Confirmation Class at Luther Memorial Church on May 12, 1940. Seven boys and nine girls pose with Rev. Kettner in front of altar. Building by Emanuel J. Bresemann and Marinus Durfee, Architects, 1910, and originally known as St. John's English Lutheran Church. (filed with Argentum)

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

Interior of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church showing Reverend Harold H. Engelbrecht at altar. Building built as Zion German Evangelical Lutheran in 1908, H. Crosley, Architect. After 16 years at the pulpit, Rev. Engelbrecht was leaving Tacoma to join the staff at the Lutheran University in Indiana. He came to Tacoma in 1925, after five years with a church in Puyallup. He co-founded Concordia Lutheran School and served the school in its early years in many capacities. (T. Times 10/14/1941, pg. 18)

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Engelbrecht, Harold H.; Clergy--Tacoma--1940-1950;

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);

Wedding of Nadellia Weglin and Throne J. Eggan at Luther Memorial Church. Bridal party at altar. Rose window was a gift to the church from the architect Emanuel J. Bresemann and his siblings in memory of their mother, Bertha. The church was also known as St. John's English Lutheran Church.

Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Luther Memorial Church (Tacoma); Weglin, Nadellia--Marriage; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Leaded glass windows--Tacoma;

Wedding of Nadellia Weglin and Throne J. Eggan at Luther Memorial Church. Bridal party on church steps. 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;

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;

1942 Wedding of Nadellia Weglin and Throne J. Eggan at Luther Memorial Church. Bridal signs licence as groom and others look on.

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; Clergy--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Wedding of Nadellia Weglin and Throne J. Eggan at Luther Memorial Church. Bridal party at altar in this September 22, 1942 photograph. Rose window was a gift to the church from the architect Emanuel J. Bresemann and his siblings in memory of their mother, Bertha.

Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Luther Memorial Church (Tacoma); Weglin, Nadellia--Marriage; Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Leaded glass windows--Tacoma;

On October 17, 1942, the congregation of the First Lutheran Church posed in front of the exterior of the church, celebrating the congregation's 60th anniversary. The church had been organized on October 17, 1882 as a small missionary enterprise by the Rev. Peter Carlson and eleven Swedish and five Norwegian families. The Norwegians later left to form their own church. The original church at South 8th and I St. burned to the ground in November of 1924. This Gothic stone structure was completed in 1929 and was built from a design by Heath, Gove & Bell. (TNT 10/17/1942, pg. 11)

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

On October 17, 1942, the First Lutheran Church at 6th and I St. celebrated the 60th anniversary of that organization with a special banquet, followed by a special service and a reception in the church parlor on Sunday. Present were some of the 13 parishioners whose membership dated back 50 years or more. Five long term members are pictured around a table. Seated is Mrs. Gustaf Lindberg and standing, left to right, are John Kellson, Marie (Mrs. John) Hedberg, Mrs Olaf Bloom and John Hedberg. (T. Times 10/19/1942, pg. 14)

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

Confirmation picture, First Lutheran Church.

First Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Confirmations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

St. Paul's Lutheran Church is celebrating their fiftieth anniversary. The church was organized on April 29, 1894. In fifty years St. Paul's has baptized 820 people, married 625 couples, confirmed 440 and had 585 funerals. Reverend Arthur Sydow has been St. Paul's pastor for the past 25 years (T. Times, 4/29/44, p. 7). TPL-10079

Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Commemoration--Tacoma; Celebrations--Tacoma; Anniversaries--Tacoma; St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma);

Robert E. Hutchins Funeral. Aviation cadet Robert E. Hutchins, age 20, was killed in a mid-air plane crash 12 miles north of Merced, California. His casket at Trinity Lutheran Church in Parkland is surounded by flowers, several of which depict the medals Cadet Hutchins won during the war. The one to the left of the casket resembles the Army Distinquished Service Cross, the two on the right resemble the Silver Star, given for galantry in action. (T.Times, 5/19/1945, p.1; 5/21/45, p.11)

Hutchins, Robert E.; World War, 1939-1945--Casualties--Tacoma; Trinity Lutheran Church (Parkland);

First Lutheran Church, mortgage burning. The pastor and five men look on as a woman holds the burning paper. Two of the men stand ready with a tray to catch the paper when she can no longer hold it. Construction on the building was begun in 1925. L-R, Donald Lindeman, representing service man and woman; C.O. Lynn, chairman, Board of Trustees; Caroline (Mrs. Gustave) Lindberg, church member since 1889, representing women; Rev. Carl E. Rydell, pastor; B.B. Bartels, board member for many years; Edward Young, builder of church and congregation officer for many years; and Wilbur N. Nelson, treasurer. (T.Times, 1/28/1946, p.2)

First Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma; Lindeman, Donald; Lynn, C. O.; Lindberg, Caroline; Rydell, Carl E.; Bartels, B. B.; Young, Edward; Nelson, Wilbur N.; Mortgages;

Mary Elizabeth Thaut died at the age of 63. She was a native from Russia and first lived in Dallas, Oregon, she spent her last 35 years in Tacoma. The services were organized by Cassedy and Allen at Evangelical Lutheran Church. Cassedy & Allen casket pictures of Mary Elizabeth Thaut.

