Since 1965, the K-House near the old Bookie has been providing students a quiet place of worship, openness and discussion.

Alissa Bertsch Johnson, the WSU United Methodist Campus Pastor who works out of the K-House, said the mission is to be open to everyone.

“We act as a voice for ethics in our community, which I know can be difficult sometimes on a college campus,” she said. “We want to serve as a place of welcoming and cooperation that extends beyond the boundaries of organized religion.” To accomplish this, the K-House has a free worship session and vegetarian dinner every Tuesday at 5 p.m., which uses simple songs repeated to achieve a mindset that helps those in attendance meditate on their connection with Christianity.

“We also offer Inspire on Wednesdays at five, which is a dinner and worship service,” Bertsch Johnson said. “The K-House also provides rooms for other programs, such as the Alcoholics Anonymous every day at noon and a place for the YWCA.” One of the most important parts of her job as the Methodist campus minister is helping students explore what it means to be an authentic Christian, Bertsch Johnson said.

“As Christians we follow a very traditional way of life, but living in the modern world, it can be difficult to remain authentic to our faith,” she said. “It’s great to be able to help students navigate through this time. This week we’re holding a seminar on marriage and building lifelong relationships.” Gail Stearns is the director of the K-House and she believes an important aspect it offers is an open place for people to discuss their viewpoints and religions.

“We have a unique service in that we allow a space for people to further their spiritual journey,” she said. “We don’t dictate – we learn from one another. Whether that faith is Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Wiccan or agnostic, anyone who has questions and are seeking answers are welcome here.” Stearns said she has spoken with many WSU students and faculty who appreciate the work the K-House does.

“I’ve spoken to many people who tell me that, if the K-House weren’t here, it would leave a hole at WSU,” she said. “This is a place for all students to find their own personal faith.” Besides offering a safe place for students to worship, the K-House also organizes meetings and seminars open to the WSU community.

“On Oct. 16 and 17, we’re having our annual Roger Williams Symposium, which will feature Dr. Martin Marty, a theologian and author from the University of Chicago,” Stearns said.

Phil Mixter, a professor of molecular biosciences and medical sciences and also the volunteer Episcopalian campus pastor at WSU, believes strongly in the work the K-House does.

“The K-House is a joy to have on campus,” he said. “It is a very open environment that is important for students to have. Our goal there is not to tell students what to think, but to let them think.”