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The Rev. F. Mark Dowdy retires from The United Churches of Olympia
The Reverend F. Mark Dowdy is retiring May 30 from The United Churches of Olympia after 23 years of service. The two-denominational church, Presbyterian (USA) and United Church of Christ, formed as a federation in 1916.
Rev. Dowdy has served three churches during his 41 years in ministry. During his senior year at the Dubuque Theological seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, Mark served his seminary internship at the First Congregational Church in Dubuque. Following his 1969 graduation from seminary in Dubuque, he was called as associate pastor of Opportunity Presbyterian Church in Spokane, Washington. In 1975, he was called as pastor of the Sunnyside Presbyterian Church in Sunnyside, Washington, and in 1987, he moved to Olympia to become pastor of The United Churches of Olympia, where he stayed for the remainder of his ministry.
“I am honored to have served as pastor of The United Churches of Olympia for 23 years,” says Mark Dowdy. “I proud to be the longest-serving pastor of a mainline church in Olympia. While I am feeling sad to leave the wonderful people of the church, I leave with a grateful heart for all we have accomplished together.”
During Rev. Dowdy’s pastorship ministry with The United Churches of Olympia, he and the church’s congregation (members) have championed inclusivity – welcoming all to church, including homeless people and people of interfaith relationships as well as the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered (known as GLBT) community. The church began two special ministries during his time in Olympia: Stephen Ministry and Caring Friends. Both programs train church members to meet with members who need extra care and attention when they are grieving or experiencing a transition in their lives. Eight members of the church have gone into the ordained ministry during Mark’s 23 years there. More than 22 retired pastors or other clergy / seminary-educated people are members of The United Churches of Olympia.
Rev. Dowdy has also served on several regional denominational committees at the Presbytery of Olympia, and has participated regularly in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Dowdy was highly involved in the community through the Panza group, Camp Quioxote (homeless camp in Olympia, which was hosted three times by The United Churches of Olympia), Interfaith Works, and as a member of Olympia Kiwanis.
“We have been blessed by Mark’s 23 years of faithful service to our congregation. Mark embodies what we say at the start of each workshop service, ‘No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here,’” says Joan Knapp, moderator, council, The United Churches of Olympia. “He leads by example with enthusiasm and energy. We will miss him dearly as our pastor, but he will always be here as our friend.”
The Rev. Mark Dowdy and his wife, Cheryl, have three adult daughters: Katie Higson, Jennifer Dowdy and Laurie Dowdy, who were reared in Olympia. Mark also has two adult children: Jon Dowdy and Janene Palomarez, who were reared in Sunnyside.
Rev. Dowdy is looking forward to his retirement when he’ll work on projects around his small farm and continue to officiate at community weddings and memorial services, and will preach on occasion in both Presbyterian (USA) and United Church of Christ churches. He also looks forward to traveling with his wife.
The Rev. Dowdy’s last sermon at The United Churches of Olympia will be on Sunday, May 30 at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend the service, 110 11th Ave. S.E., Olympia.
History of The United Churches of Olympia
The First Presbyterian Church of Olympia was formed. “On November 12, 1854, the first Presbyterian church organized by settlers west of the Rocky Mountains and north of the Columbia River,” according to The United Churches of Olympia history book. The First Congregational Church, also known as United Church of Christ, was formed in 1873 in Olympia, and met at Tenth and Capitol Way for more than 40 years, sharing their building with the Presbyterians. In 1916, the two denominations / churches formed a federation and since then, have met as one congregation, known as The United Churches of Olympia, being one of a few United Church of Christ and Presbyterian (USA) congregations in the country.
“Under new leadership, which will be chosen during the next two years, The United Churches of Olympia will continue its witness of God’s inclusive love and acceptance in our community for many years,” says Rev. Dowdy.
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