Luther Memorial Church, 50th Anniversary service. The English Gothic church at So. 5th and I St. marked its Golden Anniversary on Sunday, October 26th, 1941. The church was officially organized on June 7, 1891 in a W.C.T.U. hall, but the first service was held February 13th in a dance hall. The group was originally called the Zion's English Lutheran Church. The pictured site was purchased in 1892 for $3500. The church was a pioneer in the sparsely settled district. The building, designed by Emanuel J.Bresemann and Marinus Durfee, Architects, was completed in 1910 and dedicated as Saint John's English Lutheran Church; it was later renamed Luther Memorial. The church held its final service after 112 years on November 9th, 2003; the building was sold to Multicare. (T. Times. 10/23/1941, pg. 12)

Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Luther Memorial Church (Tacoma);

Harold A. Johnson works on the mural he has been commissioned to create for the Bethel Pentecostal Church on So. 11th and J St. The church's pastor, the Rev. John W. Moseid, steps up on the artist's platform for a closer look. The mural will be unveiled and discussed by the artist at a special service on January 16, 1943. (T. Times 1/16/1943, pg. 7)

Bethel Pentecostal Assembly (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Murals; Johnson, Harold A.; Moseid, John W.; Artists--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clergy--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Wedding of Bessie Bryan and R. J. Cerveny at First Presbyterian Church. Bride and groom stand in front of building.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Bryan, Bessie--Marriage; Cerveny, R.J.;

Wedding of Margaret Elizabeth (Betty) Wetherby and Connor E. Gray, Jr. in the Ferguson Chapel at the First Presbyterian Church. The bride is pictured in her wedding gown of white net over satin. It has a sweetheart neckline. She is wearing a bonnet of pleated and shirred net with an attached fingertip veil. The new wedded couple made their home in Seattle. (T. Times 7/14/1941, pg. 7; 7/12/1941, pg. 4)

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Wetherby, Margaret Elizabeth--Marriage;

On Sunday, November 17, 1940, soldiers from Ft. Lewis, McChord Field and Camp Murrary filled in as the choir at the Independent Bible Church, which met at the former Scottish Rite Cathedral. (T.Times 11/18/1940 p.1)

Independent Bible Church (Tacoma);

Two ministers and another man pose on the 60th anniversary, October 17, 1942, of the First Lutheran Church. Rev. Carl E. Rydell was the current minister, although many of the previous church ministers as well as church officials attended the festivities. The church was organized October 17, 1882 as a missionary enterprise by the Rev. Peter Carlson. Its original members were Swedish and Norwegian, although the Norwegians later left to form their own church. It was the first congregation of Swedish speaking people to be organized in Washington.

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

Wedding of Nadellia Weglin and Throne J. Eggan at Luther Memorial Church. Bride and groom in front of church. Building by Emanuel J. Bresemann and Marinus Durfee, Architects: 1910.

Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Luther Memorial Church (Tacoma); Weglin, Nadellia--Marriage; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Eggan, Throne J.; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950;

The Little Church on the Prairie. The picture of the Church was taken during the wedding photography for Jean McDonald and William Jepson, on August 17, 1941. The structure was formerly a grocery store and was converted into a church with the addition of a steeple, new windows and doors. It was dedicated in 1938, one of the first churches in the new community of Lakewood. Due to its quaint exterior, it was a popular choice for weddings.

Little Church on the Prairie (Lakewood);

Catholic Church of the Visitation. Thirty seven young boys standing in appropriate Catholic choir garb, holding hymn books, ready to sing. Building by C. Frank Mahon, Architect, 1913.

Churches - Catholic Churches - Tacoma - Church of the Visitation Music - Choral Music - Choirs - Church Choirs

First Congregational Church. Exterior view of stone building with stained glass windows and bell tower. The cornerstone of the First Congregational Church was laid September 5, 1907. The first services were held in the Gothic structure a little over a year later on October 11, 1908. The building was designed by noted Tacoma architect George W. Bullard, class of '82 at the University of Illinois.

Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Stone buildings;

This photograph of the First Congregational Church, at the corner of Division and South J Street, was taken in April of 1943. The congregation of the First Congregational Church can trace its history in Tacoma back to 1873 when the first church members gathered in a tent in Old Tacoma. The cornerstone for the church at 209 South J was laid September 5, 1907 and the dedicatory services were held December 12, 1909. Designed by George W. Bullard, the church and its adjoining school building are brick faced with Tenino sandstone. Ordered by Rev. Harold Booch, Pastor. [Also dated 04-18-1943]

Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Stone buildings;

Tacoma Council of Churches breakfast for service men. The Tacoma Council of Churches collaborated with the United Service Organization Travelers Aid Service and hosted a fellowship breakfast for servicemen. Servicemen who participated in the event are seated in the USO lounge. (T. Times, 7/29/44, p. 7).

Military personnel--Tacoma; USO clubs (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma);

Committee of four ladies for the Catholic Daughters of America.The Catholic Daughters of America was founded in 1903. The organization is made up of Catholic women involved in religious, charitable and educational projects. Pictured are Mrs. Alexander Brewuer, Mrs. Edward C. Grewich, Aimee (Mrs. M.J.) Kenney and Catherine (Mrs. Ashley K.) White.

Catholic Daughters of America (Tacoma); Kenney, Aimee; White, Catherine F.; Public service organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Dwight and Virginia Robinson stand outside St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Old Tacoma wearing some of the fall season's new fashions. Mrs. Robinson is wearing a coat of Bolivia cloth and a Canadian fox collar. Mr. Robinson, president of Western Furnaces, chose a conservative three-button lounge sack guit and a Dobbs hat. The exterior of St. Peter's has weathered and some of the windows are broken. Restoration of the early Tacoma church was begun in 1956. The small, 21 ft. x 45 ft., Carpenter Gothic church was built in 1873. It was designed by Rev. Charles Bonnell. The timber was donated by Hanson-Ackerson Mill and construction took 10 days. The building was placed on the National Register in 1975. Ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune for their fall fashion section. (TNT, 9/11/1952, p.C-7)

Episcopal churches--Tacoma; St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Aged persons--Tacoma; Robinson, Dwight; Robinson, Virginia; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Spouses--Tacoma;

Members of the Central Seventh Day Adventist Church began construction of their new church in the fall of 1952. They had rented the First Congragational Church at Division Avenue and J Streets since the congregation outgrew their old church on I Street. Plywood concrete forms and steel rebar are in place during construction and two workmen are sawing plywood while standing on scaffolding. Progress photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association. (TNT, 9/28/1952, p.C-15)

Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma); Plywood; Reinforced concrete construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Churches--Tacoma; Central Seventh Day Adventist Church (Tacoma);

Children at the Foursquare Gospel Church let loose their large balloons in celebration of the first Cadet Rally on December 1, 1951. All eyes follow the balloons' upward path. The Foursquare Gospel Church was located at 2303 South Sheridan Avenue and pastored by Rev. Elsworth T. Johnson. Built in 1909, the church was first home to the First Swedish-Finnish Baptist Church before it was purchased by Foursquare Gospel in 1938. (TPL-3864)

Protestant churches--Tacoma; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balloons--Tacoma; Foursquare Gospel Church (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;

The adult choir at Trinity Methodist Church. Ordered by Mrs. Sanderson. Reverend John P. Johnson was pastor at this time.

Trinity Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music);

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;

The Norwegian, Rogalands Laget Convention was held at the Messiah Lutheran Church on August 14 and 15, 1948. Norwegians came from all parts of the state; two reporters for a Norwegian newspaper published in Fargo, North Dakota, attended. The program included addresses, music and other entertainment, presented in both English and Norwegian. This group photograph was taken in front of the Messiah Lutheran Church, built as the First Norwegian Lutheran Church in 1891. In 1959, it became the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and in 1965 the Shiloh Baptist Church. Ordered by Stavanger Lag (Lodge), Marie Sala, Secretary. (TNT, 8/11/1948, p. 18). TPL-6584

Messiah Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Group portraits; Meetings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Norwegian Americans;

Wedding at No. 9th St. and Oxford Church made from an old barn, Times, Paul Lantz. A man is working in a deep trench that appears to go around the front of the converted barn which was 32 feet by 48 feet. An altar, stained glass windows (purchased for $50 from a church that was being torn down) and the steeple were added to the barn on the hill above Narrows at North 9th and Oxford Streets and became the Skyline Boulevard Christian Church. The church was sponsored by the Washington State Christian Missionary Society. (T.Times, 8/16/1947, p.4)

