Upcoming changes to meetinghouse assignments, announced today in Sacrament meetings of affected church units, will improve accessibility for members and friends of the fast-growing Regal Branch.
The Spokane Stake Presidency communicated the changes by letter on January 21st to ward and branch leaders in the affected meetinghouses who were asked to read in Sacrament meeting on Sunday, January 28th. Beginning Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Regal Branch and Lincoln Heights Ward will relocate from Regal Building to the Stake Center. On the same day, the Spokane 1st Ward will shift its meetings to the Regal Building. Sunday meetings for all affected units will continue to be held at the times announced earlier this year.
The Regal Branch is the Swahili-language branch for multiple stakes, organized in February 2023. Many members and friends of the branch do not have ready access to a car. The Stake Presidency’s letter explains how they envision the adjustment to meetinghouse assignments enable members and friends of the Regal Branch to improve self-reliance and ease the load on volunteers who are regularly providing rides. The letter also invites members to pray how they can help in the transition and change.
The full letter is provided below, along with a brief notice communicated to other wards in the affected meetinghouses. Ward leaders and teachers with keyed access to entrance doors, offices and closets should coordinate with their respective bishops. Further, bishops should coordinate with the stake Physical Facilities Representative, Brother Eddie Haws, on implementing the adjustments. We thank everyone’s assistance in moving these changes forward.
January 21, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
After diligent analysis and prayerful consideration, we announce the following adjustments to meetinghouse assignments for several units in the Spokane Washington Stake, effective February 11, 2024:
- Lincoln Heights Ward and Regal Branch will be assigned to the Spokane Stake Center, located at 1620 E. 29th Avenue.
- Spokane 1st Ward will be assigned to the Regal Building located at 2721 E. 63rd Avenue.
The meetinghouse reassignments cover all regular meetings and activities of each unit, with corresponding relocations of bishop and clerk offices, youth and primary activities and unit storage closets. The changes do not affect meeting schedules as set at the beginning of 2024.
The changes outlined above are being made to improve access to the services and activities of the Regal Branch and strengthen self-reliance. Membership of the branch now exceeds 50 members. Sacrament meeting attendance compared to membership of the branch has averaged over 200% over the previous nine months, well in excess of church-wide statistics. Because of limited car ownership and access among branch members and friends, providing sufficient rides to those without available transportation has become a challenging burden to sustain for the dedicated volunteers who have long supported these wonderful brothers and sisters.
The Spokane Stake Center is directly next to bus stops serviced by Spokane Transit Route 4. Route 4 also serves downtown Spokane and North Monroe Street, as well as other parts of the South Hill, with bus trips arriving every 15-30 minutes throughout the day. By having the Regal Branch’s meetings and activities easily connected to transit, we expect to improve access to the blessings of fellowship and gospel learning, without excessively relying on volunteers for rides. We further believe gaining a greater familiarity with using public transit for church services and activities will aid in promoting self-reliance and addressing other needs and opportunities these individuals and families have, including access to employment, education, social services and healthcare. Assigning the Regal Branch to the stake center also reduces the distance between church and home for those who do have cars, and the miles traveled by volunteers who will continue to offer rides.
As part of the changes to the Regal Branch meetinghouse assignment, we concluded that it was in the best interest of fellowship and unity that the Lincoln Heights Ward also move to the stake center. This allows for a continued integration of youth and primary children. The reassignments for the Lincoln Heights Ward and Regal Branch require relocating the Spokane 1st Ward to the Regal Building. We emphasize we have not reached this decision lightly, and not without serious reflection and prayer. We express to 1st Ward members our appreciation for your understanding and willingness to adapt to this adjustment in support of your brothers and sisters in the faith.
We express to all affected by these changes our love for you, our prayerful concern for your well-being, and our confidence in your ability to quickly adapt to the changes to meetinghouse assignments. We invite you to pray for the influence of the Holy Ghost in helping you know how you can contribute to making this transition go smoothly and to result in the best outcome for all members of the stake.
Sincerely Yours,
Spokane Stake Presidency
Below is the letter sent to other wards in the Stake Center and Regal Building: