St. John the Baptist
The larger of our two parishes, first built in 1902 by the immigrant families who came to mine the coal seams of the upper valley.
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A parish built by miners
Catholic immigrants from Italy, Croatia, Poland, and Ireland came to work the coal seams of the upper valley and first worshipped as a mission of St. Andrew in Ellensburg. By 1902 they had built their first church, and in 1914 the mission became an independent parish under the patronage of St. John the Baptist.
On June 25, 1918, a catastrophic fire swept through Cle Elum, destroying the church and rectory along with much of the city. The present brick church, with its distinctive wooden belfry, was built in 1921 and has served the parish ever since.
Read the full history →St. John the Baptist, Forerunner of the Lord
Before John's birth, the angel Gabriel announced that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would go before the Lord “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” His father Zechariah proclaimed him the “prophet of the Most High,” sent to prepare the way of the Lord. Christ himself later said, “Among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.”
John stands at the threshold of the Gospel as the last of the prophets and the immediate forerunner of the Messiah. He called Israel to repentance, baptized Jesus in the Jordan, and directed his own disciples toward Christ with the words, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” The lamb on our parish shield recalls this witness.
John's fidelity cost him his life. He rebuked Herod rather than remain silent before wrongdoing, and for that witness to truth he was imprisoned and beheaded. His mission is gathered into one enduring declaration: “He must increase; I must decrease.” The Church celebrates his Nativity on June 24 and his Passion on August 29. Under his patronage, our parish is called to prepare the way for Christ and direct every heart to him.
Support St. John the Baptist
This brick church has stood on 2nd Street since 1921, rebuilt after fire destroyed the original. A century of mountain winters, a growing community, and aging systems mean the work of keeping it warm and welcoming never stops.
Give to St. John the Baptist