About Knox

Our history

Originally called Kenmore United Presbyterian Church, Knox was founded when 11 Christians came together in a storefront in December 1926 to worship .In 1968, Kenmore Presbyterian changed its name to Knox Presbyterian in honor of the Scottish Reformer John Knox. While Knox had been a long-standing member in the PCUSA denomination, in 2012 it left to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), which provided a better fit for the church’s commitment to theological truth and the authority of scripture.

As a church body, Knox is devoted to missions and prayer. The church supports many missionaries around the world and meets on a regular basis to hold them, the community, and each other in prayer to the Lord. It also opens its doors to other churches and ministries to rent out its facilities in order to expand the kingdom of God. Knox is anything but a quiet church! Almost every day, people are streaming through the building on various projects, ministries, and meetings. Located in the heart of Kenmore, Knox is easily accessible and involved in the life of the community.

We have a copy of our welcome brochure and our bylaws that you can read as well!

Our mission

Knox Church’s mission statement is “Truthful teaching, graceful living.” Find out more about this on the What We Believe page!

Our session

Knox is led by a session that includes the teaching elder (pastor) and ruling elders of the church that meet once a month to lay policy, discuss church business, pray over Knox’s members, and make decisions for the future. The current session is:

Pastor Justin Olivetti
Kathy Jefferys
Leah Hayes
Ellen Keller
Scott Bowman
Mike Williams
Bill Snyder

Our staff

Rev. Justin Olivetti has been in the ministry for two decades as a youth pastor, associate minister, and now as senior pastor of Knox as of 2018. He is a graduate of Moody Theological Seminary (Michigan), ordained in the EPC, and is married to his wife Joy, with whom he has four children. Pastor Justin is known as a quirky, easy-going, and warm man who has a heart for God and his people. His hobbies include biking, writing, reading, and video games. You can contact him at pastor -at- knoxepc -dot- com.

Family Life Director Barb Smith arrived at Knox after serving in ministry for nearly 25 years. Her career spanned multiple areas of church life such as children’s ministry, outreach, and missions. Her greatest passion is working with people to help them discover their God-given gifts and talents — and how to use them to further His kingdom. Barb has three grown children and six grandchildren who keep her busy. She enjoys staying active with kayaking, hiking, and biking. You can contact her at barbsmith -at- knoxepc -dot- com.

Administrative Assistant Irene Beitz keeps Knox Church’s office space humming efficiently! She has worked in ministry at various churches in the choir, board of trustees, and treasurer. Irene loves to interact with many people from different walks of life, which she finds interesting, educational, and great fun. Irene loves to sew, garden, read, and cook. You can contact her at office -at- knoxepc -dot- com.

Want to know more?

If you’re new to Knox, here is everything you need to know for your first visit!
Find out what we believe as a church and as a denomination!
Learn what events and activities are coming up for Knox!
Get to know our church leadership!
Listen to a sermon and read the latest post from Pastor Justin!
Get plugged into Knox’s many vital ministries!
See what we’re up to on our Facebook page!
Discover who Jesus Christ is and how he can redeem your life once and for all!