The congregation of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church listens attentively to its minister, Rev. Victor A. McKee, in late January, 1953. Members of the children's and adult's choirs are seated up front. The church is nearly full, with people also sitting in the balcony. The covered table in front of the minister may be for Communion. Photograph ordered by Victor A. McKee. TPL-9619

Religious services--Tacoma--1950-1960; Baptist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Sixth Avenue Baptist Church (Tacoma); McKee, Victor A.;

Children fill the stage at Faith Temple. They may have taken part in a Christmas pageant since this photograph was taken two days before Christmas 1951. Stripes, plaids and western wear seem popular in children's wear at this time.

Congregational churches--Tacoma; Faith Temple (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Children performing in theatrical productions--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hugh MacWhirter, Carman Knap Nordlund and Ernest Bates (L-R) sang the trio in the Saint-Saens "Christmas Oratorio" at the First Methodist Church's annual carol service in 1951. The church choir, directed by Fritz Berntsen, and other soloists would also take part in the performance. Ordered by Mr. Berntsen. (TNT, 12/23/1951, p.C-7)

Methodist churches--Tacoma; First Methodist Church (Tacoma); MacWhirter, Hugh; Nordlund, Carman Knap; Bates, Ernest; Singers;

In October of 1951, Carol S. (Mrs. W. C.) Allen and Lloyd L. Wynans received their awards as national prize winners in a contest sponsored by the Kelvinator Division of the Nash-Kelvinator Corp. Mrs. Allen won a new Nash Rambler Country Club sedan for her completion of the statement, "I like the Kelvinator refrigerator because..." in less than 100 words. Mr. Wynans also received a new Nash Rambler from the Sanford Nash dealership for being the salesman at Harkness Rug and Furniture Company that demonstrated the Kelvinator appliances to Mrs. Allen. They are seen with their new cars in front of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Central Ward at 1201 So. 4th St. Pictured are, L-R, Lloyd L. Wynans, Harkness appliance manager; C.R. Manning, sales manager for Nash-Kelvinator Sales Corp.; Roger B. Trick, zone manager for Nash-Kelvinator; Mrs. Allen, Nash winner; and E.P. Christian, district manager for Nash-Kelvinator. (TNT, 10/14/1951, p.A-12)

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Nash automobile; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Wynans, Lloyd L.; Allen, Carol S.;

The kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church has been recently remodeled. The new stainless steel surfaces on the ovens, stove, sinks and counter tops are gleaming as are the exteriors of the large coffee urns on the right. Large windows are seen on the right. Wooden tables have been added in a row along the middle of the long kitchen providing ample space for large amounts of food to be prepared. (TNT, 1/13/1952, p.C-15) TPL-2267

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Kitchens--Tacoma--1950-1960; Remodeling--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The adult choir at Trinity Methodist Church. Ordered by Mrs. Sanderson. Reverend John P. Johnson was pastor at this time.

Trinity Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music);

Dorothy Hanson (far left) and Al Bellandi were crowned king and queen of the Young People's Fellowship's Mardi Gras carnival held on Friday February 22, 1952 at Holy Communion Church parish house. Toni Jones (right), president of the Young People's Fellowship, is helping arrange King Bellandi's royal cape. Booths, a box supper and games were followed by dancing and cards. Proceeds from the affair benefited the church. (TNT, 2/20/1952, p.A-12) TPL-10520

Church of the Holy Communion (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma; Hanson, Dorothy; Bellandi, Al; Jones, Toni;

The choir stands in front of the pipe organ at Central Lutheran Church.

Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Organs;

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;

Visitation School's 1952 graduating Class of 42 students taken in church sanctuary. Visitation Church was designed by C. Frank Mahon, Architect, and constructed in 1913. The school was added in 1925 and opened on September 8th with an enrollment of 170 students, at a cost of $1.00 per month for in parrish families. The school was staffed by the Benedictine Sisters of St. Benedict's Convent in Minnesota. ("A History of Pierce County" V. 3)

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

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;

A room full of more than 100 children from the Bible class at the First Presbyterian Church. TPL-1739

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sunday schools--Tacoma;

Dr. Albert J. Lindsey stands behind the pulpit at the First Presbyterian Church.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Lindsey, Albert J.; Pulpits--Tacoma;

The chancel choir at First Presbyterian Church was one of several music groups at the church honored at special services in June 1951. The chancel choir had gained distinction for Advent and Lent as well as in performances of the great oratorios. K. Mulder Schuil, minister of music, is seated in the middle of the front row. Names are listed in the newspaper. Ordered by Mr. Scheidt. (TNT, 6/17/1951, p.D-10)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The administrative staff at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Albert J. Lindsey is seated at the desk. Ordered by Dr. Albert J. Lindsey.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Lindsey, Albert J.;

Forty-one students are shown in the Visitation School 1951 graduating class. Ordered by Sister Rosevitha.

