Where Hope Begins
Back in the early 1950’s, downtown Spokane had an unsavory reputation as the Inland Empire’s capital for drifters and hopeless alcoholics. One publication described it like this: “Derelicts were often found lying in doorways or shuffling along the Street of No Hope.”
On August 15, 1951, Albert Arend, a business owner and Christian leader, called together 16 fellow businessmen and asked former alcoholic James Wahlbrink to tell his story. Wahlbrink related how God had miraculously rescued him from a hopeless existence through the ministry of a gospel mission. Deeply moved, all of Arend’s guests enthusiastically committed themselves to organizing such a mission in Spokane.
From that very solid, albeit humble, foundation, the Union Gospel Mission has grown to include three shelters, two thrift stores, an automotive department and a children’s camp ministry, but our purpose has not veered far from the original intent of those 16 men.
“To reach the poor of our community with the love and power of the Gospel so they may become God-dependent, contributing members of society.”
A Ministry in the Making
Scroll over the years for a pictorial timeline.
- 1951
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Union Gospel Mission organized and legally established
- 1952
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Building on Trent and Brown purchased
- 1953
- First food drive
- 1954
- Women's Auxiliary organized
- 1971
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Anna Ogden Hall purchased and remodeled
- 1972
- Jail Ministry begins
- 1977
- Ministry at Juvenile Detention Center begins
- 1984
- UGM Foundation established
- 1989
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New Men's Mission location purchased at 1224 E. Trent Ave. Remodeling begins
- 1990
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New Men's Mission dedicated and opened
- 1992
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Camp property along the Spokane River gifted to Union Gospel Mission Tshimakain Creek Camp opens
- 1996
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Anna Ogden Hall expanded and remodeled
- 2000
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New camp cabins and dining room completed at Tshimakain Creek Camp
- 2001
- Union Gospel Mission celebrates 50 years
- 2003
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Union Gospel Mission downtown thrift store opened
- 2005
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UGM Motors opened
- 2006
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Union Gospel Mission valley thrift store opened
- 2007
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Old Budget Motel at 1234 E. Sprague purchased and remodeled into Union Gospel Mission Crisis Shelter for Women and Children
