First Presbyterian Church choir. This is the First Presbyterian Church choir as pictured above on September 13, 1972. The 30-member chorus performed at a church banquet held in the church's Stone Hall. Photograph ordered by the First Presbyterian Church.

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

The 20th annual missionary conference of the First Presbyterian Church would be held October 5-12, 1969. In keeping with the current space age theme, church members hold signs "lift-off for Missions" asking for prayers and donations. A giant cut-out of the earth with a wooden cross serves as a reminder of Christianity's influence on the world. The public would be invited to a tea honoring participating missionaries on October 9, 1969. Making plans for the tea were: (l-r) music chairman Mrs. James Klouse, Weyer Guild president Mrs. Cecil Meyers, Mrs. Albert J. Lindsey, wife of First Presbyterian's pastor, and president of the Women's Assn., Mrs. Harold Pratt. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church. (TNT 10-5-69, E-3)

Lindsey, Bernice; Klouse, James--Family; Meyers, Cecil--Family; Pratt, Harold--Family; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Christianity--Tacoma;

The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church honored their pastor, Dr. Albert J. Lindsey, with a large plaque in appreciation for his 20 years of service to the church. Church elder H.A. Briggs (r in photo) presented Pastor and Mrs. Lindsey with the plaque. Mr. Briggs had arranged in June of 1949 for Dr. Lindsey, then a Detroit minister, to come to Tacoma to hold a Bible conference and to preach a sermon. He was installed as pastor later that month. Dr. and Mrs. Lindsey were feted at a surprise reception in the church's courtyard following morning service on July 27, 1969. Photograph ordered by the First Presbyterian Church. (TNT 8-1-69, B-2)

Lindsey, Albert J.; Clergy--Tacoma--1960-1970; Lindsey, Bernice; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Briggs, H.A.; Plaques--Tacoma;

Seated at the First Presbyterian Church's piano on December 29, 1967, is Calvin H. Knapp, professor at Pacific Lutheran University. Knapp graduated from the Julliard School of Music in New York City and began teaching piano, organ and theory at Pacific Lutheran in 1959. He was also the Director of Music at First Presbyterian and an official adjudicator for the Washington State Music Teachers Assn. Calvin Knapp and pianist wife Sandra resided in Gig Harbor. Photograph ordered by Calvin Knapp. (TNT 11-19-67, C-16, TNT 1-14-68, D-14)

Knapp, Calvin H.; Teachers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Musicians--Tacoma--1960-1970;

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;

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;

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);

First Presbyterian Church and approximately 300 children attending the 1953 Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible School was sponsored by area churches during a week in the summer to give children a chance to study the scriptures during their free time, and for parents to keep their children busy during the long summer days. For many baby boomers, summer brings fond memories of Vacation Bible School - memorizing Bible verses, singing songs, making Biblical characters out of clothespins and having snacks of cookies and Koolaid.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Christianity--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); School children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Christian vacation schools--1950-1960;

Barbara Horjes and Richard K. Quinn march blissfully down the aisle of the First Presbyterian Church as the newly wedded husband and wife after taking their vows on September 19, 1952. The bride is wearing a floor length gown with a skirt of lace over net ruffles, lace bodice and sleeves and net at the neckline. Both bride and groom are wearing big smiles. The wedding was followed by a reception at the University Union Club.

Brides--1950-1960; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Horjes, Barbara; Quinn, Richard K.; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

A large wedding party poses for pictures at the Willis-Bushnell nuptials. Shirley June Willis and David S. Bushnell Jr. were married August 8, 1952 at the First Presbyterian Church. The bride was the daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Henry Willis of Tacoma and the groom was the son of Mr. and Mrs. David S. Bushnell of Seattle. The bride wore Chantilly lace over ice blue tulle and satin with an ice blue fingertip veil. The bridal attendants were Mrs. George W. Brewer, Mrs. Alvin Lackey, Mrs. W. Benjamin Davis, Mrs. Harry Sanky, Miss Jeanne Shugard and Miss Billie Mellis. Junior attendants were Linda Willis and Gary Willis. The best man was the groom's twin brother Donald D. Bushnell. Ushers were Alvin Lackey, Gail Halliday, Wes Wager, Robert Hagedorn and Wayne Willis. Lois Gunderson and Carol Berger were candlelighters. The reception was held at the Tacoma Lawn and Tennis Club. The bride was a graduate of Stadium High School and the University of Washington, where she was president of Pi Beta Phi sorority and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. The groom was from Glendale, California and working on his doctorate at the University of Washington. (TNT 8/17/1952, pg. D-7)

Brides--1950-1960; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Wedding attendants--Tacoma; Willis, Shirley June--Marriage; Bushnell, David S.;

The J.H. McMurry family of Puyallup at the Ellexson-Duboise wedding. JoEll McMurry was the junior bridesmaid at the wedding of Gloria Ellexson and John Robert Duboise at the First Presbyterian Church. The bride from Sumner was well known throughout the state as a drum majorette and was in television work in California. The groom was from Chicago and studying medicine at the Los Angeles College of Physicians and Surgeons. (Tacoma Reporter)

Families--Puyallup--1950-1960; Evening gowns--Tacoma--1950-1960; McMurry, J.H.--Family; McMurry, JoEll;

