Printed on front: The First Presbyterian Church, Tacoma, Washington

Printed on front: Overlooking Tacoma's fast-developing civic center -- First Presbyterian Church and Scottish Rite Cathedral (left backgroud). An official Tacoma Chamber of Commerce photograph.

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);

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;

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;

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 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. 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;

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);

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;

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);

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, 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;

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. 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. 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, 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 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. 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. 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);

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. 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);

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;

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);

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);