Peace Pole planted at Children’s Peace Garden outside Fauntleroy Church, West Seattle, Washington State, USA
Submitted: December 11, 2025
Dedication: Sep 11, 2022
The new Children’s Peace Garden outside Fauntleroy UCC Church is centered on a Peace Pole installed by the Rotary Club of West Seattle, one of a quarter-million placed by Rotarians around the world. This morning’s gathering marked the garden’s completion. Many people worked to bring it to reality.
This garden is dedicated to the children of the Fauntleroy community. As they gather in this space, part of the traditional homeland of the Duwamish People, may they understand the power of peaceful coexistence amongst all peoples that we symbolize here.
At right is Keith Hughes from the West Seattle Rotary, who explained that
the Peace Pole and Children’s Peace Garden embody two of the organization’s
seven pillars of service – promoting peace and supporting education. Also from the Rotary,
third from left, was Christine Peak, who leads its Peacebuilding Services Committee, and noted that the Peace Pole project dates back to 1976. They are meant to be a welcoming gesture, she explained. Second from left above is Greg Dirks, Fauntleroy Church’s vice moderator, who observed that “we all have a role to play in fostering peace.”
As these plants grow, may the children grow to know that whoever they are, they are welcome in this place of beauty and hopeful peace. May Peace Prevail On Earth.
This, it’s hoped, will be a place to reflect. Also – as the church is co-housed with Hazelwood Preschool and the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) – it’ll be a place for children to ponder peace as they see the garden and Peace Pole each day.
Peace Song at Peace Pole dedication: