This is believed to be the Rev. Martin J. Duggan, pastor of Holy Cross Catholic Church. Father Duggan had celebrated his 25th anniversary as a priest in 1950. He is dressed in special vestments which appear to be made of brocade. Six tall candles and candelabra are on the altar behind the pastor with a large cross hanging above. Sepia photograph ordered by Holy Cross Church.

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Altars--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);

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;

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;

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;

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);

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;

Interior of church. The sanctuary of this simple church is highlighted by the V-shaped ceilings, made of laminated wood, perhaps provided by Rilco Laminated Products, Inc. Looking directly from the preacher's pulpit, a large window, possibly stained glass, adds more light to complement the unusual chandeliers. The location and identity of this church is not known. Photograph ordered by Rilco Laminated Products, Inc.

Churches; Rilco Laminated Products, Inc. (Tacoma);

The Japanese Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary October 25-57, 1957. The congregation is amassed in front of the venerable church at South 19th and Fawcett. One of the special guests on October 27, 1957, was the first minister of the (then) Tacoma Japanese Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Seichi Higashida. The building at 19th & Fawcett was started in 1929 and paid off in 1933. Begun in 1907 as a mission society for Japanese immigrants, the church was to change its name to Whitney Memorial United Methodist Church in the 1960's. It was to later close in 1999, due to declining attendance, and the property purchased by the University of Washington. Photograph ordered by Kaz Yamane, Tacoma Japanese Methodist Church. (TNT 10-26-57, p. 14)

Tacoma Japanese Methodist Church (Tacoma); Whitney Memorial United Methodist Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma; Japanese Americans--Tacoma;

Kitchen - First Congregational Church. The kitchen in the First Congregational Church was well equipped to handle hundreds of parishioners' dietary needs for church teas, luncheons, suppers, and receptions. The section of the kitchen shown in this September 17, 1957, photograph indicates that dishwashing would be fast and efficient. The Blakeslee Kitchen Machine may have been an industrial dishwasher. Photograph ordered by the Patrick Co., dealer in restaurant supplies.

Kitchens--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Congregational Church (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);

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;

Exterior Calvary Lutheran Church. Guests start to arrive for the Nancy Osborn-Richard Watson afternoon wedding ceremony at the Calvary Lutheran Church on June 22, 1957. The church is a modern brick and wood structure with a daylight basement. Windows are open to let in the warm summer breezes. A wooden tower in front of the church appears incomplete although the cross is already in place. Sepia photograph ordered by Nancy Osborn.

Calvary Lutheran Church (Federal Way); Lutheran churches--Federal Way;

Interior of church. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly, located on South 39th St. near State Street, was completed in 1957. A sanctuary dedication was planned for June 3, 1957. A May 28, 1957, photograph taken from the rear of the church emphasizes the arched open beam ceilings. The large church had three full rows of pews facing the raised altar; it would seat 550 people. Two dual staircases lead into the church from behind the altar. The cost of building the new church was $45,000. It was valued at $85,000 as most of the labor was volunteered. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly was an independent Full Gospel Church. Its congregation had met for six years at Normanna Hall prior to the new church being built. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Gospel Assembly. (TNT 6-1-57)

Tacoma Gospel Assembly (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Exterior Tacoma Gospel Assembly. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly built a new church at 2508 So. 39th St. near State Street in the spring of 1957. The church was led by Pastor Ernest Maisch. View of church's exterior shows a large brick structure, extended overhanging roof over double doors, and unpaved parking lot. Volunteer labor was used for the most part to build the new church; this kept costs down to $45,000. The new church would seat 550. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Gospel Assembly. (TNT 6-1-57, p. 5)

Tacoma Gospel Assembly (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Additional view of Tacoma Gospel Assembly. A slightly angled view of Tacoma Gospel Assembly's interior was taken on May 28, 1957. The crisp, clean lines of wooden pews blend with the wood ceilings and arched open beams. Potted blossoms decorate the simple lectern. The new church's pastor was Rev. Ernest Maisch. After meeting for several years at Normanna Hall, groundbreaking for the new church occurred on June 10, 1956. Less than a year later, the new church was completed and a sanctuary dedication planned for June 3, 1957. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly is an independent Full Gospel Church. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Gospel Assembly. (TNT 6-1-57, p. 5)

Tacoma Gospel Assembly (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pews--Tacoma;

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;

ca. 1956. First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir. The First Presbyterian church was located at Division Ave. and Tacoma Ave. South. They would be presenting A.R. Gaul's "Holy City" under the direction of director Gerald Faber. Choir members are Front row: Mary Anderson, Sally Yoder, Mrs. George Gelderman, Mrs. Jeanette Arnett, Hetty Fikse, Kris Powell, Jane Carpenter, Mrs. Louis Moir, Allene La Bauer. Second row: Mrs. Selmer Thorpe, Irene (Mrs. Ernest) Hopp, Mary K. Anderson, Gloria (Mrs. Don) Pearson, Myra (Mrs. William) Berg, Mrs. Frank Kidd, Arlene (Mrs. John) Stenger, Dianne Kludt, Gen (Mrs. Nels) Anderson, Donna Kludt, Miriam (Mrs. Neil) Buchholtz. Back row: Floyd Levee, E. Z. Fredricks, Bob Gee, John E. Davis, Al Pena, Neil Buchholtz, Robert Williams, Ernest Williams, Don Van Volkenburg, Curtis Schon, Nels Anderson, Gerald Faber-director. (TNT 6/24/1956, pg. D-12)

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

Studio portrait of Rabbi Richard Rosenthal. In 1956, Rabbi Richard Rosenthal replaced Rabbi Bernard Rosenberg at Temple Beth Israel. This first Jewish congregation in the Tacoma area was organized in 1892 and identified itself with the reform movement in Judaism. Later in 1960, Temple Beth Israel and another more traditionally-minded congregation, Talmud Torah (later renamed Sinai Temple) merged into one community, Temple Beth Israel. Rabbi Rosenthal was elected to lead the combined congregation. Rabbi Rosenthal was a well-known community leader and well respected by all faiths. Besides leading Temple Beth Israel, he also taught at the University of Puget Sound. He was a German immigrant, coming to the U.S. in 1939, and a graduate of the Centenary College of Shreveport, La. and the Hebrew Union College in Cincinatti. He and his wife Barbara resided at 409 No. Sheridan Ave. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 15 and TNT 8/17/1956, pg. 4)

Rosenthal, Richard; Rabbis--Tacoma;

Nine children, 7 boys and 2 girls, posed for their Consecration photograph with Rabbi Richard Rosenthal at Temple Beth Israel, No. 4th & J Sts, in September of 1956, a month after he had arrived from Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he had served as an army chaplain for two years. They were: back row, left to right: Doug Kleiner, unidentified, Rabbi Rosenthal, Marc Blau, Larry Heiman and Marty Lyon. Front row, left to right: Glen Barde, Stacey Simon, Jonathan Hurst and Lisa Drost. Many of the children's parents were well known in the community, both in business and civic activities. Born in Germany, Rabbi Rosenthal came to the U.S. in 1939 and settled in Shreveport, La. He was a graduate of the Centenary College in Shreveport and was ordained at the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati in 1954. He and his wife Barbara lived at 409 North Sheridan Ave. Temple Beth Israel identified itself with the reform movement in Judaism. In 1960, it merged with the more Orthodox Congregation Talmud Torah. Rabbi Rosenthal led the combined congregations. The temple at 4th & J was sold in 1964 to the Apostolic Faith Church and the congregation moved to a new temple at So. 12th and Vassault. The old temple was known for its unusual stained glass windows, created as memorials to pioneer families. ("The History of Pierce County, Vol 1;" TNT 8/17/1956, pg. 4-article on Rabbi Rosenthal) (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Rosenthal, Richard; Rabbis--Tacoma; Judaism--Tacoma; Temple Beth Israel Synagogue (Tacoma); Synagogues--Tacoma; Kleiner, Doug; Blau, Marc; Heiman, Larry; Lyon, Marty; Barde, Glen; Simon, Stacey; Hurst, Jonathan; Drost, Lisa;

Attendance at Oral Roberts Crusade. Roberts' "One Million Souls for Christ in 1956" Crusade came to Tacoma September 7-16, 1956. The location was three circus style tents erected at South 38th at Sprague, where the faithful gathered each night except Monday at 2:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. The largest tent, the Cathedral tent, could hold 18,000. The revival was co-sponsored by 15 Tacoma area churches. A small stage bearing the revival principals can be seen far in the back right of the picture; it is surrounded by a sea of faithful seated in folding chairs. Oral Roberts was a part Choctaw preacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma who overcame a youthful stutter to become one of the most successful evangelists in American history. The opening night crowd for his crusade was 8,000. Total first day attendance was over 13,000. The audience for Robert's final sermon was 15,000 and the Crusade's budget of $25,000 was met in full by offerings, with over $3,000 distributed to the 15 churches. Roberts himself did not accept a salary for his ministry, relying on the good will of his listeners. The Crusade claimed 5,700 converts for Christ in Tacoma. Afternoon sermons were handled by Reverend Robert DeWeese, chairman of the million soul crusade and former Tacoma pastor. (TNT 9/1/1956, pg. 5; 9/6/1956, pg B-2; 9/7/1956, pg. 7; 9/8/1956, pg. 4)

Revivals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evangelists; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Roberts, Oral;