Churches--Tacoma; Barns--Tacoma; Crosses; Construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Recycled structures--Tacoma; Excavation--Tacoma--1940-1950; Skyline Boulevard Christian Church (Tacoma);

The Tabitha Society of the First Lutheran Church gave a tea April 1, 1948, in honor of the women in their congregation that were over 80 years old.. Corsages were given to the guests of honor. L-R, seated, are Ira Norling, Hanna Leif, and Hilda Anderson; standing, Marie Swanson, Minnie Ostberg, Anna C. Bloom, Hilma Johnson and Ida C. Melin. Photo taken for Mrs. Hosmer, News Tribune. (TNT, 4/5/1948, p.5)

First Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Tabitha Society (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Aged persons--Tacoma--1940-1950;

First Communion, St. Joseph's Church, Father Joe. Four girls and ten boys pose for their group portrait with the priest from St. Joseph's Church. The girls wear white dresses with lots of ruffles and white headdresses. The boys wear white shirts and bow ties and hold their hands in front of themselves. Several of the children hold their rosary beads. Many of the children are smiling for their portrait.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Communion; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children--Tacoma--1940-1950; Children & adults--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Group portraits;

The New Tacoma Cemetery offers their clients 100 acres of beautiful peaceful resting grounds. The New Tacoma Cemetery has been serving Tacoma families since 1932, they are under the administration of the Tacoma Cemetery Association, a non-profit organization. Exterior view of grounds, large trees and beautifully landscaped grounds offer peace and tranquility, sacred sanctuary in background.

Cemeteries--Tacoma; Gardens--Tacoma; Trees--Tacoma; Graves--Tacoma; Undertaking--Tacoma; Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma; Death--Tacoma; New Tacoma Cemetery (Tacoma); Tacoma Cemetery Association (Tacoma);

Assembly of God was hosting a United Full-Gospel Fellowship Rally, Reverend Walter McAllister was the guest speaker. The rally would include eleven churches and eleven pastors, community Christian discussions with worship services and growing revivals. View of participating people in the auditorium of the First Christian Church, the balcony and ground level pews are filled up, stained glass in background (T. Times, 5/29/48, p. 3).

Religious meetings--Tacoma; Audiences--Tacoma; Churches--Tacoma; Pews--Tacoma; Religion; Assembly of God (Tacoma); First Christian Church (Tacoma);

Drawing upon the 14th Psalm and the Book of Revelations, Dr. Walter A Maier of the Lutheran Hour radio program addressed a capacity audience in the Tacoma Ice Palace, 3801 South Union Avenue, on May 21, 1948. The main theme of his address was "Christ, Not Communism". Dr. Maier told his audience that Communism was "anti-Christ, anti-Bible, anti-church ... and anti-everything that is God or good" and warned that a Third World War would "give the Reds the rule of the world". (T. Times, 5/22/48, p. 2).

Religious meetings--Tacoma; Evangelists; Public speaking--Tacoma; Audiences--Tacoma; Signs (Notices); Events--Tacoma; Tacoma Ice Palace (Tacoma); Maier, Walter A.; Lutheran Layman's League (Tacoma);

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was having their annual pageant. View of five unidentified couples who attended the coronation of the Queen. The women are all wearing floor length outfits and the men have on long coats. There were three Mormon churches during this time, one of churches was the Reorganized Church.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Beauty contests--Tacoma; Mormons--Tacoma;

The Assembly of God Church at 1121 So. G St. (now Altheimer St.) is filled with families attending a youth rally. The Tacoma church was founded in 1918 by Rev. Frank Gray. Today, as First Assembly of God Life Center at 1717 So. Union Ave., it has one of the largest congregations in Tacoma. The building in this photograph was designed by Silas E. Nelsen, architect, and dedicated in 1926. It is now the Altheimer Memorial Church of God in Christ. TPL-6397

Assembly of God (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma; Religious meetings; Audiences--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma--1940-1950; Families--Tacoma--1940-1950; Balconies--Tacoma; Silas E. Nelsen Architects (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)

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (music); Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); African Americans--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ervin, William;