ca. 1934. First Methodist Church, general view of exterior. Heath and Gove, Architects, designed the building and it was dedicated in December of 1916. The original name was the First Methodist Episcopal Church; it was later renamed First United Methodist. The church was located at 5th and "K" (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way.) It had a seating capacity of 1,150. The church was demolished in January of 2007.

First Methodist Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Methodist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

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;

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);

ca. 1932. Epworth Methodist Church, circa 1932. The modified Gothic structure was built in 1926 from a design by George W. Bullard, architect, of tapestry brick with stone trim. (filed with Argentum)

Epworth Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Asbury United Methodist Church in South Tacoma has been in existence for over one hundred years. Named after Francis Asbury, a Methodist circuit rider, it was first located at South 56th and Warner Street before the church building was moved, with horse and manpower, to its present location at South 56th and Puget Sound. In April, 1954, a new church building was officially opened by Bishop A. Raymond Grant. It had taken the church ten years of fund raising to build the new church. View of church's interior; red drapes and carpet blend beautifully with wooden beams, brick walls and wood trimmings. (History of Pierce County, p. 12-13, TNT 4-3-54, p. 6)

Asbury United Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1930. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Washington State's oldest Catholic Church. Exterior view of old wooden Catholic Church with clapboard sides, squat belfry. The Church was built in 1855 at Fort Steilacoom and moved to its present site in 1864. It is on both the State and National Historic Registry.

Church of the Immaculate Conception (Steilacoom); Catholic churches--Steilacoom; Historic buildings--Steilacoom;

ca. 1934. Central Lutheran Church Play. Cast in Biblical costumes on stage in sanctuary. (WSHS)

Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pageants--1930-1940; Theatrical productions--1930-1940;

ca. 1940. Zion Lutheran Church Golden Anniversary. People standing in front of altar, possibly choir. Building built as Zion German Evangelical Lutheran in 1908, H. Crosley, Architect.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Altars--Tacoma;

ca. 1940. Group of women at Zion Lutheran Church during congregation's Golden Anniversary. Building built as Zion German Evangelical Lutheran in 1908, H. Crosley, Architect. Man at far right, second row is possibly pastor Harold H. Engelbrecht.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1940. Group of young men and women at Zion Lutheran Church during congregation's Golden Anniversary circa 1940. Margaret Evelyn Paul, about 16 at this time, has been identified as being seated in the first row, fourth from right. Her sister, Mildred Paul, is in the top row, second from the left. Building built as Zion German Evangelical Lutheran in 1908, H. Crosley, Architect. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Paul, Margaret Evelyn; Paul, Mildred;

The First Presbyterian Church Orchestra practices arrangements from the Tabernacle Hymns on March 21, 1957. The young musicians are shown playing violins, clarinets, trumpets, trombone and cello with piano accompaniment. They are performing in one of the many rooms located in the massive brick Romanesque structure which was designed by famous architect Ralph Adams Cram of Boston. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church.

First Presbyterian Church Orchestra (Tacoma); Youth orchestras--Tacoma--1950-1960; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma;

29 elders of the First Presbyterian Church posed for a group picture on June 27, 1957. These men were officials at the church and were able to assist the pastor in his endeavors. The First Presbyterian Church was built in 1924 and was a prime example of Romanesque architecture. Photograph ordered by the First Presbyterian Church.

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

ca. 1957. According to the History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church predates the official founding of the City of Tacoma. Seven people met on July 27, 1873, to establish the "Tacoma Presbyterian Church," eight months before the authorization of a town government. In its long history, church members have worshipped in one town hall and three church edifices. The magnificent Romanesque building was designed by noted church architect, Ralph Adams Cram of Boston; it was dedicated on September 20, 1925. In 1984, a new Swiss tower clock was added to the structure. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 450) TPL-10105

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

A new Aquinas Academy rose on the site of the former girls' school in 1957. A workman is shown on August 28, 1957, smoothing down a concrete walkway in front of the modern pre-fabricated concrete building. The original Aquinas Academy opened in Tacoma under the auspices of the Sisters of St. Dominic in 1899. The school was razed in October, 1955, and a new school with facilities for 400 students was designed by local architects Lea, Pearson & Richards. The new Aquinas was dedicated on October 27, 1957, by Seattle Archbishop Thomas A. Connolly. The three-story building had 10 classrooms, a library, two science laboratories, a home economics room, a gymnasium and a cafeteria. It was built at a cost of $656,000. 1112 North "G" St. is now the site of the Saint Patrick School. When Aquinas vacated the building in 1974 to consolidate with Bellarmine and Saint Leo's as Bellarmine, Saint Patrick School left their 55-year-old building at North 11th & "J" and moved down the hill to occupy the newer Aquinas structure. Photograph ordered by Catholic Northwest Progress. (TNT 10-27-57, B-8; www.saintpats.org) ) (Additional information provided by a reader)

Aquinas Academy (Tacoma); Church schools--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; St. Patrick's Parochial School (Tacoma);

Interior of Calvary Baptist Church. Standing behind the pulpit is believed to be the Rev. Robert S. Hess, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church. There is an abundance of wood in this church, from the long rows of pews to the arched and beamed ceilings. Rilco Laminated Products, Inc., may have supplied some of the wood products used in the sanctuary. Calvary Baptist Church has had a long history in Tacoma; it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1999. In June, 1997, a rare twister damaged the church buildings; it was subsequently rededicated in September, 1997. Photograph ordered by Calvary Baptist Church.

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma; Protestant churches--Tacoma;

Exterior of Holy Cross Catholic Church. The exterior of the new Holy Cross Catholic Church was photographed near Thanksgiving, 1957. The large church appears to be nearly completed, including tower with cross and arched windows, although the landscaping is yet to be done. Several piles of bricks are undercover, protected from the rain, as they might be necessary to extend the brick border in front of the pillars. Mill & Associates were the architects involved in the project; the contractors were the Jardeen Brothers. The new $250,000 church would be dedicated by the Archbishop of Seattle, the Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly on December 2, 1957. The Sacrament would be carried in a procession by clergy and laymen from the old Holy Cross Church at No. 43rd and Shirley around the corner to the new church building after the final Mass in the old location. Photograph ordered by Catholic Northwest Progress. (TNT 12-1-57, C-12)

Catholic churches--Tacoma; Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma);

This view of the Calvary Baptist Church's sanctuary was taken from a rear balcony, perhaps the choir loft, on February 7, 1958. The arched open beams emphasize the ceiling's height. Wooden pews face the plain altar. The piano and organ are hidden from parishioners' viewpoint by wooden screens. There are also rows of seats behind the altar. In September, 1999, the church celebrated its 100th anniversary. Photograph ordered by Rilco Laminated Products, Inc.

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma; Protestant churches--Tacoma; Rilco Laminated Products, Inc. (Tacoma);

The Calvary Baptist Church on South C St., near Pacific Avenue, had a large auditorium built in its auxiliary building next to the church. Open beam ceilings and multiple windows accentuated the spaciousness of the room. The linoleum flooring had shuffleboard and a checkered square imprinted on it. A small stage with two plants is next to the piano. A loudspeaker is positioned on top of a tall cabinet. Calvary Baptist has been a long-time presence in Tacoma; the church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1999. Photograph ordered by Rilco Laminated Products, Inc.

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma; Protestant churches--Tacoma; Auditoriums--Tacoma;

Exterior - Calvary Baptist Church. A brick tower with a simple cross stands between the Calvary Baptist Church and its auxiliary building in a February 7, 1958, photograph. The church is located in a brick building with a steep roofline. A cross is placed on one end of the building. The auxiliary building is a modern structure, also made of brick, with multiple windows. Calvary Baptist remains located today at 6511 South C St., a couple of blocks from Pacific Avenue. Photograph ordered by Rilco Laminiated Products, Inc.

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma; Protestant churches--Tacoma;

Frosted windows, open beam ceilings, and parquet block walls provide a cozy setting for a study room in the Calvary Baptist Church. This is possibly in the church's auxiliary building. A large screen is placed before rows of wooden seats; a piano is close by. This may have been the setting for a Sunday School class or possibly a Bible study room. Photograph ordered by Rilco Laminated Products, Inc.

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma; Protestant churches--Tacoma;

Dark laminated beams draw attention to the arched wooden ceilings of Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn. The eye is caught, not only by the dramatic arches, but by the large, simple cross on the brick tower behind the altar. The arches serve to focus concentration on the cross. This July 17, 1958, photograph was taken from the rear of the church, possibly in the choir loft or balcony. From this viewpoint the many rows of wooden pews can be seen. The new $100,000 building included church offices and a conference room in addition to the sanctuary. Built on a concrete slab with glue-laminated arches and partial brick veneer, the Lutheran church was dedicated on Sunday, July 13, 1958 by Dr. Swen L. Swenson. Rev. Carlton L. Berg was to be the new pastor. The church was located at 4th and "H" Sts. N.E. in Auburn. Photograph ordered by Woodlam, Inc. (TNT 7-12-58, p. 4)

