosity and commitment to nurturing Christian fellowship.
We honor Bill Clark and Alma Clark for their extraordinary contributions. Their vision, faith, and devotion transformed a dream into reality, creating a place where the gospel, worship, and fellowship flourish. Their legacy continues to inspire all who walk through these doors.
Pastor Russell & Pat Segner
ROOM 3

Our church stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and sacrifice of Pastor Russell Segner and his family. In March 1969, Pastor Russell Segner answered the call to serve as our founding pastor, moving with his wife, Pat Segner, and children, Patty and Paul, to join our congregation. Their arrival brought energy and warmth to our church family.
Despite the challenge of limited resources, Pastor Russell Segner balanced pastoral responsibilities with outside employment, demonstrating remarkable commitment to the church’s gospel mission. When faced with a sudden work transfer with the Milwaukee Road Railway, the Segner family endured a period of separation and uncertainty, yet their devotion never wavered. Pastor Russell Segner prayerfully returned to continue serving as part-time pastor, guiding the church through its formative years with steadfast faith and perseverance.
After several years of tireless service, Pastor Russell Segner stepped down due to the demands of work, but the Segners remained active and supportive members of the local church community. Their legacy of foundational hard work, resilience, and love continues to inspire all who are part of our church family.
Despite the challenge of limited resources, Pastor Russell Segner balanced pastoral responsibilities with outside employment, demonstrating remarkable commitment to the church’s gospel mission. When faced with a sudden work transfer with the Milwaukee Road Railway, the Segner family endured a period of separation and uncertainty, yet their devotion never wavered. Pastor Russell Segner prayerfully returned to continue serving as part-time pastor, guiding the church through its formative years with steadfast faith and perseverance.
After several years of tireless service, Pastor Russell Segner stepped down due to the demands of work, but the Segners remained active and supportive members of the local church community. Their legacy of foundational hard work, resilience, and love continues to inspire all who are part of our church family.
Pastor Herb & Mary Hollinger
ROOM 4

Pastor Herb Hollinger and his family played a transformational role in guiding the congregation through the challenges of our initial building program. Called unanimously as pastor in November 1973, Pastor Hollinger brought steadfast leadership and faith, inspiring great rejoicing and hope among the church community.
Navigating complex requirements for permits and environmental statements, Pastor Hollinger worked tirelessly alongside Bill Clark to ensure every detail was addressed. His commitment extended beyond construction, as he continued to nurture the spiritual and fellowship life of the church. Under his guidance, the congregation celebrated successful events like annual Vacation Bible School and found creative solutions to challenges—always keeping the church’s gospel mission at the forefront.
The building program was marked by perseverance, teamwork, and faith. When the long-awaited permit was finally granted, it was a testament to the prayer, work, and persistence that Pastor Hollinger inspired in others. Even as construction plans shifted, his leadership ensured that the foundation of the church—both physical and spiritual—was laid with care and dedication.
After accepting the call to serve with the Northwest Baptist Convention in March 1979, Pastor Hollinger left behind a legacy of faithfulness, resilience, and community spirit. His impact continued to be felt, not only in the completed building but in the lives of those who were shaped by his example. The church’s ability to overcome challenges and thrive stands as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of Pastor Herb Hollinger and his family.
Navigating complex requirements for permits and environmental statements, Pastor Hollinger worked tirelessly alongside Bill Clark to ensure every detail was addressed. His commitment extended beyond construction, as he continued to nurture the spiritual and fellowship life of the church. Under his guidance, the congregation celebrated successful events like annual Vacation Bible School and found creative solutions to challenges—always keeping the church’s gospel mission at the forefront.
The building program was marked by perseverance, teamwork, and faith. When the long-awaited permit was finally granted, it was a testament to the prayer, work, and persistence that Pastor Hollinger inspired in others. Even as construction plans shifted, his leadership ensured that the foundation of the church—both physical and spiritual—was laid with care and dedication.
After accepting the call to serve with the Northwest Baptist Convention in March 1979, Pastor Hollinger left behind a legacy of faithfulness, resilience, and community spirit. His impact continued to be felt, not only in the completed building but in the lives of those who were shaped by his example. The church’s ability to overcome challenges and thrive stands as a living tribute to the enduring legacy of Pastor Herb Hollinger and his family.
David & Janet Townsend
ROOM 5

David had served several years as an Elder, and Janet as Children’s Ministries Director, when they heard the call to overseas mission work with the International Mission Board. In 2004, the Townsend family left Issaquah for missionary training in Virginia, and soon after, they were commissioned to serve in Southeast Asia. Their journey required preparation and sacrifice. They sold their home, packed their belongings, and prepared their children for a new life abroad. The church community rallied around them, offering support, prayers, and heartfelt farewells.
Throughout their years of service in Southeast Asia, the Townsends remained closely connected to our church family. In addition to their extensive core work with the International Mission Board, they served in their local communities, including Janet’s longstanding and impactful work with women’s prison ministries. During furloughs, the Townsends returned to Issaquah, sharing testimonies of their ministry service, serving in Vacation Bible School, and rejoining the life of the church family.
In 2022, as the Townsends began the process of retirement from the mission field, the church welcomed them back to Issaquah, celebrating their many years of faithful service. Upon retirement they moved home to the United Kingdom, but their legacy of faith, perseverance, and global ministry continues to inspire all who know their story. The example set by David, Janet, and their family stands as a testament to the power of answering God’s call to the gospel, and serving with humility and love.
Throughout their years of service in Southeast Asia, the Townsends remained closely connected to our church family. In addition to their extensive core work with the International Mission Board, they served in their local communities, including Janet’s longstanding and impactful work with women’s prison ministries. During furloughs, the Townsends returned to Issaquah, sharing testimonies of their ministry service, serving in Vacation Bible School, and rejoining the life of the church family.
In 2022, as the Townsends began the process of retirement from the mission field, the church welcomed them back to Issaquah, celebrating their many years of faithful service. Upon retirement they moved home to the United Kingdom, but their legacy of faith, perseverance, and global ministry continues to inspire all who know their story. The example set by David, Janet, and their family stands as a testament to the power of answering God’s call to the gospel, and serving with humility and love.
Don & Joann Baldschun
ROOM 6

Don and Joann were among the first families to join the church in 1968, stepping forward to serve as Deacon and Church Clerk, and offering their home as a gathering place for fellowship and celebration.
Their contributions often took place behind the scenes—organizing events, planning Vacation Bible Schools, and serving on committees that shaped the direction of the church. Joann’s leadership as principal of the first Vacation Bible School and Don’s steady presence and hard work on building and construction were instrumental in the spiritual and physical foundations of our congregation.
The Baldschun home frequently provided a warm and welcoming space for socials, meetings, and Bible studies. Don’s willingness to serve as Deacon and committee chair, and Joann’s dedication to administrative and organizational roles, ensured that the church’s work moved forward smoothly, often without fanfare or recognition.
Their legacy is one of steadfast devotion to the gospel, quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. The countless hours they invested, the sacrifices they made, and the love they shared have left an enduring mark on our church family.
Their contributions often took place behind the scenes—organizing events, planning Vacation Bible Schools, and serving on committees that shaped the direction of the church. Joann’s leadership as principal of the first Vacation Bible School and Don’s steady presence and hard work on building and construction were instrumental in the spiritual and physical foundations of our congregation.
The Baldschun home frequently provided a warm and welcoming space for socials, meetings, and Bible studies. Don’s willingness to serve as Deacon and committee chair, and Joann’s dedication to administrative and organizational roles, ensured that the church’s work moved forward smoothly, often without fanfare or recognition.
Their legacy is one of steadfast devotion to the gospel, quiet strength, and a servant’s heart. The countless hours they invested, the sacrifices they made, and the love they shared have left an enduring mark on our church family.
These and many other histories were carefully compiled by the founding Church Historian Nellie Fried (pronounced "Freed"), and by later historian Suzanne Nilsen.
