Parishioners celebrated the dedication of the St. Joseph Slovak Catholic Church on May 19, 1912. The church, located at 602 South 34th St., was built by congregation members who had purchased the site in April of 1908. Piles of bricks remained in the photograph's foreground across the street from the church. The structure stood 92 x 46-feet tall with a full concrete basement. The auditorium was 46 x 73-feet and seated 450 people. Membership was approximately 150. St. Joseph's was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest. (TDL 5-19-12, p. 33-article)

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1920; Church dedications--Tacoma;

Bishop Edward J. O'Dea at dedication of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 602 South 34th Street, on May 19, 1912. He was assisted by Rev. Father Paul Kern and Rev. Aloysius Mlinar, rector. Some of the 150 members appeared in this photograph with two young girls carrying large bouquets. St. Joseph's was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest. The building and ground were paid for entirely by Slavonian church members or those in the Slovak community. The church was built by its congregation who labored after finishing their regular jobs. It was estimated that this volunteer labor saved more than $10,000 in construction costs with the building costs initially set at $25,000. (TDL 5-19-12, p. 33-article)

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1912; Church dedications--Tacoma;

Members of the Polish National Alliance posed at the dedication of St. Joseph's Church, 602 South 34th St., on May 19, 1912. The men all wear ribbons/medals. It is not known whether the large group participated in the parade down Pacific Avenue prior to the church dedication.

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Polish National Alliance (Tacoma);

The boys of Saint Patrick's beat Visitation, Holy Rosary, Sacred Heart, and Saint Leo's to win the Parochial Basketball League title in 1936. Only the last names of the players on St. Patrick's team were listed in the Tacoma Times when this photograph was published on March 13, 1936. They were: (l to r, standing) Burkehouse, Kroha, Haaker, King (the manager) and Giannelli; (l to r, seated) Weaver, Wonder, Realey and DesMaris.

Church schools--Tacoma; St. Patrick's Parochial School (Tacoma); Basketball players--Tacoma--1930-1940; School children--1930-1940;

Constanti - Taylor wedding ceremony in St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Church has high, vaulted ceiling. Three large lights with multiple globes hang from ceiling. Elaborate altar adorned with floral arrangements. Shirley Constanti and Keith Bogan served as attendants for Marie Eileen Constanti and Thomas Zachary Taylor at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony on March 25, 1940. A reception followed in the Rose & Gold room of the Hotel Winthrop. The newlywed couple will be making their home in San Diego, California. (T.Times, 3-25-40, p. 7)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Constanti, Marie Eileen--Marriage; Taylor, Thomas Zachary; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Altars--Tacoma;

St. Patrick's Church, general view of exterior. Large stone church building by Frederick Heath, Architect; 1906. (T. Times, Spring Edition)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma;

St. Patrick's Church, general view of exterior. Large stone church building by Frederick Heath, Architect; 1906. (T.Times, Spring Edition)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma;

Interior of the main worship area at the dedication of the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church, photograph ordered by the Catholic Northwest Progress. The new church was consecrated in special ceremonies and services on March 19 & 20, 1955. The Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle, consecrated the church's main altar on Saturday, March 19th. He assisted in the blessing and laying of the cornerstone. Following that ceremony, the parishioners entered their new church for services. The new church could seat 700. The Architectural firm of McGuire and Muri designed the building; the builder was Strom Construction. (TNT 3/18/1955, pg. A-5)

Sacred Heart Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma;

Dedication of the new Sacred Heart Catholic Church, photograph ordered by the Catholic Northwest Progress. Prior to entering the church, the parishioners were invited to observe the blessing and laying of the cornerstone by the Most Rev. Thomas A. Connolly, Archbishop of Seattle. The new church and rectory were built of reinforced concrete with brick facing at a cost of $316,000. The church also had a convent and parochial school, run by the Sisters of Providence, on the grounds. In 1955, the parish had 600 families and the school had 376 pupils. (TNT 3/18/1955, pg. A-5)

Sacred Heart Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma;

The Church of the Visitation in South Tacoma is full as parishioners and guests observe the first solemn high mass sung by a recently ordained young priest on May 16, 1954. All attention is focused on the activity at the altar. The Rev. Timothy Lamm, 26, was ordained to the Catholic priesthood at St. James Cathedral in Seattle the day before. Father Timothy was one of three Benedictine monks from St. Martin's to be ordained that day. This elevated view of the altar, church dignitaries, and kneeling crowd was taken from the back of the church, perhaps a choir loft. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue. (TNT 5-13-54, A-10)

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Church of the Visitation (Tacoma); Altars--Tacoma;

