A group of thirteen men and two women pose on the front steps of a building for a group portrait, "Conference Presidents and Office Staff, Northwestern States Mission, Tacoma, Wash., December 19, 1925." The Northwestern States Mission was organized in July of 1897 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, for the purpose of locating lost members who had migrated to the Northwest. (WSHS) (www.mission.net/oregon)
Group portraits--Tacoma--1920-1930; Northwestern States Mission (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma;
ca. 1925. Play at Congregational Church. A large group of actors, dressed in robes and headdresses, pose at the front of the church. A curtain has been hung across the altar, shielding most of a pipe organ. This is probably the First Congregational Church at 209 So. "J" St. (WSHS-negative under A600-0))
Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930;
ca. 1925. Members of the Epworth Methodist Church attend a retreat in the woods, possibly on Mount Rainier. To the right is a rough assembly hall and in the left background is a tent. Photograph is torn upper left. TPL-7075
Epworth Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma--1920-1930;
Young evangelist Mary Agnes Vichestain on 1926 visit to Tacoma in full preaching pose. Described as a modern girl preaching the old-fashioned gospel, Pittsburgh's Mary Agnes Vichestain, age 18, preached to a full house at the Gospel Tabernacle on July 8, 1926. Accompanied by her newspaper publisher father, V.H. Vichestain, Miss Vichestain stopped in Tacoma on her way to the West Coast. Her father reminisced that her favorite occupation as a child was to corner a family member and vigorously preach. Her first public appearance as a preacher came at age 9; she has since then spoken to audiences as large as 25,000. Miss Vichestain devotes most of her efforts to work in missions in order to help the less fortunate find salvation. (TNT 7-9-26, p. 14)
Young female evangelist, Mary Agnes Vichestain and her father, wealthy newspaper publisher J.H. Vichestain, made a return visit to Tacoma in July, 1926. Pittsburgh's "girl preacher" was known for preaching the old-fashioned gospel. An ordained Baptist minister, she spoke to a full house at the Gospel Tabernacle on July 8, 1926. Miss Vichestain planned to go on to Everett and then spend a month in Los Angeles before returning to Pittsburgh for her college education. Preaching had been her passion since age 4 when she preached to her grandfather. Her first public appearance was at age 9 when a mission leader allowed her to preach before a congregation. She also had a deep interest in politics and contemplated running for the Pittsburgh mayor's position. (TNT 7-8-26, p. 11, TNT 7-9-26, p. 14)
The Pentecostal Tabernacle, an Assembly of God church designed by Silas E. Nelsen, was dedicated with special services on September 5, 1926. The church was built by contractor Eldor Arntsen at a cost of $20,000 using brick, concrete and hollow tile. The auditorium could seat 750. An annex to the church was dedicated in June of 1953. Rev. Frank Gray was its longtime pastor. The building now houses the Altheimer Memorial Church of God in Christ. (filed with Argentum) (TNT 9/4/1926, pg. 4-alternate photograph)
ca. 1926. This is the First Church of Christ, Scientist circa 1926. The Greek influenced edifice was built in 1911 by Edward Young, contractor. It was designed by Tacoma architect Frederick Heath who also was responsible for Holy Rosary Church Rectory at 512 S 30th St, Washington Elementary School and many other schools and office buildings. The church remains located across the street from Wright Park.
First Church of Christ, Scientist (Tacoma); Christian Scientist churches--Tacoma;
ca. 1926. First Presbyterian Church courtyard. The church design by Ralph Adams Cram featured a center courtyard with a pillared colonnade separating the central worship area from the administration portion of the church. The courtyard is paved with brick and has stone seating. The church took around 5 years to construct and cost nearly a half million dollars in 1925. The Associate architects were the local firm of Sutton, Whitney & Dugan. The church is on the City Registry. (WSHS)
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);
ca. 1926. M.J. Wood stands beside an Oakland automobile in Division Street beside First Presbyterian Church. The Oakland automobile was manufactured from 1907-09 by the Oakland Motor Co. of Pontiac, Michigan, and from 1909-1931 by the Oakland Motors Division of General Motors. After 1931, the company continued to produce its other line of vehicles, the Pontiac. (filed with Argentum)
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Automobiles--1920-1930; Oakland automobiles; Wood, M.J.;
ca. 1926. First Presbyterian Church, general view of interior of the main auditorium. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. The lights, hung from heavy chains, were constructed of antique iron. All of the interior features, including the carved wooden pieces and stained glass windows, were designed by Ralph Adams Cram. In 1926, the church's membership exceeded 2200, making it the largest Protestant church in Tacoma and the 33rd largest Presbyterian church in the country. (WSHS, Argentum)
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);
ca. 1926. First Presbyterian Church, general view of interior of the main auditorium. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. The church is listed on the Historic Registry of both the city of Tacoma and the nation. It is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Not only the architecture, but many of the interior elements, including carved wood and stained glass, were designed personally by Ralph Adams Cram. (WSHS, Argentum)
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);
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. Drawing of St. Lukes Episcopal Church by Ralph Bishop for Architect McGuire. St. Luke's was built in 1883 at 602 Broadway with gray sandstone brought from the Wilkeson quarries. In 1934 it was dismantled, and reassembled brick-by-brick at 3601 No. Gove. St. (also cataloged as Series 2222 image 1)
St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma; Drawings;
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, interior of Ferguson Chapel. The small chapel was given to the church as a memorial to the late William Ferguson by Mrs. William Ferguson and her sons William and John. Mr. Ferguson had come to Tacoma as an Irish immigrant and was one of the founders of the church. The Ferguson Chapel seated 150 and was open to the community for use, without regard to denomination. (WSHS, Argentum)
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);
In June of 1927, Seattlite and frequent Tacoma visitor Esther Landstrom (in coat) was pictured with her new Willys-Knight 70-A coupe in front of the First Presbyterian Church at 20 Tacoma Avenue South. Her small dog stands on the running board. Her friend Dolly Wescott, a bookkeeper at Manley Motors, was at the wheel. Mrs. Landstrom had recently purchased her car from Manley Motor Company, 956-58 Fawcett Avenue, in Tacoma. Manley Motors were the authorized dealers of Overland, Willys-Knight, and Whippet automobiles. (TDL 6/19/1927, pg. G2) (WSHS)
Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Landstrom, Esther; Wescott, Dolly; Willys-Knight automobile; Dogs--Tacoma--1920-1930;
This group of children and young adults is probably celebrating Purim in March of 1928 at the Talmud Torah Synagogue, 901 South 4th St. The News Tribune noted that a play entitled "The Festival of the Feasts with the cast of 12 under the direction of Miss Lillian Friedman, will be presented. G20.1-022 (TNT 03/05/1928) The date in the photographer's daybook indicates the time of Passover, but that is likely in error.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 602 Broadway, appears almost obscured by a curtain of enormous trees in this December, 1928, photograph. Only the steeple can be seen clearly. The church had an English Gothic appearance and was built in 1883 using gray sandstone from the Wilkeson quarries. Charles B. Wright had pledged $30,000 (then a considerable sum) towards construction of a church in tribute to his daughter, Kate Elizabeth Wright. Portland architect Joseph Sherwin's plans were based on an old English country church admired by another Wright daughter, Annie Wright. The church was dismantled in 1934 and re-assembled, brick-by- brick, at No. 36th & Gove. Reconstruction would not be complete until 1947.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1920-1930; Protestant churches--Tacoma; Episcopal churches--Tacoma;
Revival meeting. This great wooden tabernacle is packed as far as the eye can see in April of 1930 as people have gathered to have their spirits lifted and faith reaffirmed. They were awaiting the appearance of international evangelist Dr. Charles S. Price. Tacoma in the 1920's and early 30's hosted several revival meetings held in temporary structures. G22.1-005
Revivals--Tacoma--1930-1940; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940;
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. 1930. Bethesda Baptist Church, 4340 So. L St., Tacoma, as photographed circa 1930. Built in 1907 as the Home Telephone Co. substation; Russell and Babcock, architects. The building was remodeled in 1926 by Silas E. Nelsen for the Bethesda Church. Address was formerly 4338 So. L St.; alternate address 1201 S. 45th
ca. 1930s. Rev. Jokatsu Yukawa, pastor of the Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church, has donned protective gear and prepares to engage in kendo, a form of Japanese fencing. Rev. Yukawa is to the right in this sepia 1930's photograph; his masked opponent is not identified. The pair are practicing at the site of the Japanese Language School on Tacoma Avenue South, which had opened in 1921. Rev. Yukawa spent five years as the temple's minister, from 1928-1933. During his tenure, a $40,000 fund drive was initiated which culminated in the construction of the present church and junior members were organized in active Young Buddhist Association groups. He was promoted to serve a larger congregation in California and was replaced by Rev. Sensho Sasaki. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 16) TPL-2008.
Salvation Army conference at the Tacoma Hotel. Attendees pose for a group portrait on April 22, 1931 on the steps of the hotel. Many are wearing the familiar Salvation Army attire. Among those pictured is Col. Andrew Crawford of San Francisco, second in command of Salvation Army work in the Western states. G21.1-187 (TDL 4-22-31, p. 9-article on convention)
Salvation Army (Tacoma); Meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tacoma Hotel (Tacoma);
First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 524 So. I St., Tacoma. Photograph taken for Rev. S. G. Svenson in April of 1931. Construction began on this Gothic structure in 1925 and it was dedicated in 1929. The church was designed by Heath, Gove & Bell, architects, and was built of tapestry brick with Tenino stone trim.
ca. 1931. St. Nicholas Hellenic Tabernacle, 1523 Yakima Ave. So., Tacoma. This Byzantine structure was built in 1925 from a design by architect Silas E. Nelsen. It is now known as St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. Bowen # CHU-003
