By August of 1924, construction of the massive First Presbyterian Church at 20 Tacoma Avenue South was well underway. Ground had been broken in October of 1923 and the cornerstone laid in early May of 1924. The church, located in the historic Stadium District, was the third building for its congregation. The local architectural firm of Sutton, Whitney & Dugan were given the contract to design this beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. They were assisted by noted Boston church architects, Cram & Ferguson. Ralph Adams Cram would design the church's interior features including the rich wood carvings and stained glass windows. First Presbyterian was dedicated in September of 1925. TPL-516; G22.1-201; BU-11,528

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

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)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

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. 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;

Japanese American children from Fife line up on the steps of the First Presbyterian Church on February 8, 1928, dressed in traditional kimonos and with open fans. The tall young lady in the center of the photograph is their teacher, Miss Jones, who wears a kimono with thick obi. The positioning of the young girls on the steps resembles a gently opened fan. That afternoon the First Presbyterian Church sponsored a "Tea of Nations" which attracted 400 guests. Many countries in which the church had missionary programs were featured in a pageant of nations; these young girls may have been invited as representatives of Japan. They would be led in song by Miss Jones. G39.1-188A (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 2-5-28, D-1-article on Tea of Nations)

Japanese Americans--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1920-1930; Kimonos; Fans (Accessories);

Sepia photograph of Japanese American children in colorful kimonos and obis, carrying open fans. Posed against the peaceful setting of the First Presbyterian Church on February 8, 1928, these young Japanese American girls from Fife are dressed in traditional costume. The two children kneeling in front have musical instruments in their laps. At center is their teacher, Miss Jones, who is also dressed in a kimono. The First Presbyterian had a "Tea of Nations" that afternoon which was attended by 400 women. Countries where the Presbyterian Church had missions were featured; this class of young children would be singing at the event. G39.1-188B (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 2-5-28, D-1-article on Tea of Nations)

Japanese Americans--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1920-1930; Kimonos; Fans (Accessories); First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

ca. 1934. First Presbyterian Church. The red brick Romanesque structure was designed by Cram and Ferguson, architects from Boston, renowned for their church designs. They were assisted by the local architecture firm of Sutton, Whitney & Dugan. It was built in 1924 for the sum of $500,000. At the center of the picture is the Church's ornate dome with its ancient Christian symbols and figures. TPL-2266

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Members of First Presbyterian Church gather on the steps of the church for Easter Sunday services. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24.

Holidays--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Easter morning, March 28, 1937, was one of the best weather wise in many years. Churches were crowded in the morning with the fellowships spilling outside at the end of the sermons to enjoy the sunshine. The choir at the First Presbyterian Choir was photographed assembled in courtyard of church. (T. Times, 3/29/37 p. 1)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Easter--Tacoma;

Enjoying a rare sunny Easter morning are the choirs of the First Presbyterian Church who have spilled over into the church's courtyard on March 28, 1937. Crowds packed the many churches citywide to attend the Sunday services to listen to sermons and join in the singing of hymns.

Choirs (Music)--1930-1940; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Easter morning, March 28, 1937, at the First Presbyterian Church. The congregation gathers on the sidewalk in front of the building. Large trees and grass embellish the wide parkway between the sidewalk and street. (T. Times)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Easter--Tacoma;

ca. 1938. The First Presbyterian Church, showing its large stained glass window and dome. This lovely Romanesque red brick church was dedicated in September of 1925 and is on the Tacoma City Registry. It was designed by noted architect of churches Ralph Adams Cram, of Cram and Ferguson of Boston. The structure reflects Cram's interest in ecclesiastical symbolism. The design is heavy with religious symbols carved in stone, wood and metal, including its ornate dome with ancient Christian symbols and figures.

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

ca. 1938. Choir of the First Presbyterian Church, exterior view.

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

National Boy Scout Week. Boys gather around Scout Commissioner W.W. Glenn at the First United Presbyterian Church. The church serves as sponsor for the troop. Boys are Lawrence Myers, Jack Thompson, Howard Perkins, Bryce Jensen, Ross Everett, Bob Barnett and Duane Dennis. (T. Times, 2/14/1939, p. 1)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Glenn, W.W.;

National Boy Scout Week. Scouts entering First United Presbyterian Church for special Sunday evening service. Twenty-two hundred Tacoma area Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, and Cub Packs from 110 units attended weekend events scheduled to celebrate National Boy Scout Week. (T. Times, 2/14/1939, p. 1)

Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Funeral of incumbent Mayor John C. Siegle. Dr. Siegle died on a train in Oregon, enroute to Tacoma from California where he had been recuperating from an extended illness. His memorial service was held at the First Presbyterian Church and was attended by an estimated crowd of two thousand. An honor guard of uniformed Police and Fire department employees stand surrounding the flag draped coffin. Dr. Siegle was the first native Tacoman to be elected Mayor and Tacoma's first Mayor to die in office. (T. Times 4/13/1939, 4/14/1939, 4/15/1939, pg.1) also numbered D8141 image A

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939--Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at First Presbyterian Church. Police Honor Guard stands at attention between hearse and entrance. Over 2,000 people came to the church to pay their last respects to the Mayor.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at the First Presbyterian Church. A minister stands by the hearse. Police Honor Guard stands at attention between hearse and entrance. The service was performed by Rev. Arthur Bell.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at the First Presbyterian Church. General view of large crowd, hearse and Police Honor Guard.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at First Presbyterian Church. Police Honor Guard stands at attention as casket is unloaded. As an incumbent official, Siegle's body was attended by an honor guard of uniformed police and fire department personnel.

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies;

Funeral of Mayor John C. Siegle at the First Presbyterian Church. Sidewalks crowded with mourners and streets lined with automobiles. It is estimated that over 2,000 people crowded into the church to pay their last respects. By Siegle's own request, and that of the family, the interment was private. (T. Times 4/15/1939, pg. 1)

Mayors--Tacoma--1930-1940; Siegle, John C., 1885-1939-- Funeral rites & ceremonies; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Seniors of Tacoma Girl Scouts host a tea at First Presbyterian Church on April 28, 1939. Left to right: Ula Rutherford, Ruth Stalter, Charlotte Timbs, and Shirley Larsen pouring tea. (T. Times, 5/6/1939, p. 6).

Girl Scouts (Tacoma); Rutherford, Ula; Stalter, Ruth; Timbs, Charlotte; Larsen, Shirley; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Federal Old Line Life Insurance Company banquet at First Presbyterian Church on September 12, 1939. Federal Old Line was formed by J.R. Cissna and licensed in the state of Washington in 1937. His vision was a company that paid off claims within 48 hours after death. (filed with Argentum)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Federal Old Line Life Insurance Co. (Tacoma);

Federal Old Line Life Insurance Company banquet at First Presbyterian Church on September 12, 1939. Federal Old Line was formed by J.R. Cissna and licensed in the state of Washington in 1937. His vision was a company that paid off claims within 48 hours after death. (filed with Argentum)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Federal Old Line Life Insurance Co. (Tacoma);