ca. 1931. Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1723 So. I St., Tacoma (Identification at bottom of negative is incorrect.) The church was built in 1922 by Baptists of color to replace an older structure. The pictured church burned in 1959 and was itself replaced by a new building. Bowen # CHU-030

This is the choir of the Bethlehem Baptist Church as photographed in February of 1950. The choir president, William Ervin, is in the center of the second row. Bethlehem Baptist, 1723 South "I," was founded in 1890 and was the oldest African American Baptist church in the city of Tacoma. The church at this location was dedicated in 1922, destroyed in a 1959 fire, and rebuilt. (TNT 4-7-50, p. 4 - alt. photograph & complete listing of choir members)

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (music); Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); African Americans--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ervin, William;

This is the choir of Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1723 South "I" Street, as photographed in February of 1950. The choir was led by William Ervin, at center (with hymnal) next to church pastor Rev. E.B. Wilson. Bethlehem Baptist was founded in 1890 in Tacoma and was the oldest African American Baptist church in the city. The church at this location was dedicated in 1922. It was destroyed by fire in 1959 and subsequently rebuilt. Rev. E.B. Wilson was a member of Bethlehem Baptist for 50 years and served as its minister for 20 years. (TNT 4/7/1950, p.4 complete listing of choir names) TPL-10345

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); African Americans--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wilson, Edward B.; Clergy--Tacoma; Ervin, William;

Bethlehem Baptist Church primarily had African-American members. In January 1959 Bethlehem Baptist Church was destroyed by a fire, the congregation decided to rebuild their facilities. View of banquet celebrating the 10th anniversary of Reverend Edward Byard Wilson; Reverend Wilson (seated on the right next to wife Allie) is joined by family, friends, and other church members. TPL-8582

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma; Wilson, Allie;

In August of 1949 the congregation of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Tacoma celebrated the 10th anniversary of Reverend Edward Byard Wilson, Pastor. The Bethlehem Baptist Church was dedicated in August 1922; the church building costs were about $10,000. This church is located at South 18th & I Street, in the Hilltop area of Tacoma. On January 7, 1959 the church was virtually destroyed by a fire, and it had to be rebuilt.

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma;

Bethlehem Baptist Church was celebrating the 10th anniversary of their pastor, Reverend Edward Byard Wilson, in August of 1949. View of Reverend Wilson, who is joined by his wife, Allie, friends, and other church members. TPL-5783

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma; Wilson, Allie;