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;

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;

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;

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);

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;

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);

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;

On December 20, 1939, the boys choir at First Presbyterian Church were photographed for the Tacoma Times while practicing under the direction of Frank Nurding, organist, for the upcoming Sunday. This was a typical scene all over Tacoma as church choirs prepared for Christmas services. The Times has identified the choir members as: First row: Sandy Murray, David Thaller, Ted Vaughn, Tom Swayze. Second row: Thomas Lowry, Clare Hoffer, Gregg Freiberg, Hubert Lagasse. Third row: Michael Roeder, Wallace Samuelson, Raymond Olson, Glen Stevens. (T.Times 12-22-39, p. 9)

Choirs (Music)--1930-1940; Singers; Choirboys; Nurding, Frank; Organs; Musicians--Tacoma--1930-1940; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Past and present leaders of the large Inez F. Weyer Guild enjoy fellowship as new officers take command on March 27, 1940. Mrs. H.E. Reynolds, seated at desk, prepares to relinquish her post as president of the guild to Mrs. Niel B. Nelson, elected president during the guild's luncheon meeting held at the First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Nelson is standing next to Mrs. Reynolds. Also present in the photograph are: Mrs. W.C. Stooks, Mrs. Arthur Herstrom, Mrs. Harry Swarm, Mrs. A.V.H. Bacon, Mrs. Fred R. Klopfenstein, Mrs. Paul Mellinger and Mrs. R.J. Lowery. (T.Times, 3-30-40, p. 4)

Inez F. Weyer Guild (Tacoma); First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

First Presbyterian Church, general view of exterior, as photographed in January of 1940. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. (filed with Argentum)

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

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.;

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);

June 6, 1942 wedding of Barbara Bartley and William J. Rankin at Ferguson Chapel, First Presbyterian Church. Ruth Anderson served as her best friend's Maid of Honor and was attired in pink. Marianne Bartley, sister of the bride, and Joizell Wilkenson were bridesmaids; one was dressed in yellow and the other in aqua. Dale Darling was Best Man, assisted by Clinton Nordquist and Mose Dieffenbach. (T. Times 6/12/1942, pg. 8-announcement)

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bartley, Barbara Joyce--Marriage; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Rankin, William J.; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Wedding clothing & dress--1940-1950;

Friends of the bridegroom provided the music for the June 6, 1942 wedding of Barbara Joyce Bartley and William J. (Bill) Rankin. Pictured are Bill Rhodenbough, organist, and Bob Kirkpatrick, soloist. The pair performed the classic "Oh Promise Me." (T. Times 6/12/1942, pg. 8)

Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Rhodenbough, Bill; Kirkpatrick, Bob;

Barbara Ethel Farrell and Richard Annis were wed at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 1942 at the First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma. The pair had both attended Lincoln High School. (TNT 8/2/1942, pg. B-6)

Farrell, Barbara Ethel--Marriage; Annis, Richard; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Wedding clothing & dress--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (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;

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);

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);

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.;

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;

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);

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;

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;

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.