Interior of the main worship area at the dedication of the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church, photograph ordered by the Catholic Northwest Progress. The new church was consecrated in special ceremonies and services on March 19 & 20, 1955. The Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle, consecrated the church's main altar on Saturday, March 19th. He assisted in the blessing and laying of the cornerstone. Following that ceremony, the parishioners entered their new church for services. The new church could seat 700. The Architectural firm of McGuire and Muri designed the building; the builder was Strom Construction. (TNT 3/18/1955, pg. A-5)

Sacred Heart Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma;

A procession of priests stride along a brilliantly sunlit sidewalk on the way to a young priest's first solemn high mass. The mass will occur on May 16, 1954, at the Church of the Visitation on South 58th St. Some of the priests hold their hands together in a prayer position. The priest in the middle is wearing a dark cassock while two in front wear surplices. A few church parishioners watch and wait. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue.

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Church of the Visitation in South Tacoma is full as parishioners and guests observe the first solemn high mass sung by a recently ordained young priest on May 16, 1954. All attention is focused on the activity at the altar. The Rev. Timothy Lamm, 26, was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at St. James Cathedral in Seattle the day before. Father Timothy was one of three Benedictine monks from St. Martin's to be ordained that day. This elevated view of the altar, church dignitaries, and kneeling crowd was taken from the back of the church, perhaps a choir loft. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue. (TNT 5-13-54, A-10)

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Church of the Visitation (Tacoma); Altars--Tacoma;

A proud moment in the life of a newly ordained priest is captured in a May 16, 1954, photograph. A celebratory banquet in his honor is being held with family members as special guests. The Rev. Timothy Lamm, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. David J. Lamm, Sr. of Puyallup, had just conducted his first solemn high mass at Church of the Visitation. Father Timothy, a Benedictine monk, had been ordained the day before in St. James Cathedral, Seattle. He was valedictorian of his 1950 graduation class at St. Martin's College and later studied theology at Mt. Angel Abbey, Oregon. From left to right in the photograph are: Mary Lamm, Mrs. Laurence Thielen, Sister Mary Alita, Mrs. David Lamm, Sr., Father Timothy Lamm, O.S.B., David J. Lamm, Sr., Sister Ruthella, Frank and Raymond Lamm. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue. (TNT 5-13-54, A-10, TNT 6-6-54, B-4))

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lamm, Timothy; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Father Anthony Baffaro, pastor of St. Rita's Catholic Church, stands on the church steps with his confirmation class on April 12, 1953. The boys in the group, some in uniform, have been placed in front of the veiled girls in white. St. Rita's was founded by Italian immigrants; built in 1924 in the Mediterranean style, it was placed on the National Registry. Its parish priest, Fr. Anthony Baffaro, was the youngest Jesuit priest in history. He was very involved in encouraging youth activities in the church and organized a church baseball team. Fr. Baffaro died on February 17, 1979, after serving his parish since September, 1948. Photograph ordered by Fr. Baffaro. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 3, p. 87)

St. Rita's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Confirmations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Baffaro, Anthony;

Copy of a customer's print, McGuire & Muri, Architects; artist's rendering of the St Mary's Parish Church & Parrish Hall, Seaview, Wa.

Catholic churches--Seaview, Wa.;

Interior and exterior exposures of St. Charles Borromeo Church and buildings were taken on September 8, 1958. This view has been identified by a reader as the front hall/entryway of St. Charles Borromeo School. There is a large statue of St. Joseph holding a small child on the left. Trophy and display cases now flank the statue today. Over 200 children, up to the sixth grade, were enrolled in the new school taught by Franciscan sisters.The church sanctuary, school, parish hall, gym, convent and rectory may have been completed in 1958. The church building was finished in 1969. Photograph ordered by St. Charles Borromeo Church. (TNT 9-20-58, p. 4) (Additional information provided by a reader)

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Sculpture--Tacoma;

Members of the Polish National Alliance posed at the dedication of St. Joseph's Church, 602 South 34th St., on May 19, 1912. The men all wear ribbons/medals. It is not known whether the large group participated in the parade down Pacific Avenue prior to the church dedication.

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Polish National Alliance (Tacoma);

ca. 1931. Sacred Heart Church, 4536 McKinley Ave., Tacoma. Bowen #CHU-048.

ca. 1931. Holy Cross Parish Hall, 4302 No. Shirley St., Tacoma. The hall was erected in 1921 near Holy Cross School. Bowen #CHU-041

Knights of Columbus activities at U.S. Veterans Hospital, American Lake. High Mass was conducted at the American Lake Veterans Hospital in Lakewood on April 12, 1925, with a small congregation in attendance. The unidentified priest is on the small stage with two altar boys. G23.1-030; G22.1-066

Religious services--Lakewood; Priests--Lakewood; American Lake Veterans Hospital (Lakewood);

ca. 1919. Tacoma architect C. Frank Mahon drew this delineation of Holy Rosary Church before construction began on the Catholic church in 1920. Located at 520 South 30th Street, its Gothic steeple has long been a Tacoma landmark. Mahon's architectural work for the Catholic Diocese included many schools and churches in Tacoma in addition to Marymount Boys School in Spanaway and St. Martin's College in Lacey. (B2308)

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Architectural drawings;

Catholic Church of the Visitation. Thirty seven young boys standing in appropriate Catholic choir garb, holding hymn books, ready to sing. Building by C. Frank Mahon, Architect, 1913.

Churches - Catholic Churches - Tacoma - Church of the Visitation Music - Choral Music - Choirs - Church Choirs

Committee of four ladies for the Catholic Daughters of America.The Catholic Daughters of America was founded in 1903. The organization is made up of Catholic women involved in religious, charitable and educational projects. Pictured are Mrs. Alexander Brewuer, Mrs. Edward C. Grewich, Aimee (Mrs. M.J.) Kenney and Catherine (Mrs. Ashley K.) White.

Catholic Daughters of America (Tacoma); Kenney, Aimee; White, Catherine F.; Public service organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

First Communion, St. Joseph's Church, Father Joe. Four girls and ten boys pose for their group portrait with the priest from St. Joseph's Church. The girls wear white dresses with lots of ruffles and white headdresses. The boys wear white shirts and bow ties and hold their hands in front of themselves. Several of the children hold their rosary beads. Many of the children are smiling for their portrait.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Communion; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children & adults--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits;

The New Tacoma Cemetery offers their clients 100 acres of beautiful peaceful resting grounds. The New Tacoma Cemetery has been serving Tacoma families since 1932, they are under the administration of the Tacoma Cemetery Association, a non-profit organization. Exterior view of grounds, large trees and beautifully landscaped grounds offer peace and tranquility, sacred sanctuary in background.

Cemeteries--Tacoma; Gardens--Tacoma; Trees--Tacoma; Graves--Tacoma; Undertaking--Tacoma; Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma; Death--Tacoma; New Tacoma Cemetery (Tacoma); Tacoma Cemetery Association (Tacoma);

Group of 13 altar boys at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4302 No. Shirley St. Holy Cross was founded in 1915. In 1950, it was under the direction of the Rev. M.J. Duggan and also included a parochial school run by the Dominican Sisters. These boys served as altar boys during a three day mission in March 1950 at the church. The mission was conducted by Rev. Enda Somers of Los Angeles and featured a special childrens' mission for the students of the school and area public schools. The boys are: front row left to right Jerry Paukert, David Lane, Jerry Hubbard; 2nd row Billy McConnell, Marty Dougherty, David Albright, James Burcar; back row Billy McMenamin, Bobby Gunovick, David Walsh, Billy Ostruske, George O'Dore and Ronald O'Connell. (TNT 3/4/1950, pg. 18)

Catholic churches--Tacoma; Vestments; Acolytes; Boys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma);

Safway Steel Scaffolds Company. An exterior view of Church of the Holy Rosary with scaffolding ascending the lower portion of the spire. The church was originally built in 1891 of wood. In 1920 the brick structure was demolished and this brick, gothic style building was built at the same location. The rectory, located at 512 South 30th Street, is seen next to the church on the north.

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Spires--Tacoma; Safway Steel Scaffolding Co. (Tacoma); Scaffolding--Tacoma;

This photograph of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Fife was taken on August 26, 1950. This Catholic church, at 2303 54th Ave. E in Fife, was designed by architects Lance, McGuire & Muri. The sanctuary has a brick tower and spire on one of its corners and a large, round window above the front entrance. The church rectory and what appears to be a small shrine are next door.

St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife); Churches--Fife; Catholic churches--Fife;

Members of the committee planning St. Rita's annual church bazaar met to complete their plans. There were to be many well stocked booths and favors awarded hourly on the hour during the three-day event. L-R, are, seated Mary (Mrs. Fisher) Messina, Evelyn (Mrs. Joseph) Liberto and Caroline Turco. Standing, Mrs Louis Constanti, Amelia (Mrs. John) Mazzuca, and Cyrilla (Mrs. Leo) DiStafano. (TNT, 11/12/1952, p.15)

St. Rita's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Messina, Mary; Liberto, Evelyn; Turco, Caroline; DiStafano, Cyrilla; Mazzuca, Amelia; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Large confirmation class at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Fife. 23 boys and 30 girls posed in red and white robes on October 12, 1969, in the church. Religious leader in robes has been identified by St. Martin of Tours Church as Bishop Thomas Gill. Color photograph ordered by St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.

St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife); Rites & ceremonies--Fife; Confirmations--Fife; Gill, Thomas;

36 joyful children pose at St. Martin of Tours on Sunday, May 6, 1968. They appear ready for First Communion as the little girls are wearing veils and all children are dressed in gold and white robes.

St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife); Catholic churches--Fife; Rites & ceremonies--Fife; Communion;

These 31 children, hands clasped in prayer, are preparing for their first Holy Communion at St. Martin of Tours in Fife. All are wearing white gowns with yellow trim and the girls all have veils. Most look solemnly at the camera although a few have shy grins. Color photograph ordered by St. Martin of Tours.

St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife); Catholic churches--Fife; Rites & ceremonies--Fife; Communion;

ca. 1979. Roofline of St. Leo's Catholic Church, 1301 Yakima Ave. So., circa 1979 from 13th St. In the background is St. Leo's School, 1323 Yakima Ave. So., occupied in 1979 by the Tacoma Actors Guild.

St. Leos Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; St. Leos Parochial School (Tacoma);

ca. 1932. Church of the Holy Communion. Built in 1929, the church was designed by A.S. Leeper, architect. The foundation is in the shape of the cross.

Church of the Holy Communion (Tacoma);

Aquinas Academy Graduation Banquet. Thirty-five girls in formals seated around formal set dining table. (filed with Argentum)

Aquinas Academy (Tacoma); Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1930-1940; Students--Tacoma--1930-1940; Church schools--Tacoma; Private schools--Tacoma;

Constanti - Taylor wedding ceremony in St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Church has high, vaulted ceiling. Three large lights with multiple globes hang from ceiling. Elaborate altar adorned with floral arrangements. Shirley Constanti and Keith Bogan served as attendants for Marie Eileen Constanti and Thomas Zachary Taylor at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on March 25, 1940. A reception followed in the Rose & Gold room of the Hotel Winthrop. The newlywed couple will be making their home in San Diego, California. (T.Times, 3-25-40, p. 7)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Constanti, Marie Eileen--Marriage; Taylor, Thomas Zachary; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Altars--Tacoma;

Bishop Edward J. O'Dea at dedication of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 602 South 34th Street, on May 19, 1912. He was assisted by Rev. Father Paul Kern and Rev. Aloysius Mlinar, rector. Some of the 150 members appeared in this photograph with two young girls carrying large bouquets. St. Joseph's was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest. The building and ground were paid for entirely by Slavonian church members or those in the Slovak community. The church was built by its congregation who labored after finishing their regular jobs. It was estimated that this volunteer labor saved more than $10,000 in construction costs with the building costs initially set at $25,000. (TDL 5-19-12, p. 33-article)

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1912; Church dedications--Tacoma;

ca. 1931. St. Leo's Church, 1301 Yakima Ave. So., Tacoma. St. Leo's was built in 1920 to replace an older church (1902) destroyed by fire. The 1920's structure was considered a "temporary building" on a permanent foundation. However, the "temporary" structure is still serving the congregation. Bowen # CHU-028

ca. 1931. St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1123 No. J St., Tacoma. Architect Frederick Heath designed this Norman Gothic styled Catholic church, which was constructed in 1906. St. Patrick's was recently restored. Bowen # CHU-023