Spanaway Christian Center is located in Spanaway, Washington, which is approximately five miles south of the city limits of
Tacoma, and virtually within the shadow of beautiful Mount Rainier. The Tacoma / Parkland / Spanaway area is approximately thirty-five miles south of
Seattle, and is bordered by Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains on the west, and the Cascade Mountains on the east.
Spanaway (Pierce County), Washington
Though still somewhat rural in character, the greater Spanaway / Elk Plain area offers a unique mix of open spaces, new residential living areas, historic older homes and farms, and business expansion areas that reflect a community which is aware of its historical roots and natural beauty, yet welcoming to those who would like to come and share in its charm and potential for growth.
Highway 509 Bridge and Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA
Historically, Spanaway has been called the Gateway to Mount Rainier. Located about an hours drive southeast of Spanaway, Mount Rainier is one of the highest and most majestic peaks in the continental United States. Standing 14,410 feet above sea level, its slopes and meadows are a destination of choice for climbers, snow-shoers, hikers and sightseers of all ages and abilities. Being a dormant volcano, it is believed the mountain at one time was a full 500 feet higher than its current recorded height.
Commencement Bay (foreground), Tacoma and Mount Rainier (background)
Being deficient in no area of natural beauty, western Washington is home to not only Mount Rainer National Park, but the Olympic National Park, the Olympic National Forest, the San Juan Islands and numerous Pacific Ocean beaches - any of which is less than a three hour drive. The Cascade mountain range (which extends from British Columbia to Northern California), is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. And, with nearly a dozen ski locations within a three hour drive, there is truly something for everyone.
A spectacular view of the Washington coast
The South Sound region is home to a number of military installations, including McChord Air Force Base, Fort Lewis Army Base, Madigan Army Medical Center, Naval Base Kitsap (Bangor), and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Bremerton). Being a long-standing military community, the greater Puget Sound region is proud of the men and women in uniform who live, work and worship in our area, and who serve our country around the world. We support them and their families.
The C-17's are stationed at McChord Air Force Base
Historically, the first white settlers in the Puget Sound were English fur traders in the 1820's. But the growing number of American settlers which followed the early trappers, soon established the region as an American Territory. Fort Steilacoom (just west of what is now the city of Lakewood), was established in 1847. And with the U.S. military came stability, protection, law and roads which connected all areas of what is now Washington state. In the 1850s it was true, "All roads in Washington Territory eventually led to Fort Steilacoom." And, with the first school in the Spanaway area built in 1855, the Spanaway / Elk Plain area shares this rich history.
Quarters 4 & Cannon shed at historic Fort Steilacoom
In short, the Lord has blessed the South Sound area with both natural beauty and people who are friendly and welcoming.
