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;

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. 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.;

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. 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, 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. 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, 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);

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. 1934. First Presbyterian Church. The red brick Romanesque structure was designed by Cram and Ferguson, architects from Boston, renowned for their church designs. They were assisted by the local architecture firm of Sutton, Whitney & Dugan. It was built in 1924 for the sum of $500,000. At the center of the picture is the Church's ornate dome with its ancient Christian symbols and figures. TPL-2266

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

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;

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);

Federal Old Line Life Insurance Company banquet at First Presbyterian Church on September 12, 1939. Federal Old Line was formed by J.R. Cissna and licensed in the state of Washington in 1937. His vision was a company that paid off claims within 48 hours after death. (filed with Argentum)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Federal Old Line Life Insurance Co. (Tacoma);

Federal Old Line Life Insurance Company banquet at First Presbyterian Church on September 12, 1939. Federal Old Line was formed by J.R. Cissna and licensed in the state of Washington in 1937. His vision was a company that paid off claims within 48 hours after death. (filed with Argentum)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Federal Old Line Life Insurance Co. (Tacoma);

First Presbyterian Church ,general view of exterior. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. (filed with Argentum)

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

First Presbyterian Church, general view of exterior, as photographed in January of 1940. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. (filed with Argentum)

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

First Presbyterian Church, artistic view of exterior with clouds overhead and automobile parked by grassy island across from church.. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. (T.Times, Spring Edition)

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

First Presbyterian Church, artistic view of exterior with clouds overhead and automobile parked by grassy island across from church.. Cram and Ferguson with Sutton, Whitney and Dugan, Architects; 1920-24. (T.Times, Spring Edition)

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

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;

Wedding of Margaret Elizabeth (Betty) Wetherby and Connor E. Gray, Jr., of Seattle, July 12, 1941, at First Presbyterian Church. Bride (seated) and groom (second from left) sign marriage certificate as Maid of Honor, the bride's sister Jane Wetherby, and Best Man, groom's brother Sharod Gray, look on. The man in the suit on the left is believed to be Dr. J.R. McCullough, who read the vows. (T. Times 4/14/1941, pg. 7)

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Weddings--Tacoma--1940-1950; Wedding costume--1940-1950; Brides--1940-1950; Wetherby, Margaret Elizabeth--Marriage; Gray, Connor; Grooms (Weddings)--1940-1950; Wetherby, Jane; Gray, Sharod;

Four hundred members from the First Presbyterian Church honored Dr. and Mrs. J. Renwick McCullough and their son William with a farewell dinner and reception at the church. Dr. McCullough and his family are headed to Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. The family was presented with a piano as a going-away gift (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-3).

Receptions--Tacoma; Farewells--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma; Banquet halls--Tacoma; Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Dr. J. Renwick McCullough would be leaving Tacoma's First Presbyterian Church and joining Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. His Tacoma congregation gave Dr. McCullough and his family a farewell dinner and gift. View of Dr. J. Renwick McCullough delivering his last sermon at First Presbyterian Church on April 24, 1949 (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-5).

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Christianity--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clergy--Tacoma; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); McCullough, J. Renwick;

Dr. J. Renwick McCullough would be leaving First Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, he had accepted a pastoral position at Lincoln Avenue Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California. View of Dr. J. Renwick McCullough baptizing a baby; this was the last service Dr. McCullough would be celebrating at First Presbyterian Church (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-5).

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Christianity--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clergy--Tacoma; Baptisms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

Tacoma's First Presbyterian Church was saying farewell to Dr. J. Renwick McCullough and his family. Reverend Walter Johnson and Reverend Neil Shaughnessy spoke at the McCullough farewell dinner; more than 400 members of the church attended the event. View of Dr. J. Renwick McCullough delivering his last sermon at First Presbyterian Church on April 24, 1949 (T.N.T., 4/21/49, p. A-5).

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Christianity--Tacoma--1940-1950; Clergy--Tacoma; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma);

The First Presbyterian Church, at Division and Tacoma Avenue South, was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Boston, famous architect of churches and authority in ecclesiastical symbolism. This lovely red brick Romanesque structure was built in 1924 and dedicated on September 20, 1925. By 1926, the church claimed 2,200 members. The church design is heavy with religious symbolism carved in stone, wood and metal, including its ornate dome with ancient Christian symbols and figures. The original construction cost was $500,000. It is on the Tacoma Register of Historic Buildings.

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

Choir of approximately 50 poses in front of the First Presbyterian Church in their dark choir robes. The Church, designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Boston, can be seen in the background. The ornate dome atop the tower, with its ancient Christian symbols, has been a dominant fixture of the Tacoma skyline since 1925.

First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;