ca. 1934. First Methodist Church, general view of exterior. Heath and Gove, Architects, designed the building and it was dedicated in December of 1916. The original name was the First Methodist Episcopal Church; it was later renamed First United Methodist. The church was located at 5th and "K" (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way.) It had a seating capacity of 1,150. The church was demolished in January of 2007.

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

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;

ca. 1934. Scottish Rite Cathedral. As early as 1911, interest was keen in the building of a Masonic Temple. The Scottish Rite Temple's cornerstone was laid in 1921 and construction was completed in 1922. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Sutton, Whitney and Dugan. Its style was to "follow closely the ancient architecture of King Solomon." The Independent Bible Church was formed when the Rev. Roy T. Brumbaugh split from the First Presbyterian Church, taking part of the congregation with him in 1935. They purchased the Scottish Rite Temple in 1937 and remodeled it as their church. In 1943, the congregation became the Tacoma Bible Church.

Independent Bible Church (Tacoma); Scottish Rite Cathedral (Tacoma);

Washington Baptist Convention at the First Baptist Church of Tacoma. Large group of people gathered in front of the church. Wilkeson sandstone building by Heath and Gove, Architects; 1925.

First Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1932. Church of the Holy Communion. Built in 1929, the church was designed by A.S. Leeper, architect. The foundation is in the shape of the cross.

Church of the Holy Communion (Tacoma);

ca. 1932. Pentecostal Tabernacle, at corner of South 12th and G. The Pentecostal Assembly Church was located at 1123 So. G St. (now 1121 So. Altheimer St.) It was built in 1926 from a design by Silas E. Nelson, architect. The long time pastor of the church was the Rev. Frank J. Gray.

Churches--Tacoma; Pentecostal Assembly Tabernacle (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1932. Epworth Methodist Church, circa 1932. The modified Gothic structure was built in 1926 from a design by George W. Bullard, architect, of tapestry brick with stone trim. (filed with Argentum)

Epworth Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1933. Full Gospel Tabernacle and Rescue Mission, Evangelist Bertha Mitchell, Pastor in Charge. This is a rare view in the thirties; the church is fully integrated and the minister is a woman. The church group appears to be meeting in a rough basement with exposed beams and pipes and a light bulb hanging down from a wire.

Full Gospel Tabernacle & Rescue Mission (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Tabernacles; Race relations--Tacoma--1930-1940;

ca. 1934. Exterior view of unidentified shingled building with many stained glass windows used as a church. For Leybolt-Smith Shingle Company. (filed with Argentum)

Churches--1930-1940; Leybolt-Smith Shingle Co. (Tacoma);

Asbury United Methodist Church in South Tacoma has been in existence for over one hundred years. Named after Francis Asbury, a Methodist circuit rider, it was first located at South 56th and Warner Street before the church building was moved, with horse and manpower, to its present location at South 56th and Puget Sound. In April, 1954, a new church building was officially opened by Bishop A. Raymond Grant. It had taken the church ten years of fund raising to build the new church. View of church's interior; red drapes and carpet blend beautifully with wooden beams, brick walls and wood trimmings. (History of Pierce County, p. 12-13, TNT 4-3-54, p. 6)

Asbury United Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma;

ca. 1930. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Washington State's oldest Catholic Church. Exterior view of old wooden Catholic Church with clapboard sides, squat belfry. The Church was built in 1855 at Fort Steilacoom and moved to its present site in 1864. It is on both the State and National Historic Registry.

Church of the Immaculate Conception (Steilacoom); Catholic churches--Steilacoom; Historic buildings--Steilacoom;

ca. 1934. Central Lutheran Church Play. Cast in Biblical costumes on stage in sanctuary. (WSHS)

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

ca. 1935. Charter Members of Church. Outdoors portrait of four older women standing beside a brick building and dressed in heavy coats with fur collars. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Times. (WSHS)

Churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Women--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1930-1940; Fur garments;

