(Airdate: December 12, 2023) Maryanne interviews Steve Shively, an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church, which is currently celebrating its 150th anniversary. Steve’s well-known in the community as former GM of Fort Worden and for his marketing company, working closely with civic and private groups largely in the tourism industry. First Presbyterian was founded by a group of seven determined Victorian women. This was long before women had the right to vote. In 1873 females couldn’t even be members of a church, much less have bank accounts or buy property. Yes, their spouses were the frontmen. But everyone knew what was happening behind the scenes. The church’s history mirrors the ups and downs of PT over the past 150 years. The elegant edifice uptown was built anticipating the boom that never happened towards the end of the 1800’s. This is Part #1 of a special 2-part Our Town, tracking the history of both church and town.