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

The interior of the reception area at the New Tacoma Cemetery as pictured in November of 1950. The room has been decorated with floral draperies, a checked linoleum tile floor, and rag rugs. Ordered by Rill Reid.

Cemeteries--Tacoma; Undertaking--Tacoma; Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma; New Tacoma Cemetery (Tacoma); Tacoma Cemetery Association (Tacoma);

This photograph from January, 1951 shows one of the churches designed by the architectural firm of Heath & Twichell in Tacoma during the early years of the 20th Century. Built in 1909 as the Swedish Mission Tabernacle, for many years it was home to the First Covenant Church. The two-story, Italianate-style brick church is one of the few non-residental buildings designed by Heath & Twichell that has survived. Today it is home to the Sure House Open Bible Church. Pilasters lead to pediments at the roof-line. The upper portion of the building appears to have been covered with metal sheathing. Ordered by Reverend R. L. Erickson. TPL-8338

First Covenant Church (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma;

Choir of approximately 50 poses in front of the First Presbyterian Church in their dark choir robes. The Church, designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Boston, can be seen in the background. The ornate dome atop the tower, with its ancient Christian symbols, has been a dominant fixture of the Tacoma skyline since 1925.

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

To celebrate the 109th anniversary of the formation of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Tacoma Central Ward Relief Society members held a party in their new church's club rooms at 4th & So. L. The organization had grown in 109 years from 18 members at inception to 126,000 women nationwide. The group claimed to be the oldest active national women's organization and had met weekly since their founding March 17, 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois. They have sponsored emergency contributions in many world crises, living up to their motto "Charity Never Faileth." The four center women in the photograph, left to right, are Mrs. Lloyd Green, Geraldine (Mrs. Mirl J.) Haney, Afton (Mrs. Lige) Dickson and Rosella (Mrs. Leslie C.) Seal. (TNT 3/22/1951, pg. C-4)

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Central Ward Relief Society (Tacoma); Haney, Geraldine; Dickson, Afton; Seal, Rosella; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Commemoration--Tacoma; Tea parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hallway outside of the main chapel at the First Presbyterian Church, Division and Tacoma Ave So., on Easter Sunday, 1951. Arched doorways and tiled floors figure importantly in the building's design. The building is heated by radiators, as can be seen on the right hand side of the picture.

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

Scenes from Easter Sunday service at the First Presbyterian Church, Division and Tacoma Ave So. The beautiful Romanesque church was designed by local architects Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, with consultation by renowned church designers Cram and Ferguson of Boston. This picture shows the choir loft backed by stained glass windows. Arches at the ceiling level accent the choir alcove. Easter lilies bedeck the altar.

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

Crowds at the Easter Sunday service at the First Presbyterian Church, Division and Tacoma Ave So. This lovely Romanesque church has been a Tacoma landmark since 1925. Arched and circular windows shine daylight into the church. Large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling help light the immense structure. The church has both balcony and ground floor seating and seems to be full this Easter Sunday.

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

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;

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);

In March of 1950 the Central Baptist Church at South 11th Street and Grant Avenue was nearing completion. The modified Colonial building of brick trimmed in sandstone and Monel metal was designed by Silas E. Nelsen, architect, and constructed by O.F. Larson & Son, contractors, at a cost of $120,000. The completed church was dedicated on Sunday May 20, 1950. The design called for sanctuary with seating for 850, a social hall and dining room for 300, a complete Sunday school units for 500, a church office, a pastor's study and janitor's quarters. The area to the right of the main structure was where the Sunday school building was to be added at a later date. The church is currently home to the New Jerusalum Church of God. TPL-8337

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Central Baptist Church (Tacoma); Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

Exterior of the open front door to the new Central Baptist Church at So. 11th and Grant Ave. Central Baptist was one of the oldest churches in Tacoma, established in 1893 with 25 members. At the time that the new $120,000 church was constructed, Rev. Bror O. Lundgren was serving as minister of the church. The exterior of the modified Colonial was brick trimmed in sandstone and monel metal. The dedication of the new church was held in May 1950. (TNT 5/18/1950 pg. A-4)

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Central Baptist Church (Tacoma);

Interior shot from the front of Lincoln Park Christian Church, 3834 So. G St., showing 152 auditorium chairs distributed by Northern School Supply of Portland, Oregon. In 1950, the church had been at its present location for 40 years, established 4/3/1910 with 67 charter members. The basement was built in 1910 and the church met there for ten years, until 1920 when plans were drawn up to complete the church for a cost of $32,000. The interior of the brick building was plaster finish with natural color fir woodwork and art glass windows.

Lincoln Park Christian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma; Chairs;

Eunice Allen is teaching a weekday Bible class to younger students at Calvary Baptist Church. Weekday church schools were provided through the sponsorship of the Tacoma Council of Churches and were held in various parts of the city with 60 churches participating. Ordered by the Tacoma Council of Churches, Reverend Loyal Vickers. (TNT, 4/16/1950, p.A-4)

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Sunday schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Allen, Eunice; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma);