ca. 1931. St. Joseph's Church, 602 So. 34th St. Tacoma. This church was designed by C. Frank Mahon, architect, and built by congregation members. It was dedicated April 19, 1912 as St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church. Bowen #CHU-037

Christmas decorations at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Parishioners attending December services at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 602 So. 34th St., would have been able to view the above Nativity scene where a joyous baby Jesus lay in his manger observed by praying kings, shepherds and his family. The painted figures, either plaster or ceramic, formed a beautiful creche. Color photograph ordered by St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Creches (Nativity scenes)--Tacoma; Christmas decorations;

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);

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;

Parishioners celebrated the dedication of the St. Joseph Slovak Catholic Church on May 19, 1912. The church, located at 602 South 34th St., was built by congregation members who had purchased the site in April of 1908. Piles of bricks remained in the photograph's foreground across the street from the church. The structure stood 92 x 46-feet tall with a full concrete basement. The auditorium was 46 x 73-feet and seated 450 people. Membership was approximately 150. St. Joseph's was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest. (TDL 5-19-12, p. 33-article)

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1920; Church dedications--Tacoma;

Easter Sunday at various Tacoma churches. Worshipers gather on the steps of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 602 South 34th St, on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939. St. Joseph's was built by its congregation members and dedicated in May of 1912. It was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Easter--Tacoma;

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;

First Communion, St. Joseph's Church, Father Joe. Four girls and ten boys pose for their group portrait with two nuns 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.

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;

Patricia Henry and Alvin Larsen wedding. The bride and groom sign their marriage certificate at St. Josephs while the maid of honor and best man look on. The bride was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forest Henry and the groom was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Emile Larsen. The couple made their first home in Tacoma. (TNT 8/19/1952, pg. 11)

Catholic churches--Tacoma; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Henry, Patricia--Marriage; Larsen, Alvin;