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Seattle, Washington / Religious sites

St. Alphonsus Church

A mid-century modern religious complex in Ballard, St. Alphonsus Church has served the local community since 1891, featuring a striking bell tower and distinctive architectural details.

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Where is St. Alphonsus Church located?

St. Alphonsus Church is located at 5816 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, serving the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle.

What are the Mass times?

Weekend Mass is held Saturday at 5:00 PM (Vigil) and Sunday at 9:00 AM. Weekday Mass is held Monday through Thursday at 7:30 AM and Saturdays at 8:00 AM (excluding First Saturdays).

What is the history of the church?

The parish has served the Ballard community since 1891, with Redemptorist Fathers first serving the area then and the first resident priest arriving in 1901.

What is the architecture of the building?

The current church was built in 1962 by the architectural firm Johnston-Campanella. It features a mid-century design with a striking bell tower, interior details, and a well-proportioned entrance canopy on tapered legs.

Are there any special services or offerings?

The church offers First Thursday Adoration and Reconciliation from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

St. Alphonsus Church, also known as the Church of the North American Martyrs, is a cornerstone of the Ballard neighborhood in Seattle. The parish has a deep history in the area, with Redemptorist Fathers first serving the local community in 1891, and the first resident priest arriving in 1901. This long-standing presence has established the church as a vital part of the neighborhood's spiritual and social fabric. The current church building was constructed in 1962, replacing an earlier church, rectory, and convent. This structure was designed by the architectural firm Johnston-Campanella and reflects a mid-century modern aesthetic. Visitors can observe a well-proportioned entrance canopy supported by tapered legs, which serves as a striking visual marker of the era's design philosophy. Beyond the entrance, the complex features a prominent bell tower that adds to the skyline of the neighborhood. The interior details further complement the mid-century design, creating a space for worship and reflection. The site is not just a church, but an active parish-school complex, integrating educational and spiritual services for the community. Today, the parish continues to offer a variety of services, including regular weekend Masses and special liturgical offerings. For those interested in the spiritual life of the parish, the church hosts First Thursday Adoration and Reconciliation from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, providing a quiet space for reflection in the heart of Ballard.

Visitor tips

  • Check the parish website for current Mass times, such as the Saturday 5:00 PM vigil or Sunday 9:00 AM service.
  • Visit during a First Thursday of the month for Adoration and Reconciliation between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
  • Be mindful of school hours if visiting the parish-school complex during the weekday morning.

Nearby context

Located at 5816 15th Ave NW, St. Alphonsus Church is situated within the residential and commercial mix of the Ballard neighborhood, serving as a local landmark since the late 19th century.

Sources

Evidence and links