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 Lutheran Church, confirmation picture. A group of young people pose in white confirmation robes. The boys have suits and ties underneath the robes; the girls have corsages pinned to the robes.

First Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Confirmations--Tacoma--1950-1960;

A sepia photograph of the Central Lutheran Church choir was taken in the church's choir loft on March 15, 1953. They would be presenting "Seven Last Words", a cantata by Dubois, on Good Friday. Rev. Rueben H. Redal, pastor, is believed to be in the front row, on the left, with director Wilbur Arnold at his side. Central Lutheran, located at 1001 South "G" Street, apparently had a massive organ; there is a large cross placed on the front of the pipes. First Presbyterian Church was dedicated at that site in 1890; Central Lutheran established residency there in the 1930's. (TNT 3-29-53, D-11)

Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Choirs (Music); Organ lofts--Tacoma; Organs;

The choir stands in front of the pipe organ at Central Lutheran Church.

Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Organs;

In July of 1949 contractor Bob Joshlin brought in a 120-foot crane from Northwest Hauling Company to remove the tower from the Central Lutheran Church. The church at 1001 South G was built in 1889 as the First Presbyterian Church. The tower had been condemned due to deterioration during its 50-year watch over downtown Tacoma. The church was demolished in 1955. (TNT, 7/15/1949, p.1) TPL-4455

Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Bell towers--Tacoma; Steeples; Hoisting machinery; Northwest Hauling Co. (Tacoma);

In January of 1950, 33 inches of snow fell in Tacoma and the average temperature was 28.4 degrees F. By February 2nd the water in Gig Harbor yacht basin had frozen into ice five inches thick. The Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 101 E. 38th St. was feeling the chill. They hired Ellwood C. Karst and Robert E. Patterson, owners of the Home Insulation Company, to blow rock wool insulation into the church. This photograph was taken on February 2, 1950.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Home Insulation Co. (Tacoma); Trucks--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Holroyd Company, Bethlehem Lutheran Church. A view of the new sanctuary of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Open beams are shown with a wooden ceiling beyond. The altar stands against the far wall. The interior of the church was photographed on February 1, 1949.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Altars--Tacoma; Ceilings--Tacoma;

Pageant at Central Lutheran Church, for Mr. Stine. From the costumes and the date of the picture, this was most likely a nativity pageant. (WSHS)

Central Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Pageants--1930-1940; Theatrical productions--1930-1940;