Attendance at Oral Roberts Crusade. Roberts' "One Million Souls for Christ in 1956" Crusade came to Tacoma September 7-16, 1956. The location was three circus style tents erected at South 38th at Sprague, where the faithful gathered each night except Monday at 2:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. The largest tent, the Cathedral tent, could hold 18,000. The revival was co-sponsored by 15 Tacoma area churches. A small stage bearing the revival principals can be seen far in the back right of the picture; it is surrounded by a sea of faithful seated in folding chairs. Oral Roberts was a part Choctaw preacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma who overcame a youthful stutter to become one of the most successful evangelists in American history. The opening night crowd for his crusade was 8,000. Total first day attendance was over 13,000. The audience for Robert's final sermon was 15,000 and the Crusade's budget of $25,000 was met in full by offerings, with over $3,000 distributed to the 15 churches. Roberts himself did not accept a salary for his ministry, relying on the good will of his listeners. The Crusade claimed 5,700 converts for Christ in Tacoma. Afternoon sermons were handled by Reverend Robert DeWeese, chairman of the million soul crusade and former Tacoma pastor. (TNT 9/1/1956, pg. 5; 9/6/1956, pg B-2; 9/7/1956, pg. 7; 9/8/1956, pg. 4)

Revivals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evangelists; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Roberts, Oral;

Attendance at Oral Roberts Crusade. Roberts' "One Million Souls for Christ in 1956" Crusade came to Tacoma September 7-16, 1956. The location was three circus style tents erected at South 38th at Sprague, where the faithful gathered each night except Monday at 2:00p.m. and 7:30p.m. The largest tent, the Cathedral tent, could hold 18,000. The revival was co-sponsored by 15 Tacoma area churches. A small stage bearing the revival principals can be seen far in the back right of the picture; it is surrounded by a sea of faithful seated in folding chairs. Oral Roberts was a part Choctaw preacher from Tulsa, Oklahoma who overcame a youthful stutter to become one of the most successful evangelists in American history. The opening night crowd for his crusade was 8,000. Total first day attendance was over 13,000. The audience for Robert's final sermon was 15,000 and the Crusade's budget of $25,000 was met in full by offerings, with over $3,000 distributed to the 15 churches. Roberts himself did not accept a salary for his ministry, relying on the good will of his listeners. The Crusade claimed 5,700 converts for Christ in Tacoma. Afternoon sermons were handled by Reverend Robert DeWeese, chairman of the million soul crusade and former Tacoma pastor. (TNT 9/1/1956, pg. 5; 9/6/1956, pg B-2; 9/7/1956, pg. 7; 9/8/1956, pg. 4)

Revivals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evangelists; Religious meetings--Tacoma--1950-1960; Roberts, Oral;

On Sunday, November 17, 1940, soldiers from Ft. Lewis, McChord Field and Camp Murrary filled in as the choir at the Independent Bible Church, which met at the former Scottish Rite Cathedral. (T.Times 11/18/1940 p.1)

Independent Bible Church (Tacoma);

ca. 1940. Zion Lutheran Church Golden Anniversary. People standing in front of altar, possibly choir. Building built as Zion German Evangelical Lutheran in 1908, H. Crosley, Architect.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Altars--Tacoma;

ca. 1940. Group of women at Zion Lutheran Church during congregation's Golden Anniversary. Building built as Zion German Evangelical Lutheran in 1908, H. Crosley, Architect. Man at far right, second row is possibly pastor Harold H. Engelbrecht.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1940-1950;

ca. 1940. Group of young men and women at Zion Lutheran Church during congregation's Golden Anniversary circa 1940. Margaret Evelyn Paul, about 16 at this time, has been identified as being seated in the first row, fourth from right. Her sister, Mildred Paul, is in the top row, second from the left. Building built as Zion German Evangelical Lutheran in 1908, H. Crosley, Architect. (Additional identification provided by a reader)

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1940-1950; Paul, Margaret Evelyn; Paul, Mildred;

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;

Interior of church. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly, located on South 39th St. near State Street, was completed in 1957. A sanctuary dedication was planned for June 3, 1957. A May 28, 1957, photograph taken from the rear of the church emphasizes the arched open beam ceilings. The large church had three full rows of pews facing the raised altar; it would seat 550 people. Two dual staircases lead into the church from behind the altar. The cost of building the new church was $45,000. It was valued at $85,000 as most of the labor was volunteered. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly was an independent Full Gospel Church. Its congregation had met for six years at Normanna Hall prior to the new church being built. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Gospel Assembly. (TNT 6-1-57)

Tacoma Gospel Assembly (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Additional view of Tacoma Gospel Assembly. A slightly angled view of Tacoma Gospel Assembly's interior was taken on May 28, 1957. The crisp, clean lines of wooden pews blend with the wood ceilings and arched open beams. Potted blossoms decorate the simple lectern. The new church's pastor was Rev. Ernest Maisch. After meeting for several years at Normanna Hall, groundbreaking for the new church occurred on June 10, 1956. Less than a year later, the new church was completed and a sanctuary dedication planned for June 3, 1957. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly is an independent Full Gospel Church. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Gospel Assembly. (TNT 6-1-57, p. 5)

Tacoma Gospel Assembly (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pews--Tacoma;

Exterior Tacoma Gospel Assembly. The Tacoma Gospel Assembly built a new church at 2508 So. 39th St. near State Street in the spring of 1957. The church was led by Pastor Ernest Maisch. View of church's exterior shows a large brick structure, extended overhanging roof over double doors, and unpaved parking lot. Volunteer labor was used for the most part to build the new church; this kept costs down to $45,000. The new church would seat 550. Photograph ordered by Tacoma Gospel Assembly. (TNT 6-1-57, p. 5)

Tacoma Gospel Assembly (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1950-1960;

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. 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;

A new Aquinas Academy rose on the site of the former girls' school in 1957. A workman is shown on August 28, 1957, smoothing down a concrete walkway in front of the modern pre-fabricated concrete building. The original Aquinas Academy opened in Tacoma under the auspices of the Sisters of St. Dominic in 1899. The school was razed in October, 1955, and a new school with facilities for 400 students was designed by local architects Lea, Pearson & Richards. The new Aquinas was dedicated on October 27, 1957, by Seattle Archbishop Thomas A. Connolly. The three-story building had 10 classrooms, a library, two science laboratories, a home economics room, a gymnasium and a cafeteria. It was built at a cost of $656,000. 1112 North "G" St. is now the site of the Saint Patrick School. When Aquinas vacated the building in 1974 to consolidate with Bellarmine and Saint Leo's as Bellarmine, Saint Patrick School left their 55-year-old building at North 11th & "J" and moved down the hill to occupy the newer Aquinas structure. Photograph ordered by Catholic Northwest Progress. (TNT 10-27-57, B-8; www.saintpats.org) ) (Additional information provided by a reader)

Aquinas Academy (Tacoma); Church schools--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; St. Patrick's Parochial School (Tacoma);

Kitchen - First Congregational Church. The kitchen in the First Congregational Church was well equipped to handle hundreds of parishioners' dietary needs for church teas, luncheons, suppers, and receptions. The section of the kitchen shown in this September 17, 1957, photograph indicates that dishwashing would be fast and efficient. The Blakeslee Kitchen Machine may have been an industrial dishwasher. Photograph ordered by the Patrick Co., dealer in restaurant supplies.

Kitchens--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Congregational Church (Tacoma);

The Japanese Methodist Church celebrated its 50th anniversary October 25-57, 1957. The congregation is amassed in front of the venerable church at South 19th and Fawcett. One of the special guests on October 27, 1957, was the first minister of the (then) Tacoma Japanese Methodist Episcopal Church, the Rev. Seichi Higashida. The building at 19th & Fawcett was started in 1929 and paid off in 1933. Begun in 1907 as a mission society for Japanese immigrants, the church was to change its name to Whitney Memorial United Methodist Church in the 1960's. It was to later close in 1999, due to declining attendance, and the property purchased by the University of Washington. Photograph ordered by Kaz Yamane, Tacoma Japanese Methodist Church. (TNT 10-26-57, p. 14)

Tacoma Japanese Methodist Church (Tacoma); Whitney Memorial United Methodist Church (Tacoma); Protestant churches--Tacoma; Japanese Americans--Tacoma;

Interior of church. The sanctuary of this simple church is highlighted by the V-shaped ceilings, made of laminated wood, perhaps provided by Rilco Laminated Products, Inc. Looking directly from the preacher's pulpit, a large window, possibly stained glass, adds more light to complement the unusual chandeliers. The location and identity of this church is not known. Photograph ordered by Rilco Laminated Products, Inc.

Churches; Rilco Laminated Products, Inc. (Tacoma);

Interior of Calvary Baptist Church. Standing behind the pulpit is believed to be the Rev. Robert S. Hess, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church. There is an abundance of wood in this church, from the long rows of pews to the arched and beamed ceilings. Rilco Laminated Products, Inc., may have supplied some of the wood products used in the sanctuary. Calvary Baptist Church has had a long history in Tacoma; it celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1999. In June, 1997, a rare twister damaged the church buildings; it was subsequently rededicated in September, 1997. Photograph ordered by Calvary Baptist Church.

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Baptist churches--Tacoma; Protestant churches--Tacoma;