ca. 1930. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4845 So. L St., Tacoma. Built in 1892 and remodeled in 1922.

ca. 1931. Sprague Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3359 So. 58th St., Tacoma. The church was built in 1891 and has also been known as Edison Presbyterian. Bowen# CHU-014

ca. 1931. First United Presbyterian Church, 1619 Sixth Avenue, Tacoma. This Gothic Spanish style church was built in 1922. It was designed by Frederic & Stanley Shaw, Architects. It was dedicated October 28, 1923. After a merger in 1958, it was known as Trinity United Presbyterian Church; now known as Trinity Presbyterian Church. Bowen #CHU-033

ca. 1931. Calvary Presbyterian Church, 3516 So. D St., Tacoma. The church was built in 1886 and moved a few blocks to this location in 1909. Bowen # CHU-012

ca. 1931. Bethany Presbyterian Church, 4420 No. 41st St., Tacoma. This semi-Colonial structure replaced a previous Bethany Presbyterian at this location. It was designed by the architectural firm of Heath, Gove & Bell. The structure had a brick veneer and stained glass windows from the Allen C. Mason mansion. Rev. Robert Asa Smith was the preacher at the time of construction. Bowen #CHU-047

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;

ca. 1957. According to the History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church predates the official founding of the City of Tacoma. Seven people met on July 27, 1873, to establish the "Tacoma Presbyterian Church," eight months before the authorization of a town government. In its long history, church members have worshipped in one town hall and three church edifices. The magnificent Romanesque building was designed by noted church architect, Ralph Adams Cram of Boston; it was dedicated on September 20, 1925. In 1984, a new Swiss tower clock was added to the structure. Photograph ordered by First Presbyterian Church. (History of Pierce County, Vol. 1, p. 450) TPL-10105

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;

ca. 1956. First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir. The First Presbyterian church was located at Division Ave. and Tacoma Ave. South. They would be presenting A.R. Gaul's "Holy City" under the direction of director Gerald Faber. Choir members are Front row: Mary Anderson, Sally Yoder, Mrs. George Gelderman, Mrs. Jeanette Arnett, Hetty Fikse, Kris Powell, Jane Carpenter, Mrs. Louis Moir, Allene La Bauer. Second row: Mrs. Selmer Thorpe, Irene (Mrs. Ernest) Hopp, Mary K. Anderson, Gloria (Mrs. Don) Pearson, Myra (Mrs. William) Berg, Mrs. Frank Kidd, Arlene (Mrs. John) Stenger, Dianne Kludt, Gen (Mrs. Nels) Anderson, Donna Kludt, Miriam (Mrs. Neil) Buchholtz. Back row: Floyd Levee, E. Z. Fredricks, Bob Gee, John E. Davis, Al Pena, Neil Buchholtz, Robert Williams, Ernest Williams, Don Van Volkenburg, Curtis Schon, Nels Anderson, Gerald Faber-director. (TNT 6/24/1956, pg. D-12)

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

By August of 1924, construction of the massive First Presbyterian Church at 20 Tacoma Avenue South was well underway. Ground had been broken in October of 1923 and the cornerstone laid in early May of 1924. The church, located in the historic Stadium District, was the third building for its congregation. The local architectural firm of Sutton, Whitney & Dugan were given the contract to design this beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. They were assisted by noted Boston church architects, Cram & Ferguson. Ralph Adams Cram would design the church's interior features including the rich wood carvings and stained glass windows. First Presbyterian was dedicated in September of 1925. TPL-516; G22.1-201; BU-11,528

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Bethany Presbyterian Church. The original Bethany Presbyterian Church, located on the same site, was destroyed by fire in early November of 1923. The ruins were razed and a new Bethany Presbyterian rose from the ashes of the old in remarkably quick time. Construction was started in April of 1924 and the church was completed less than seven months later at a cost of $35,000. The new Bethany Presbyterian had a brick veneer trimmed in stone and stained glass windows retrieved from the Allen C. Mason mansion. The imposing structure stood at the corner of Verde and North 41 St. G22.1-148 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 9-21-24, 4B-article)

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

On August 18, 1925, an unidentified skilled craftsman was captured on film working on the carved screen that will mask the massive pipe organ in the new First Presbyterian Church at 20 Tacoma Ave. So. This craftsman was one of seven from the shop owned by partners Jacob Grotheim & Nels Torp working on the project. When noted church architect and Bostonian Ralph Adams Cram completed the design, he felt that no one in the wild Northwest would have the skill to execute the ornately carved oak pulpit and organ screen. Local cabinet makers J Grotheim & Co. answered the challenge. They were not only located close, at 1306 Tacoma Ave. So. but Mr. Grotheim was also a member of the church. The Boston architect was very impressed with the photographs that he received of the completed carvings. (TNT 8/21/1925, pg. 1) TPL-515; G22.1-202; BU-11,531

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); J. Grotheim & Co. (Tacoma); Wood carving;

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;

Easter morning, March 28, 1937, at the First Presbyterian Church. The congregation gathers on the sidewalk in front of the building. Large trees and grass embellish the wide parkway between the sidewalk and street. (T. Times)

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

Exterior of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Russell and Babcock, Architects, 1909. Nativity scene, said to be a favorite of young kidnap and murder victim Charles Mattson. Taken in connection with the unsolved Mattson kidnapping case. (photograph T. Times 1/2/37 p. 10; story T. Times 12/28/1936- 1/25/1937, pg. 1)

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Immanuel Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Exterior view of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Russell and Babcock, Architects, 1909. Spanish Mission style church with tower at rear. Taken in conjunction with the December 1936 Charles Mattson kidnapping case. (Seattle Star).

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Immanuel Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

Mattson kidnapping case. Thornton Shaw, Charles Mattson's teacher at Immanuel Presbyterian Church Sunday School, sitting at desk. On December 27, 1936 at approximately 9 p.m., ten year old Charles Mattson was kidnapped from his parent's home at 4605 No. Verde by a masked gunman. The gunman, viewed by his brother, sister and family friend, was described as 40, 5'7", 145 pounds, swarthy complected with a heavy dark beard and European accent. He left a ransom note demanding $28,000. In the days that followed, the kidnapper made confusing and conflicting demands of Dr. and Mrs. William Mattson by mail and telephone. Charles' body was found January 10. 1937 in a snowy, wooded area near Everett. The discovery prompted the largest manhunt in Pacific Northwest history, but the murderer was never found. (photograph T. Times 1/2/37 p. 10; story 12/28/1936- 1/25/1937, pg. 1)

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Immanuel Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Kidnappings--Tacoma--1930-1940; Shaw, Thornton; Mattson, Charles--Kidnappings;

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. View of a covered brick walkway at the First Presbyterian Church, ca. 1926. The Romanesque church was built from a design submitted by Ralph Adams Cram, founder of the architectural firm of Cram & Ferguson in Boston. The firm was the most famous designer of churches in the country. The church was designed around a courtyard with a pillared colonnade separating the portions of the church. The brick courtyard with its stone benches can be seen to the left of the walkway. (WSHS)

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

ca. 1926. First Presbyterian Church. The Church was constructed in the early -mid 1920's from a design by senior architect Ralph Adams Cram of the firm of Cram and Ferguson of Boston. Its tower stands above the church, adorned with statues of four apostles, John, Matthew, Mark & Luke, as well as religious symbols. Its stained glass windows were designed by Mr. Cram and manufactured by Colonial Stained Glass Window Works of Boston. It is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture and is on the City Registry. (WSHS)

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; 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 courtyard. The church design by Ralph Adams Cram featured a center courtyard with a pillared colonnade separating the central worship area from the administration portion of the church. The courtyard is paved with brick and has stone seating. The church took around 5 years to construct and cost nearly a half million dollars in 1925. The Associate architects were the local firm of Sutton, Whitney & Dugan. The church is on the City Registry. (WSHS)

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);

ca. 1926. First Presbyterian Church, interior of Ferguson Chapel. The small chapel was given to the church as a memorial to the late William Ferguson by Mrs. William Ferguson and her sons William and John. Mr. Ferguson had come to Tacoma as an Irish immigrant and was one of the founders of the church. The Ferguson Chapel seated 150 and was open to the community for use, without regard to denomination. (WSHS, Argentum)

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

ca. 1926. M.J. Wood stands beside an Oakland automobile in Division Street beside First Presbyterian Church. The Oakland automobile was manufactured from 1907-09 by the Oakland Motor Co. of Pontiac, Michigan, and from 1909-1931 by the Oakland Motors Division of General Motors. After 1931, the company continued to produce its other line of vehicles, the Pontiac. (filed with Argentum)

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Automobiles--1920-1930; Oakland automobiles; Wood, M.J.;

In June of 1927, Seattlite and frequent Tacoma visitor Esther Landstrom (in coat) was pictured with her new Willys-Knight 70-A coupe in front of the First Presbyterian Church at 20 Tacoma Avenue South. Her small dog stands on the running board. Her friend Dolly Wescott, a bookkeeper at Manley Motors, was at the wheel. Mrs. Landstrom had recently purchased her car from Manley Motor Company, 956-58 Fawcett Avenue, in Tacoma. Manley Motors were the authorized dealers of Overland, Willys-Knight, and Whippet automobiles. (TDL 6/19/1927, pg. G2) (WSHS)

Automobiles--Tacoma--1920-1930; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Landstrom, Esther; Wescott, Dolly; Willys-Knight automobile; Dogs--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1938. The First Presbyterian Church, showing its large stained glass window and dome. This lovely Romanesque red brick church was dedicated in September of 1925 and is on the Tacoma City Registry. It was designed by noted architect of churches Ralph Adams Cram, of Cram and Ferguson of Boston. The structure reflects Cram's interest in ecclesiastical symbolism. The design is heavy with religious symbols carved in stone, wood and metal, including its ornate dome with ancient Christian symbols and figures.

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

ca. 1938. Choir of the First Presbyterian Church, exterior view.

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

Antique exhibit committee at the home of Mrs. Lincoln (Lulu) Gault. Three women in period costume, one serving tea, another holding a fan. The committee is planning a large collection and antique exhibit to be held the following Friday at the Stone Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. (T .Times, Society, for Mrs. Brady)

Gault, Lincoln--Homes & haunts; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Eating & drinking--Tea; Tea parties; Teapots; Committees--Tacoma--1930-1940;

Four women from the Circle B First Presbyterian Planning Committee pose at the home of Mrs. Lincoln (Lulu) Gault on February 12, 1938. They are planning a large collectors and antique exhibit scheduled for the following Friday in the Stone Hall of the Church. It will be one of the largest and finest exhibits of its kind ever held in Tacoma. The women are, left to right, Elizabeth (Mrs. James) Mellinger, Kathryn (Mrs. LeRoy) Baker, Jean (Mrs. L. W.) Wuerch and Elizabeth (Mrs. Melvin) Voorhees Jr. ( T. Times 2/12/1938, pg. 6)

Gault, Lincoln--Homes & haunts; Mellinger, Elizabeth; Baker, Kathryn; Wuerch, Jean; Voorhees, Elizabeth; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Committees--Tacoma--1930-1940;