Built of Wilkeson sandstone donated by Robert Walker, the First Baptist Church was nearly ready for its dedication set for June of 1925. Designed by architects Heath, Gove & Bell and built by J.E. Bonnell, contractor, the huge church cost about $250,000. The fencing around the church would be removed by Sunday, June 7th. First Baptist's congregation chose to remain in the downtown area so built on a vacant lot adjoining its old site. "We aim to make this a great friendly downtown church for everybody," said pastor C.O. Johnson. In just a few years First Baptist grew to become one of the largest churches on the West Coast. The years 1924-25 saw perhaps a record in church construction in Tacoma with the First Baptist Church, Sixth Avenue Baptist, First Presbyterian, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, and Fern Hill Baptist among those built. First Baptist is now called Urban Grace, the Downtown Church. BU11,472 (TNT 6-4-25, p. 11)

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Washington Baptist Convention at the First Baptist Church of Tacoma. Large group of people gathered in front of the church. Wilkeson sandstone building by Heath and Gove, Architects; 1925.

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940;

In November of 1937, the choir of the First Baptist Church, 902 Market St., was photographed with the ministerial staff. The choir was under the direction of Ernest C. Sheppard, standing left in the group of four at the front of the choir. He had been director of the choir for 20 years. Standing in the front with Mr. Sheppard were, left to right, Mrs. Norma Wadsworth, pianist, Rev. Weldon Wilson, Pastor, and Clayton Johnson, organist. The large downtown church was built in 1925 from a design by Heath, Gove & Bell, architects. (T. Times 11/26/1937, pg. 16)

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Choirs (Music); Sheppard, Ernest C.; Wadsworth, Norma; Wilson, Weldon M.; Clergy--Tacoma--1930-1940; Johnson, Clayton;

Interior shot of the First Baptist Church on Easter Sunday, April 9th, 1939. (filed with Argentum)

Baptist churches--Tacoma; First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Easter--Tacoma;

First Baptist Church, general view of exterior. Wilkenson sandstone building by Heath and Gove, Architects; 1925. (T. Times, Special Edition) [Also dated February 1940] (filed with Argentum)

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Group at First Baptist Church, Times, Dick Yost. William Anderson, a student at Stewart Junior High School, right, is pointing to a strategic point on the map of Palestine in this February 24, 1948 photograph. Looking on are, L-R, Glen Coe, Inez Jackson, Director of Mason Junior High robed choir, Suzanne Haskin, Robert Gray Junior High and E.T. Munz, counselor, First Baptist Church junior high fellowship. The junior high school students were in charge of providing music and the message at the evening services at First Baptist this week. (T.Times, 2/28/1948, p.3)

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Anderson, William; Coe, Glen; Jackson, Inez; Haskin, Suzanne; Baptist churches--Tacoma; Teenagers--1940-1950; Maps; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Women--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Interior of First Baptist Church showing choir members in gowns.

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Choirs (Music);

US Congressman Wesley Lloyd's funeral at the First Baptist Church. Casket draped with flag, stage covered with flowers. The Church is adorned with 150-200 separate floral displays. Representative Lloyd died of a heart attack in his apartment in Washington, D.C. The Tacoma attorney was serving his second consecutive term as the Democratic representative for the new 6th Congressional District. The district was composed of Tacoma, Pierce County and most of King County, outside of Seattle. The criminal lawyer was the partner of Leo McGavick. He and his family resided at 3919 No. 34th. (T. Times 1/16/1936, pg. 5)

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Lloyd, Wesley--Death & burial; Funeral rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lying in state--Tacoma--1930-1940;