Thaut, Mary Elizabeth, 1883-1946--Death & burial; Funeral rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Morgues & mortuaries--Tacoma; Religious articles; Bouquets; Cassedy & Allen Mortuary (Tacoma); Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma);

Central Lutheran Church was founded in 1925, the church was an active member of the Tacoma community, during World War II they set up a Lutheran Center for Servicemen. They were expecting a large turnout for this year's Easter Services. Interior view of Central Lutheran Church, the Choir is on the altar and in front of a large pipe organ, getting ready to sing their Easter music.

Easter--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Religious services--Tacoma; Organs; Crosses; Altars--Tacoma; Central Lutheran 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;

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;

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;

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;

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

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

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;

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;

Exterior Calvary Lutheran Church. Guests start to arrive for the Nancy Osborn-Richard Watson afternoon wedding ceremony at the Calvary Lutheran Church on June 22, 1957. The church is a modern brick and wood structure with a daylight basement. Windows are open to let in the warm summer breezes. A wooden tower in front of the church appears incomplete although the cross is already in place. Sepia photograph ordered by Nancy Osborn.

Calvary Lutheran Church (Federal Way); Lutheran churches--Federal Way;

Dark laminated beams draw attention to the arched wooden ceilings of Messiah Lutheran Church in Auburn. The eye is caught, not only by the dramatic arches, but by the large, simple cross on the brick tower behind the altar. The arches serve to focus concentration on the cross. This July 17, 1958, photograph was taken from the rear of the church, possibly in the choir loft or balcony. From this viewpoint the many rows of wooden pews can be seen. The new $100,000 building included church offices and a conference room in addition to the sanctuary. Built on a concrete slab with glue-laminated arches and partial brick veneer, the Lutheran church was dedicated on Sunday, July 13, 1958 by Dr. Swen L. Swenson. Rev. Carlton L. Berg was to be the new pastor. The church was located at 4th and "H" Sts. N.E. in Auburn. Photograph ordered by Woodlam, Inc. (TNT 7-12-58, p. 4)

Messiah Lutheran Church (Auburn); Lutheran churches--Auburn; Laminated wood;

Trinity Lutheran Church, 121st St. and So. Park Ave., Parkland. Trinity was the area's largest Lutheran church. It was designed by John Richards of Lea, Pearson & Richards, architects. The main sanctuary could seat 800-1,000 people. A parsonage was added in 1961, designed by the same architectural firm. The church was remodeled in 1993, under the direction of the BJSS Group, architects. (TNT 3/8/1959, pg. C-15)

Trinity Lutheran Church (Parkland); Lutheran churches--Parkland;

Trinity Lutheran Church, 121st St. and So. Park Ave., Parkland. Three bells adorn the tower above the Trinity Lutheran Church, designed by John Richards of Lea, Pearson & Richards, Architects. Trinity was the area's largest Lutheran church; its sanctuary could seat 800-1000 worshipers. It was dedicated on March 8, 1959 and over 2600 persons attended the dedication. (TNT 3/8/1959, pg. C-15)

Trinity Lutheran Church (Parkland); Lutheran churches--Parkland;

Trinity Lutheran Church, 121st St. and So. Park Ave., Parkland. This bas relief over the main entrance was designed by Pacific Lutheran College Assistant Professor of Art George Roskos. It illustrates the parable of the sower. The 3 ton sculpture relates how the word and the seed need friendly soil. The first figure on the left is depicted preaching the word and sowing the seed. The next group depicts non-concern and egotism, also the birds eat the seed. The next seed are cast in rocky and shallow soil and wither away. The next group of figures have the trappings of the church, but still show lack of interest. The third group shows greed and lust for riches, as one of them clutches a money bag. In the group furtherest to the right, all seven figures hold a reaper. The seed has been planted in rich, deep soil and is bearing fruit. During the design period, the artist worked with a 5 x 18 foot canvas and applied wire lath and clay. It took 1500 pounds of plaster to make a 14 piece mold. The mold was filled with aggregate. The sculpture weighed 3 tons and was lifted up at either end with 1 ton hoists. The area's largest Lutheran Church was dedicated on March 3, 1959. Over 2600 persons attended the dedication. (TNT 3/8/1959, pg. C-15, 3/22/1959, pg. C-17)

Trinity Lutheran Church (Parkland); Lutheran churches--Parkland; Bas-reliefs;