Visitation School 1950 graduation class. The Rev. Gabriel Donohue, O.S.B., pastor of the Visitation church presented the diplomas and awards. Rev. Francis E. Duffy, S.J., principal of Bellarmine High School, delivered the commencement address. Donna Mae Woolery was the student speaker. The Chantal Choralers performed. Ordered by Sister Rosewitha. Names were listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 5/24/1950, p.19)
Church schools--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1950-1960; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Altars--Tacoma; Church of the Visitation (Tacoma); School of the Visitation (Tacoma);
Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Members of the Mormon Church look proud of the first of many blocks they will be making to build their new church. Everyone, from young to old, is expected to play their part.
Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building materials;
Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Several members of the Mormon Church are learning to make the blocks from which they will build their new church. A man on the right is showing others how the soft materials are fed into forms at the base of an automated feeder.
Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building materials;
Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Several members of the Mormon Church, men, women and children, have gathered to make the blocks with which they will build their new church. They are standing outside a corrugated metal building in an unimproved lot.
Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building materials;
Father Martin Duggan was honored by his parish at Holy Cross Church on his 25th anniversary as a priest. He is seen here, second from the right, surrounded by well-wishers, near the table set for cake and coffee. Silver tea and coffee service as well as candelabra decorate the table and a four-tiered cake is ready to be cut. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely.
Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Anniversaries--Tacoma; Cakes--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Holy Cross Church presented a new automobile to Father Martin Duggan for his 25th anniversary as a priest. The automobile came complete with virtually every accessory possible. Jim McMenamin, chairman of the silver jubilee committee, hands Father Duggan the keys while members of the congregation look on. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely. (TNT, 5/9/1950, p.19)
Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; McMenamin, James H.;
The interior of the Unity Church of Tacoma. The congregation is listening to their pastor standing beside the podium that has been decorated with potted plants. Members of the congregation are seated on folding chairs so the space can be used for other purposes.
Unity Church of Tacoma (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960;
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);
The First Presbyterian Church, at Division and Tacoma Avenue South, was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Boston, famous architect of churches and authority in ecclesiastical symbolism. This lovely red brick Romanesque structure was built in 1924 and dedicated on September 20, 1925. By 1926, the church claimed 2,200 members. The church design is heavy with religious symbolism carved in stone, wood and metal, including its ornate dome with ancient Christian symbols and figures. The original construction cost was $500,000. It is on the Tacoma Register of Historic Buildings.
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian 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;
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);
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)
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;
In January of 1950, 33 inches of snow fell in Tacoma and the average temperature was 28.4 degrees F. By February 2nd the water in Gig Harbor yacht basin had frozen into ice five inches thick. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 101 E. 38th St. was feeling the chill. They hired Ellwood C. Karst and Robert E. Patterson, owners of the Home Insulation Company, to blow rock wool insulation into the church. This photograph was taken on February 2, 1950.
Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Home Insulation Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Bethlehem Baptist Church primarily had African-American members. In January 1959 Bethlehem Baptist Church was destroyed by a fire, the congregation decided to rebuild their facilities. View of banquet celebrating the 10th anniversary of Reverend Edward Byard Wilson; Reverend Wilson (seated on the right next to wife Allie) is joined by family, friends, and other church members. TPL-8582
Baptist churches--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma; Wilson, Allie;
In August of 1949 the congregation of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Tacoma celebrated the 10th anniversary of Reverend Edward Byard Wilson, Pastor. The Bethlehem Baptist Church was dedicated in August 1922; the church building costs were about $10,000. This church is located at South 18th & I Street, in the Hilltop area of Tacoma. On January 7, 1959 the church was virtually destroyed by a fire, and it had to be rebuilt.
Baptist churches--Tacoma; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma;
Bethlehem Baptist Church was celebrating the 10th anniversary of their pastor, Reverend Edward Byard Wilson, in August of 1949. View of Reverend Wilson, who is joined by his wife, Allie, friends, and other church members. TPL-5783
Baptist churches--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma; Wilson, Allie;
In July of 1949 contractor Bob Joshlin brought in a 120-foot crane from Northwest Hauling Company to remove the tower from the Central Lutheran Church. The church at 1001 South G was built in 1889 as the First Presbyterian Church. The tower had been condemned due to deterioration during its 50-year watch over downtown Tacoma. The church was demolished in 1955. (TNT, 7/15/1949, p.1) TPL-4455
Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Bell towers--Tacoma; Steeples; Hoisting machinery; Northwest Hauling Co. (Tacoma);
Church of the Visitation's school was planning their graduation ceremony for June 1, 1949. The graduates would attend mass and receive holy communion followed by a breakfast prepared by the Visitation Women's Club. Spiritual exercises would be presented by Father Michael Feeney, O.S.B., of St. Martin's College. View of Visitation School graduates on the altar.
Church schools--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Events--Tacoma; Graduation ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Altars--Tacoma; Church of the Visitation (Tacoma); School of the Visitation (Tacoma);
Church members working on new church, Latter Day Saints, L.C. Seal. Volunteers from the Tacoma Central Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, spent their 1949 Memorial Day holiday working on their new church at South 4th and L Streets. The church was now more than two-thirds completed. Included in the photograph are Bishop Franklin Harris, B.E. Anderson, architect, and Leslie C. Seal, building superintendant and financial chairman. Names are listed in the newspaper. (TNT, 6/1/1949, p.1)
Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma;
Church members working on new church, Latter Day Saints, L.C. Seal. The volunteers who worked over Memorial Day on their new church take a break on the steps to the building which was estimated to cost $177,000. Most of the exterior work was completed and a tentative completion date for the building was set for October 1, 1949. (TNT, 6/1/1949, p.1)
Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma;
In May of 1949, St. Patrick's Church, 1123 No. J St., was photographed outlined against the spring sky. The Catholic church was designed by architect Frederick Heath, and built in 1906 of stone. It replaced the original wooden church which served the Old Town section of Tacoma for 13 years before being destroyed by fire in 1905. The first services in the new church were held on Christmas Day, 1906, although the church was later dedicated in June of 1907. A bell tower graces one corner of the church and a rose window is centered above the main doors. The doors and windows are arched. St. Patrick's Parochial School can be seen on the far right. TPL-4766
St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; St. Patrick's Parochial School (Tacoma); Church schools--Tacoma; Bell towers--Tacoma; Stained glass--Tacoma; Windows--Tacoma; Arches--Tacoma;
This front-on view of the exterior of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church with scaffolding set against its spire was taken on May 16, 1949, just a month after the devastating earthquake that damaged many buildings in the Puget Sound region, including some of the parish buildings. The gothic style church with its tall 54-foot steeple (270 feet from the ground to the top of the cross) dominates the city's skyline for long distances. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church can be seen in the distance along Tacoma Avenue at South 34th Street. Photograph ordered by Safway Steel Scaffolds Co.
Safway Steel Scaffolds Company. An exterior view of Church of the Holy Rosary with scaffolding ascending the lower portion of the spire. The church was originally built in 1891 of wood. In 1920 the brick structure was demolished and this brick, gothic style building was built at the same location. The rectory, located at 512 South 30th Street, is seen next to the church on the north.
Dr. J. Renwick McCullough would be leaving Tacoma's First Presbyterian Church and joining Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. His Tacoma congregation gave Dr. McCullough and his family a farewell dinner and gift. View of Dr. J. Renwick McCullough delivering his last sermon at First Presbyterian Church on April 24, 1949 (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-5).
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Christianity--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clergy--Tacoma; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); McCullough, J. Renwick;
Dr. J. Renwick McCullough would be leaving First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, he had accepted a pastoral position at Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. View of Dr. J. Renwick McCullough baptizing a baby; this was the last service Dr. McCullough would be celebrating at First Presbyterian Church (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-5).
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Christianity--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clergy--Tacoma; Baptisms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);
Tacoma's First Presbyterian Church was saying farewell to Dr. J. Renwick McCullough and his family. Reverend Walter Johnson and Reverend Neil Shaughnessy spoke at the McCullough farewell dinner; more than 400 members of the church attended the event. View of Dr. J. Renwick McCullough delivering his last sermon at First Presbyterian Church on April 24, 1949 (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-5).
Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Christianity--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clergy--Tacoma; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);
Four hundred members from the First Presbyterian Church honored Dr. and Mrs. J. Renwick McCullough and their son William with a farewell dinner and reception at the church. Dr. McCullough and his family are headed to Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. The family was presented with a piano as a going-away gift (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-3).
Receptions--Tacoma; Farewells--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma; Banquet halls--Tacoma; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);