Wedding portrait of Joyce Adele Nelson and Lt. Gordon Albert Arnold, U.S.A.F., and attendants. The Arnolds were married March 29, 1952 in the Ferguson Memorial chapel of the First Presbyterian Church. The bride wore a white satin gown with a lace Peter Pan collar. Her heirloom veil was fingertip length and was first worn by her great-grandmother. Mrs. George Edward Anderson, sister of the bride, was matron of honor and wore a green satin brocade gown. Miss Janet Nelson, cousin of the bride, was a bridesmaid and George Edward Anderson, brother in law of the bride, was best man. Ushers were Lt. William Schwehm, Richard Knipe and Richard Frederick. The bride was the daughter of the Irving Nelsons and the groom was the son of the Norman Arnolds of Nazareth, Pa. Their first home was made in Tacoma. Lt. Arnold had been serving for 15 months with the Korean airlift. Sepia portrait. (TNT 4-6-1952, pg. D-2)

Wedding costume--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Nelson, Joyce--Marriage; Arnold, Gordon; Wedding attendants--Tacoma;

The kitchen at the First Presbyterian Church has been recently remodeled. The new stainless steel surfaces on the ovens, stove, sinks and counter tops are gleaming as are the exteriors of the large coffee urns on the right. Large windows are seen on the right. Wooden tables have been added in a row along the middle of the long kitchen providing ample space for large amounts of food to be prepared. (TNT, 1/13/1952, p.C-15) TPL-2267

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Kitchens--Tacoma--1950-1960; Remodeling--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Patterson-Ambuehl wedding. Six wedding attendants gather around the smiling bride as she lifts her satin gown to show her beribboned garter. One bridesmaid gingerly tugs at the garter with one finger. Donna Mae Patterson and Andrew Ambuehl exchanged vows during a double-ring ceremony on November 30, 1951, at the First Presbyterian Church. The bride wore a Chantilly lace bodice extending into a peplum over a white satin skirt. Her attendants wore gowns of satin and tulle. The bride and groom honeymooned in California. (TNT 12-9-51, D-8)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Patterson, Donna Mae--Marriage; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

A room full of more than 100 children from the Bible class at the First Presbyterian Church. TPL-1739

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sunday schools--Tacoma;

Dr. Albert J. Lindsey stands behind the pulpit at the First Presbyterian Church.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Lindsey, Albert J.; Pulpits--Tacoma;

The administrative staff at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Albert J. Lindsey is seated at the desk. Ordered by Dr. Albert J. Lindsey.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Lindsey, Albert J.;

The chancel choir at First Presbyterian Church was one of several music groups at the church honored at special services in June 1951. The chancel choir had gained distinction for Advent and Lent as well as in performances of the great oratorios. K. Mulder Schuil, minister of music, is seated in the middle of the front row. Names are listed in the newspaper. Ordered by Mr. Scheidt. (TNT, 6/17/1951, p.D-10)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hallway outside of the main chapel at the First Presbyterian Church, Division and Tacoma Ave So., on Easter Sunday, 1951. Arched doorways and tiled floors figure importantly in the building's design. The building is heated by radiators, as can be seen on the right hand side of the picture.

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

Scenes from Easter Sunday service at the First Presbyterian Church, Division and Tacoma Ave So. The beautiful Romanesque church was designed by local architects Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, with consultation by renowned church designers Cram and Ferguson of Boston. This picture shows the choir loft backed by stained glass windows. Arches at the ceiling level accent the choir alcove. Easter lilies bedeck the altar.

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

Crowds at the Easter Sunday service at the First Presbyterian Church, Division and Tacoma Ave So. This lovely Romanesque church has been a Tacoma landmark since 1925. Arched and circular windows shine daylight into the church. Large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling help light the immense structure. The church has both balcony and ground floor seating and seems to be full this Easter Sunday.

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

Choir of approximately 50 poses in front of the First Presbyterian Church in their dark choir robes. The Church, designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Boston, can be seen in the background. The ornate dome atop the tower, with its ancient Christian symbols, has been a dominant fixture of the Tacoma skyline since 1925.

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Sepia photograph of church ceremony. This sepia photograph was taken in September, 1950, with the photographer in a loft directly across the recessed loft holding the organist and soloist. Janice Marie Ludwig and Richard D. North were married during an evening ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church; the candlelight wedding was a large one with the bride and groom each having eight attendants. The bride had a fingertip veil and a wedding dress with a long and full satin and lace train. (TNT 9-13-50, p. 22, TNT 9-17-50, p. D-4)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Ludwig, Janice Marie--Marriage; North, Richard D.; Altars--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Portrait of bride and eight bridesmaids. Dressed in lace and satin, this smiling bride apparently had a very large and elaborate wedding. Janice Marie Ludwig became the bride of Richard D. North on September 12, 1950, during an evening ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church. The bride's satin wedding gown had pointed sleeves of Chantilly lace and she carried a bouquet of stephanotis and white orchids. There are eight attendants, all dressed similarly in sleeveless white tulle with transparent stoles; Marjorie Ludwig was her cousin's maid of honor. Lighted candelabra and pale gladiolus provide a beautiful backdrop to the double ring ceremony. (TNT 9-13-50, p. 22, TNT 9-17-50, p. D-4)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Group portraits; Ludwig, Janice Marie--Marriage; Brides--1950-1960; North, Richard D.--Family; Altars--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Jacqueline Mayna Shore and Robert Doud Martin were married August 25, 1950, at First Presbyterian Church. Dr. R. Franklin Thompson, president of the College of Puget Sound, officiated at the nuptials. Miss Shore was given in marriage by Ben B. Cheney, a close friend of the family.The bride designed her own wedding costume and gowns for her attendants. She wore an ice-blue satin floor-length gown with a victorian neckline, long sleeves, fitted bodice and voluminous skirt. Pearl trim circled the net yoke and a shower of pearls decorated the front of the skirt to the hemline. Their reception was held at the Tacoma Country Club. (TNT, 8/27/1950, p.D-5)

Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wedding costume--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Shore, Jacqueline Mayna--Marriage; Martin, Robert Doud; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960;

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);

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);