Attendance at Oral Roberts Crusade. Roberts' "One Million Souls for Christ in 1956" Crusade came to Tacoma September 7-16, 1956. The location was three circus style tents erected at South 38th at Sprague, where the faithful gathered each night except Monday at 2:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. The largest tent, the Cathedral tent, could hold 18,000. The revival was co-sponsored by 15 Tacoma area churches. A small stage bearing the revival principals can be seen far in the back right of the picture; it is surrounded by a sea of faithful seated in folding chairs. Oral Roberts was a part Choctaw preacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma who overcame a youthful stutter to become one of the most successful evangelists in American history. The opening night crowd for his crusade was 8,000. Total first day attendance was over 13,000. The audience for Robert's final sermon was 15,000 and the Crusade's budget of $25,000 was met in full by offerings, with over $3,000 distributed to the 15 churches. Roberts himself did not accept a salary for his ministry, relying on the good will of his listeners. The Crusade claimed 5,700 converts for Christ in Tacoma. Afternoon sermons were handled by Reverend Robert DeWeese, chairman of the million soul crusade and former Tacoma pastor. (TNT 9/1/1956, pg. 5; 9/6/1956, pg B-2; 9/7/1956, pg. 7; 9/8/1956, pg. 4)

Revivals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evangelists; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Roberts, Oral;

Copy of a customer's print, McGuire & Muri, Architects; artist's rendering of the St Mary's Parish Church & Parrish Hall, Seaview, Wa.

Catholic churches--Seaview, Wa.;

Designed by Silas A. Nelson, the modernistic Central Seventh Day Adventist Church at 615 North Sprague Avenue was built in 1952. It is triangular in shape, measuring 154 feet on the Sprague Avenue side, 142 feet on the Sixth Avenue approach and 89 feet on the side facing Grant Avenue. Much of the plywood framing work for the poured concrete walls was done by church members who donated their labor. The first service was held in the church in August of 1953, but it was not officially dedicated until February 1963, when the building was free of debt. In the background is the more traditional spanish gothic design First United Presbyterian Church at 1619 Sixth Ave, by 1958 known as Trinity United and shortened to Trinity in the 1990's.

Churches--Tacoma; Central Seventh Day Adventist Church (Tacoma);

Three hundred participants in the ninth annual Northwest Young Buddhist League Convention posed for a group picture in front of the Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church at 1717 Fawcett Avenue on February 19, 1956. The three-day conference was coming to a close. Seated in front row of the mostly Japanese-American gathering, wearing black robes and sashes, were nine Buddhist ministers including Sunya Pratt, the first woman to be ordained a Buddhist priest in the United States. The Tacoma Hongwanji Church had been established in 1915 and its present temple, still in operation, was built in 1930. The temple is on the Tacoma City Register of historic buildings. (Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Young Buddhist Association.) TPL-3691

Tacoma Hongwanji Buddhist Church (Tacoma); Group portraits;

The congregation of the Tacoma Japanese Methodist Church posed for a group portrait on November 27, 1955. A banner reading "Forward with Christ" is placed before them. There appear to be many young people in the congregation. Rev. Alpha H. Takagi was listed in the 1955 City Directory as pastor. The church underwent a name change to Whitney Memorial United Methodist Church in the 1960's but later closed in 1999 due to declining attendance. It had served Japanese-American families for more than 90 years, from its start in 1907 as a mission society for Japanese immigrants. The church was closed from 1942 to 1946 due to the war; membership increased following the reopening with the return of those in relocation camps. The University of Washington purchased the church and property in October, 1999, with plans to develop its Tacoma campus. (TNT 12-11-99, p. 1)

Tacoma Japanese Methodist Church (Tacoma); Whitney Memorial United Methodist Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma; Japanese Americans--Tacoma;

A special mass is celebrated at St. Ann's Catholic Church honoring the Rev. J. F. Milner on the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. The Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle, presided. Milner was born in Dunmanway, County Cork, and studied for the priesthood in Ireland. He was ordained All Hallows June 22, 1930 at 23 years of age. He was named pastor of St. Anns in 1943. Under his direction, many improvements were made in the church and parish hall. The new school and convent were nearing completion at the time of his Silver Jubilee. (TNT 6/25/1955, pg. 4)

St. Ann's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Milner, J.F.;

Interior of the main worship area at the dedication of the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church, photograph ordered by the Catholic Northwest Progress. The new church was consecrated in special ceremonies and services on March 19 & 20, 1955. The Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle, consecrated the church's main altar on Saturday, March 19th. He assisted in the blessing and laying of the cornerstone. Following that ceremony, the parishioners entered their new church for services. The new church could seat 700. The Architectural firm of McGuire and Muri designed the building; the builder was Strom Construction. (TNT 3/18/1955, pg. A-5)

Sacred Heart Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma;

Dedication of the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church, photograph ordered by the Catholic Northwest Progress. Prior to entering the church, the parishioners were invited to observe the blessing and laying of the cornerstone by the Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle. The new church and rectory were built of reinforced concrete with brick facing at a cost of $316,000. The church also had a convent and parochial school, run by the Sisters of Providence, on the grounds. In 1955, the parish had 600 families and the school had 376 pupils. (TNT 3/18/1955, pg. A-5)

Sacred Heart Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma;