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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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;

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.;

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);

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;

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;

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;

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);

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;

Sacred Heart Church, photograph ordered by Catholic Northwest Progress. The church also had an attached convent for the Sisters of Providence and a school run by the Sisters. The parish started in 1913 with 35 families. The school was built in 1924 and opened with 103 pupils. By 1955, the parish encompassed 600 families and the school enrollment was 376 pupils. The new church and rectory replaced the old church at 46th & McKinley built in 1914. The new church was built of reinforced concrete with brick facing at a total cost, excluding furnishings, of $316, 000. Architects were McGuire and Muri. (TNT 3/18/1955, pg. A-5)

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

Hidden spotlights give the wooden Nativity scene a warm glow as this night exposure taken on September 19, 1954, shows. Lights also illuminate the church behind the creche; it is believed to be the Little Church on the Prairie in Lakewood. The Nativity figures are painted in muted tones as they all acknowledge the birth of baby Jesus. Hay is spread on the church lawn to give the scene an additional authenticity. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Creches (Nativity scenes)--Lakewood; Churches--Lakewood--1950-1960; Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

Church classrooms. The University Place Assembly of God church had many small children attending church along with their parents. The church provided cozy classrooms with appropriate sized furniture for the youngsters. View of cheerful classroom was taken on October 21, 1954; small wooden chairs with curved armrests are just the right size for the rectangular working table. Bright stars decorate the nearby chalkboard and colorful pictures are positioned on walls and even on the toy chest. A thick rug gives additional warmth to the room.

University Place Assembly of God (University Place); Protestant churches--University Place; Churches--University Place; Sunday schools--University Place; Classrooms--University Place;

The congregation of the University Place Assembly of God posed for this October 17, 1954, sepia photograph in front of their wood church. There appear to be many young families attending this particular house of worship. The large sign, "Jesus Saves" on the church was probably visible for quite some distance away. A black speaker is positioned above the sign next to the erected cross so that announcements could be heard even in the parking lot. The University Place Assembly of God was located at Mountain View Avenue and South 29th Street. Edwin Oster was listed in the 1954 City Directory as its pastor.

University Place Assembly of God (University Place); Protestant churches--University Place; Churches--University Place; Signs (Notices);

Interior of church. Simple pews, a small podium, and an Andrew Kohler piano present an intimate setting for the University Place Assembly of God church. A poster of Jesus along with religious wall hangings adorn the paneled walls. The church was located at Mountain View Avenue and South 29th Street. Edwin Oster was listed in the 1954 City Directory as the church's pastor.

University Place Assembly of God (University Place); Protestant churches--University Place; Churches--University Place; Pianos;

ca. 1903. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 2910 North Starr St, as viewed circa 1903. The tiny 21 x 45-foot wood church is considered to be Tacoma's oldest church, built in 1873 on land donated by Edward S. "Snookum" Smith and Capt. Starr with timber donated by the Hanson-Ackerson Mill. The unusual bell tower is actually a fir tree cut at 48 feet with its bell donated by the Sunday School of St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia. A windstorm in 1935 resulted in a new tower which replaced the unique Old Town fir tower. St. Peter's is on both the City and National Registers.

St. Peters Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma;

Mt. Tacoma (Rainier) from the banks of the Puyallup River, circa 1902. The building to the right is the Puyallup Indian Church, built in 1880 or 1881 with lumber hauled by horse and wagon from Old Tacoma. It was based on Presbyterian teachings and had many prominent Indians, such as Thomas Stolyer, as members. The church was located close to the Puyallup Indian cemetery. (Copied by Mary Randlett)

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Puyallup River (Wash.); Puyallup Indian Church (Tacoma);

St Peter's Episcopal Church, 2910 North Starr Street in Old Tacoma (W.T.) Photograph courtesy of the John Ogden Collection. At the time of this August, 1888, photograph, St. Peter's was 15 years old. The small (21 x 45-foot) Carpenter Gothic church was built in only ten days in August of 1873 on land donated by Edward S. "Skookum" Smith and Captain Starr. It is Tacoma's oldest church. As the label on the photograph notes, St. Peter's had the oldest church tower in the United States. An aged fir, cut at 48-feet, served as the bell tower. The age of the tree trunk was used in the calculation of the tower's age. The original tree was replaced by a new tower in 1935 when it was damaged by a windstorm. St. Peter's Episcopal Church is on the City and National Register. TPL-10166

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1888. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 602 Broadway, Tacoma, W.T. This circa 1888 photograph shows a man barely visible who is hanging from the side of the spire. The English Gothic-styled church may have been in the process of some kind of repair as there are timbers sticking through the openings of the tower. It was built of gray sandstone in 1883 in tribute to Kate Elizabeth Wright, the daughter of Charles Barstow Wright. Photograph courtesy of the John Ogden Collection. TPL-10171

St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, circa 1979. Built 1925, Silas E. Nelson, architect. The curved modern lines of the new (1975) St. Joseph Hospital can be seen in the background.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (Tacoma); Orthodox churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1979. Roofline of St. Leo's Catholic Church, 1301 Yakima Ave. So., circa 1979 from 13th St. In the background is St. Leo's School, 1323 Yakima Ave. So., occupied in 1979 by the Tacoma Actors Guild.

St. Leos Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; St. Leos Parochial School (Tacoma);