A proud moment in the life of a newly ordained priest is captured in a May 16, 1954, photograph. A celebratory banquet in his honor is being held with family members as special guests. The Rev. Timothy Lamm, 26, son of Mr. and Mrs. David J. Lamm, Sr. of Puyallup, had just conducted his first solemn high mass at Church of the Visitation. Father Timothy, a Benedictine monk, had been ordained the day before in St. James Cathedral, Seattle. He was valedictorian of his 1950 graduation class at St. Martin's College and later studied theology at Mt. Angel Abbey, Oregon. From left to right in the photograph are: Mary Lamm, Mrs. Laurence Thielen, Sister Mary Alita, Mrs. David Lamm, Sr., Father Timothy Lamm, O.S.B., David J. Lamm, Sr., Sister Ruthella, Frank and Raymond Lamm. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue. (TNT 5-13-54, A-10, TNT 6-6-54, B-4))

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lamm, Timothy; Banquets--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A procession of priests stride along a brilliantly sunlit sidewalk on the way to a young priest's first solemn high mass. The mass will occur on May 16, 1954, at the Church of the Visitation on South 58th St. Some of the priests hold their hands together in a prayer position. The priest in the middle is wearing a dark cassock while two in front wear surplices. A few church parishioners watch and wait. Photograph ordered by the Rev. Gabriel Donohue.

Priests--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Easter Sunday at various Tacoma churches. Worshipers gather on the steps of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 602 South 34th St, on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939. St. Joseph's was built by its congregation members and dedicated in May of 1912. It was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Easter--Tacoma;

Father Anthony Baffaro, pastor of St. Rita's Catholic Church, stands on the church steps with his confirmation class on April 12, 1953. The boys in the group, some in uniform, have been placed in front of the veiled girls in white. St. Rita's was founded by Italian immigrants; built in 1924 in the Mediterranean style, it was placed on the National Registry. Its parish priest, Fr. Anthony Baffaro, was the youngest Jesuit priest in history. He was very involved in encouraging youth activities in the church and organized a church baseball team. Fr. Baffaro died on February 17, 1979, after serving his parish since September, 1948. Photograph ordered by Fr. Baffaro. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 3, p. 87)

St. Rita's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Confirmations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Baffaro, Anthony;

Members of the committee planning St. Rita's annual church bazaar met to complete their plans. There were to be many well stocked booths and favors awarded hourly on the hour during the three-day event. L-R, are, seated Mary (Mrs. Fisher) Messina, Evelyn (Mrs. Joseph) Liberto and Caroline Turco. Standing, Mrs Louis Constanti, Amelia (Mrs. John) Mazzuca, and Cyrilla (Mrs. Leo) DiStafano. (TNT, 11/12/1952, p.15)

St. Rita's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Messina, Mary; Liberto, Evelyn; Turco, Caroline; DiStafano, Cyrilla; Mazzuca, Amelia; Women--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fund raising--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Patricia Henry and Alvin Larsen wedding. The bride and groom sign their marriage certificate at St. Josephs while the maid of honor and best man look on. The bride was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Forest Henry and the groom was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Emile Larsen. The couple made their first home in Tacoma. (TNT 8/19/1952, pg. 11)

Catholic churches--Tacoma; Wedding costume--1950-1960; Brides--1950-1960; Weddings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Grooms (Weddings)--1950-1960; Henry, Patricia--Marriage; Larsen, Alvin;

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;

Dorothy Hanson (far left) and Al Bellandi were crowned king and queen of the Young People's Fellowship's Mardi Gras carnival held on Friday February 22, 1952 at Holy Communion Church parish house. Toni Jones (right), president of the Young People's Fellowship, is helping arrange King Bellandi's royal cape. Booths, a box supper and games were followed by dancing and cards. Proceeds from the affair benefited the church. (TNT, 2/20/1952, p.A-12) TPL-10520

Church of the Holy Communion (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma; Hanson, Dorothy; Bellandi, Al; Jones, Toni;

Attorney Gail Haddock, 510 Perkins Building, commissioned a series of photographs depicting a scene of an accident. The accident apparently occurred near Holy Rosary Church, shown on the far right, and Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way). This view shows the steepness of the hill near the church.

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Streets--Tacoma;

Tacoma Ave S looking south towards St. Joseph's Catholic Church. This photograph was taken on August 9, 1950, near Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way) and the Holy Rosary Church. It apparently depicts the vicinity of an accident and was commissioned by Gail Haddock, attorney, 510 Perkins Building.

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Streets--Tacoma;

Father Martin Duggan was honored by his parish at Holy Cross Church on his 25th anniversary as a priest. He is seen here, second from the right, surrounded by well-wishers, near the table set for cake and coffee. Silver tea and coffee service as well as candelabra decorate the table and a four-tiered cake is ready to be cut. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely.

Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Anniversaries--Tacoma; Cakes--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Holy Cross Church presented a new automobile to Father Martin Duggan for his 25th anniversary as a priest. The automobile came complete with virtually every accessory possible. Jim McMenamin, chairman of the silver jubilee committee, hands Father Duggan the keys while members of the congregation look on. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely. (TNT, 5/9/1950, p.19)

Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; McMenamin, James H.;

Group of 13 altar boys at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4302 No. Shirley St. Holy Cross was founded in 1915. In 1950, it was under the direction of the Rev. M.J. Duggan and also included a parochial school run by the Dominican Sisters. These boys served as altar boys during a three day mission in March 1950 at the church. The mission was conducted by Rev. Enda Somers of Los Angeles and featured a special childrens' mission for the students of the school and area public schools. The boys are: front row left to right Jerry Paukert, David Lane, Jerry Hubbard; 2nd row Billy McConnell, Marty Dougherty, David Albright, James Burcar; back row Billy McMenamin, Bobby Gunovick, David Walsh, Billy Ostruske, George O'Dore and Ronald O'Connell. (TNT 3/4/1950, pg. 18)

Catholic churches--Tacoma; Vestments; Acolytes; Boys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma);

In May of 1949, St. Patrick's Church, 1123 No. J St., was photographed outlined against the spring sky. The Catholic church was designed by architect Frederick Heath, and built in 1906 of stone. It replaced the original wooden church which served the Old Town section of Tacoma for 13 years before being destroyed by fire in 1905. The first services in the new church were held on Christmas Day, 1906, although the church was later dedicated in June of 1907. A bell tower graces one corner of the church and a rose window is centered above the main doors. The doors and windows are arched. St. Patrick's Parochial School can be seen on the far right. TPL-4766

St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; St. Patrick's Parochial School (Tacoma); Church schools--Tacoma; Bell towers--Tacoma; Stained glass--Tacoma; Windows--Tacoma; Arches--Tacoma;

This front-on view of the exterior of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church with scaffolding set against its spire was taken on May 16, 1949, just a month after the devastating earthquake that damaged many buildings in the Puget Sound region, including some of the parish buildings. The gothic style church with its tall 54-foot steeple (270 feet from the ground to the top of the cross) dominates the city's skyline for long distances. Saint Joseph's Catholic Church can be seen in the distance along Tacoma Avenue at South 34th Street. Photograph ordered by Safway Steel Scaffolds Co.

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Spires--Tacoma; Safway Steel Scaffolding Co. (Tacoma); Scaffolding--Tacoma;

Safway Steel Scaffolds Company. An exterior view of Church of the Holy Rosary with scaffolding ascending the lower portion of the spire. The church was originally built in 1891 of wood. In 1920 the brick structure was demolished and this brick, gothic style building was built at the same location. The rectory, located at 512 South 30th Street, is seen next to the church on the north.

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Spires--Tacoma; Safway Steel Scaffolding Co. (Tacoma); Scaffolding--Tacoma;

St. Leo's new convent at 13th and G Streets, Times, Father Krebsbach. The new convent of the Sisters of St. Francis was nearly complete and St. Leo's held an Open House September 26, 1948. Construction of the new convent, adjoining St. Leo's church, was begun March 1, 1948, and was expected to be complete the end of September at a cost of $125,000. The building contained 22 rooms in addition to the library, kitchen, community room and laundry facilities. A two-story arch surrounded the main doorway and a round window decorated the corner of the facade. A cross is placed at the peak of the roofline. (T.Times, 9/25/1948, p.1)

St. Leo's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Sisters of St. Francis Convent (Tacoma); Convents--Tacoma; Arches--Tacoma; Windows--Tacoma; Crosses;

Wedding party at altar at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Dorothy Blanche Gourley and Robert Frank Mennitti were married during the late summer with Reverend Father Buckman and 250 guests. Dorothy, the daughter of Earl B. and Elsie L. Gourley and Robert, the son of Rocco J. and Jennie Minnitti, were both graduates of Stadium High School. Robert had also graduated from the College of Puget Sound. (T.Times, 9/7/1948, p.6)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Altars--Tacoma; Mennitti, Robert Frank; Gourley, Dorothy Blanche; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950;

Glenna Ann Gaffney and James B. Dickson were married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church September 11, 1948. A white runner is lying on the carpet down the central aisle of the church where the bride and her attendants walked to the central altar. The bride can be seen on the left side of the altar, the priest is in the center and the groom is on the right. The bride was a graduate of St. Leo's and attended Seattle University. The groom attended Washington Technical Institute of Seattle. The interior of the church is lit by central chandeliers and side sconces. Columns rise into arches and rib-vaulted ceilings. (T.Times, 9/18/1948, p.10)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Chandeliers; Altars--Tacoma; Arches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Columns--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gaffney, Glenna Ann--Marriage; Dickson, James B.; Priests--Tacoma;

First Communion, St. Joseph's Church, Father Joe. Four girls and ten boys pose for their group portrait with two nuns 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.

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;