This photograph from January, 1951 shows one of the churches designed by the architectural firm of Heath & Twichell in Tacoma during the early years of the 20th Century. Built in 1909 as the Swedish Mission Tabernacle, for many years it was home to the First Covenant Church. The two-story, Italianate-style brick church is one of the few non-residental buildings designed by Heath & Twichell that has survived. Today it is home to the Sure House Open Bible Church. Pilasters lead to pediments at the roof-line. The upper portion of the building appears to have been covered with metal sheathing. Ordered by Reverend R. L. Erickson. TPL-8338
The interior of the reception area at the New Tacoma Cemetery as pictured in November of 1950. The room has been decorated with floral draperies, a checked linoleum tile floor, and rag rugs. Ordered by Rill Reid.
Cemeteries--Tacoma; Undertaking--Tacoma; Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma; New Tacoma Cemetery (Tacoma); Tacoma Cemetery Association (Tacoma);
Interior of unidentified church. Photograph ordered by Western Builders. Western Builders was a roofing, siding and insulation company located at 1702 Sixth Avenue. According to the 1951 City Directory, Fred Wilvers and G.W. Thompson were listed as owners. Photograph taken on September 25, 1950, showed an unidentified church's interior, apparently close to the roofline, where two men are working. Address of church cannot be ascertained.
Western Builders (Tacoma); Churches; Progress photographs;
Exterior view of St. Martin of Tours Parish, Fife. In this photograph taken from across the street on August 26, 1950, are the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, church rectory, and what appears to be a small shrine in between. The T-shaped building was completed in late 1947. Photograph commissioned by architectural firm of Lance, McGuire & Muri.
St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife); Catholic churches--Fife;
This photograph of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Fife was taken on August 26, 1950. This Catholic church, at 2303 54th Ave. E in Fife, was designed by architects Lance, McGuire & Muri. The sanctuary has a brick tower and spire on one of its corners and a large, round window above the front entrance. The church rectory and what appears to be a small shrine are next door.
St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife); Churches--Fife; Catholic churches--Fife;
Sepia photograph of interior of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Fife. This photograph, taken from the rear of the church on August 26, 1950, shows the clean, sparse lines of the church. Open beam ceilings and dropped lighting along with hopper-style windows provide a suitable accompaniment to the simple altar and rows of wooden pews. Photograph was commissioned by architectural firm of Lance, McGuire & Muri of Tacoma.
Churches--Fife; Catholic churches--Fife; St. Martin of Tours Parish (Fife);
Bold carpeting highlights a room in the new Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints on 4th Street. The Tacoma Central Ward Chapel had its ground breaking in 1948 and was dedicated in 1950. Plans were made in 1941 to build this church; however, war delayed its construction. Final costs were $214,000 which included approximately $35,000 in furnishings.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;
Construction began in July of1948 on a new Mormon Church at 1201 So. 4th St.The building and chapel are designed in New England Colonial style. Work on the new central ward chapel had been delayed by the war. Much of the labor for building the church was provided by its membership. The church was dedicated in 1950.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;
Interior view of room at Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints. Several sofas and chairs in addition to a piano provide a comfortable atmosphere. The Central Ward Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints constructed a new facility in 1949. Much of the labor for building the church was provided by its membership.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;
The new LDS chapel at 1201 South 4th Street contained a large recreation hall with stage and piano. Polished wood flooring gleam under the recessed lights. The new hall measured 55 by 70 feet and was used for youth programs. In addition, ten classrooms, an expandable chapel, Boy Scout and Relief Society rooms were added. Members of the Tacoma Central Ward contributed their labor in building the new chapel.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Central Ward Chapel (Tacoma); Mormon churches--Tacoma;
Tacoma Ave S looking south towards St. Joseph's Catholic Church. This photograph was taken on August 9, 1950, near Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way) and the Holy Rosary Church. It apparently depicts the vicinity of an accident and was commissioned by Gail Haddock, attorney, 510 Perkins Building.
Attorney Gail Haddock, 510 Perkins Building, commissioned a series of photographs depicting a scene of an accident. The accident apparently occurred near Holy Rosary Church, shown on the far right, and Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way). This view shows the steepness of the hill near the church.
After picture of new roof on First Congregational Church. Blair Construction, 3022 South 38th. The early Gothic/Tudor church was designed by architect George W. Bullard and had its cornerstone laid on September 5, 1907. While the first services were held in October, 1908, dedication of the church was delayed until December 12, 1909, after all debts were paid.
Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Roofs--Tacoma; Stone buildings; Bullard, George W.; Blair Construction Co. (Tacoma);
After picture of new roof on First Congregational Church. Blair Construction, 3022 South 38th. This exterior photograph of the First Congregational Church, taken on July 10, 1950, shows portions of the new roof, the work of Blair Construction. Arched windows with stained glass adorn the stone building located at Division and J.
Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Roofs--Tacoma; Stone buildings--Tacoma; Stained glass--Tacoma; Blair Construction Co. (Tacoma);
Groundbreaking for new Mormon church. A large bulldozer stands ready to begin groundbreaking for the new Lincoln ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Bishop Alvin L. Morris conducted the ceremony with additional remarks by former bishop of Lincoln ward, James H. Pike, as well as other members of the congregation. Members of the ward will use their own labor to build the chapel, as well as manufacturing the cement blocks utilized in the construction. The chapel will be located at South 50th and A streets.
Groundbreaking for new Mormon church. A large crowd gathers to participate in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Lincoln ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The new church will be located at the corner of South 50th and A streets. Members of the Lincoln ward will construct the chapel under the direction of Ted Mulholland, former resident engineer at Fort Lewis. (TNT 7-3-50, p. 12)
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)