Messiah Lutheran Church (Auburn); Lutheran churches--Auburn; Laminated wood;

Modest altar - St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. The new church had an enormous sanctuary; this September 8, 1958, photograph has been identified by a reader as in all likelihood the chapel in the convent. There were several pews and a wood-based altar. Vertical shutters were slightly opened, allowing light from the stained glass windows to enter. Photograph ordered by St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pews--Tacoma; Altars--Tacoma;

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;

Sanctuary at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. A new parish was formed to serve the people of the city's west end and bridge area; St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church had its first buildings completed in 1958. It was dedicated that year by the Archbishop of Seattle. View of large, wood-enhanced sanctuary shows arched beams, rows of pews and two statues of Mary and the Sacred Heart flanking the altar. Archibishop of Seattle, Thomas A. Connolly, dedicated the rectory, school, and convent on September 21, 1958. The school gym was used as the church at this time since the church was not yet finished. Photograph ordered by St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. (TNT 9-20-58, p. 4)

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pews--Tacoma; Altars--Tacoma; Sculpture--Tacoma;

Trinity Lutheran Church, 121st St. and So. Park Ave., Parkland. Trinity was the area's largest Lutheran church. It was designed by John Richards of Lea, Pearson & Richards, architects. The main sanctuary could seat 800-1,000 people. A parsonage was added in 1961, designed by the same architectural firm. The church was remodeled in 1993, under the direction of the BJSS Group, architects. (TNT 3/8/1959, pg. C-15)

Trinity Lutheran Church (Parkland); Lutheran churches--Parkland;

Trinity Lutheran Church, 121st St. and So. Park Ave., Parkland. Three bells adorn the tower above the Trinity Lutheran Church, designed by John Richards of Lea, Pearson & Richards, Architects. Trinity was the area's largest Lutheran church; its sanctuary could seat 800-1000 worshipers. It was dedicated on March 8, 1959 and over 2600 persons attended the dedication. (TNT 3/8/1959, pg. C-15)

Trinity Lutheran Church (Parkland); Lutheran churches--Parkland;

Trinity Lutheran Church, 121st St. and So. Park Ave., Parkland. This bas relief over the main entrance was designed by Pacific Lutheran College Assistant Professor of Art George Roskos. It illustrates the parable of the sower. The 3 ton sculpture relates how the word and the seed need friendly soil. The first figure on the left is depicted preaching the word and sowing the seed. The next group depicts non-concern and egotism, also the birds eat the seed. The next seed are cast in rocky and shallow soil and wither away. The next group of figures have the trappings of the church, but still show lack of interest. The third group shows greed and lust for riches, as one of them clutches a money bag. In the group furtherest to the right, all seven figures hold a reaper. The seed has been planted in rich, deep soil and is bearing fruit. During the design period, the artist worked with a 5 x 18 foot canvas and applied wire lath and clay. It took 1500 pounds of plaster to make a 14 piece mold. The mold was filled with aggregate. The sculpture weighed 3 tons and was lifted up at either end with 1 ton hoists. The area's largest Lutheran Church was dedicated on March 3, 1959. Over 2600 persons attended the dedication. (TNT 3/8/1959, pg. C-15, 3/22/1959, pg. C-17)

Trinity Lutheran Church (Parkland); Lutheran churches--Parkland; Bas-reliefs;

ca. 1926. View of a covered brick walkway at the First Presbyterian Church, ca. 1926. The Romanesque church was built from a design submitted by Ralph Adams Cram, founder of the architectural firm of Cram & Ferguson in Boston. The firm was the most famous designer of churches in the country. The church was designed around a courtyard with a pillared colonnade separating the portions of the church. The brick courtyard with its stone benches can be seen to the left of the walkway. (WSHS)

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

ca. 1926. First Presbyterian Church. The Church was constructed in the early -mid 1920's from a design by senior architect Ralph Adams Cram of the firm of Cram and Ferguson of Boston. Its tower stands above the church, adorned with statues of four apostles, John, Matthew, Mark & Luke, as well as religious symbols. Its stained glass windows were designed by Mr. Cram and manufactured by Colonial Stained Glass Window Works of Boston. It is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture and is on the City Registry. (WSHS)

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

ca. 1926. First Presbyterian Church, general view of exterior. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. The design by senior architect Ralph Adams Cram called for a center courtyard with a walkway connecting the main center of worship, right, with the building housing the daily functions and administration of the church. The main chapel is adorned with ecclesiastic symbols and colors. The tower can be seen over this area of the city, making it a true landmark. The church is listed on the City and National Historic Registry. (WSHS, Argentum)

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