Father Martin Duggan was honored by his parish at Holy Cross Church on his 25th anniversary as a priest. He is seen here, second from the right, surrounded by well-wishers, near the table set for cake and coffee. Silver tea and coffee service as well as candelabra decorate the table and a four-tiered cake is ready to be cut. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely.

Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Anniversaries--Tacoma; Cakes--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Holy Cross Church presented a new automobile to Father Martin Duggan for his 25th anniversary as a priest. The automobile came complete with virtually every accessory possible. Jim McMenamin, chairman of the silver jubilee committee, hands Father Duggan the keys while members of the congregation look on. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely. (TNT, 5/9/1950, p.19)

Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; McMenamin, James H.;

Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Members of the Mormon Church look proud of the first of many blocks they will be making to build their new church. Everyone, from young to old, is expected to play their part.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building materials;

Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Several members of the Mormon Church are learning to make the blocks from which they will build their new church. A man on the right is showing others how the soft materials are fed into forms at the base of an automated feeder.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building materials;

Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Several members of the Mormon Church, men, women and children, have gathered to make the blocks with which they will build their new church. They are standing outside a corrugated metal building in an unimproved lot.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building materials;

The First Presbyterian Church, at Division and Tacoma Avenue South, was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Boston, famous architect of churches and authority in ecclesiastical symbolism. This lovely red brick Romanesque structure was built in 1924 and dedicated on September 20, 1925. By 1926, the church claimed 2,200 members. The church design is heavy with religious symbolism carved in stone, wood and metal, including its ornate dome with ancient Christian symbols and figures. The original construction cost was $500,000. It is on the Tacoma Register of Historic Buildings.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

The interior of the Unity Church of Tacoma. The congregation is listening to their pastor standing beside the podium that has been decorated with potted plants. Members of the congregation are seated on folding chairs so the space can be used for other purposes.

Unity Church of Tacoma (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Visitation School 1950 graduation class. The Rev. Gabriel Donohue, O.S.B., pastor of the Visitation church presented the diplomas and awards. Rev. Francis E. Duffy, S.J., principal of Bellarmine High School, delivered the commencement address. Donna Mae Woolery was the student speaker. The Chantal Choralers performed. Ordered by Sister Rosewitha. Names were listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.19)

Church schools--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Altars--Tacoma; Church of the Visitation (Tacoma); School of the Visitation (Tacoma);

After picture of new roof on First Congregational Church. Blair Construction, 3022 South 38th. The early Gothic/Tudor church was designed by architect George W. Bullard and had its cornerstone laid on September 5, 1907. While the first services were held in October, 1908, dedication of the church was delayed until December 12, 1909, after all debts were paid.

Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Roofs--Tacoma; Stone buildings; Bullard, George W.; Blair Construction Co. (Tacoma);

After picture of new roof on First Congregational Church. Blair Construction, 3022 South 38th. This exterior photograph of the First Congregational Church, taken on July 10, 1950, shows portions of the new roof, the work of Blair Construction. Arched windows with stained glass adorn the stone building located at Division and J.

Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Roofs--Tacoma; Stone buildings--Tacoma; Stained glass--Tacoma; Blair Construction Co. (Tacoma);

Groundbreaking for new Mormon church. A large bulldozer stands ready to begin groundbreaking for the new Lincoln ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Bishop Alvin L. Morris conducted the ceremony with additional remarks by former bishop of Lincoln ward, James H. Pike, as well as other members of the congregation. Members of the ward will use their own labor to build the chapel, as well as manufacturing the cement blocks utilized in the construction. The chapel will be located at South 50th and A streets.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bulldozers; Morris, Alvin L.; Pike, James H.;

Groundbreaking for new Mormon church. A large crowd gathers to participate in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Lincoln ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The new church will be located at the corner of South 50th and A streets. Members of the Lincoln ward will construct the chapel under the direction of Ted Mulholland, former resident engineer at Fort Lewis. (TNT 7-3-50, p. 12)

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bulldozers;

Bold carpeting highlights a room in the new Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints on 4th Street. The Tacoma Central Ward Chapel had its ground breaking in 1948 and was dedicated in 1950. Plans were made in 1941 to build this church; however, war delayed its construction. Final costs were $214,000 which included approximately $35,000 in furnishings.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;

Construction began in July of1948 on a new Mormon Church at 1201 So. 4th St.The building and chapel are designed in New England Colonial style. Work on the new central ward chapel had been delayed by the war. Much of the labor for building the church was provided by its membership. The church was dedicated in 1950.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;

Interior view of room at Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. Several sofas and chairs in addition to a piano provide a comfortable atmosphere. The Central Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints constructed a new facility in 1949. Much of the labor for building the church was provided by its membership.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;

The new LDS chapel at 1201 South 4th Street contained a large recreation hall with stage and piano. Polished wood flooring gleam under the recessed lights. The new hall measured 55 by 70 feet and was used for youth programs. In addition, ten classrooms, an expandable chapel, Boy Scout and Relief Society rooms were added. Members of the Tacoma Central Ward contributed their labor in building the new chapel.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;

Sepia photograph of interior of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Fife. This photograph, taken from the rear of the church on August 26, 1950, shows the clean, sparse lines of the church. Open beam ceilings and dropped lighting along with hopper-style windows provide a suitable accompaniment to the simple altar and rows of wooden pews. Photograph was commissioned by architectural firm of Lance, McGuire & Muri of Tacoma.

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

Exterior view of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Fife. In this photograph taken from across the street on August 26, 1950, are the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, church rectory, and what appears to be a small shrine in between. The T-shaped building was completed in late 1947. Photograph commissioned by architectural firm of Lance, McGuire & Muri.

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

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;

In July of 1949 contractor Bob Joshlin brought in a 120-foot crane from Northwest Hauling Company to remove the tower from the Central Lutheran Church. The church at 1001 South G was built in 1889 as the First Presbyterian Church. The tower had been condemned due to deterioration during its 50-year watch over downtown Tacoma. The church was demolished in 1955. (TNT, 7/15/1949, p.1) TPL-4455

Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Bell towers--Tacoma; Steeples; Hoisting machinery; Northwest Hauling Co. (Tacoma);

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;

In January of 1950, 33 inches of snow fell in Tacoma and the average temperature was 28.4 degrees F. By February 2nd the water in Gig Harbor yacht basin had frozen into ice five inches thick. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 101 E. 38th St. was feeling the chill. They hired Ellwood C. Karst and Robert E. Patterson, owners of the Home Insulation Company, to blow rock wool insulation into the church. This photograph was taken on February 2, 1950.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Home Insulation Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Holroyd Company, Bethlehem Lutheran Church. A view of the new sanctuary of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Open beams are shown with a wooden ceiling beyond. The altar stands against the far wall. The interior of the church was photographed on February 1, 1949.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Altars--Tacoma; Ceilings--Tacoma;

Four hundred members from the First Presbyterian Church honored Dr. and Mrs. J. Renwick McCullough and their son William with a farewell dinner and reception at the church. Dr. McCullough and his family are headed to Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. The family was presented with a piano as a going-away gift (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-3).

Receptions--Tacoma; Farewells--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma; Banquet halls--Tacoma; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

This front-on view of the exterior of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church with scaffolding set against its spire was taken on May 16, 1949, just a month after the devastating earthquake that damaged many buildings in the Puget Sound region, including some of the parish buildings. The gothic style church with its tall 54-foot steeple (270 feet from the ground to the top of the cross) dominates the city's skyline for long distances. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church can be seen in the distance along Tacoma Avenue at South 34th Street. Photograph ordered by Safway Steel Scaffolds Co.

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

Church members working on new church, Latter Day Saints, L.C. Seal. Volunteers from the Tacoma Central Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, spent their 1949 Memorial Day holiday working on their new church at South 4th and L Streets. The church was now more than two-thirds completed. Included in the photograph are Bishop Franklin Harris, B.E. Anderson, architect, and Leslie C. Seal, building superintendant and financial chairman. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 6/1/1949, p.1)

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma;

Church members working on new church, Latter Day Saints, L.C. Seal. The volunteers who worked over Memorial Day on their new church take a break on the steps to the building which was estimated to cost $177,000. Most of the exterior work was completed and a tentative completion date for the building was set for October 1, 1949. (TNT, 6/1/1949, p.1)

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma;