ca. 1885. St. Luke's Episcopal Church at original location of 602 Broadway. It was built in 1883 with gray sandstone obtained from the Wilkeson quarries. The church, designed by Portland architect Joseph Sherwin, was based on an old English country church. Railroad and real estate magnate Charles Wright had pledged $30,000 towards the construction in tribute to his daughter, Kate Elizabeth. In 1934 the church was dismantled and reconstructed at 3601 No. Gove St., a careful process that took over twelve years to complete. (copy of original) Bi-Centennial Project # 75346-54

St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma; Churches--Tacoma--1880-1890;

ca. 1887. This is St. Luke's Episcopal Church as it looked c1887 when it stood at 602 Broadway. St. Luke's was built in 1883 with gray sandstone brought from the Wilkeson quarries. In 1934 it was dismantled, and reassembled brick-by-brick at 3601 No. Gove. St.

Churches--Tacoma--1880-1890; St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Tacoma);

ca. 1888. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 602 Broadway, Tacoma, W.T. This circa 1888 photograph shows a man barely visible who is hanging from the side of the spire. The English Gothic-styled church may have been in the process of some kind of repair as there are timbers sticking through the openings of the tower. It was built of gray sandstone in 1883 in tribute to Kate Elizabeth Wright, the daughter of Charles Barstow Wright. Photograph courtesy of the John Ogden Collection. TPL-10171

St. Luke's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma;

St Peter's Episcopal Church, 2910 North Starr Street in Old Tacoma (W.T.) Photograph courtesy of the John Ogden Collection. At the time of this August, 1888, photograph, St. Peter's was 15 years old. The small (21 x 45-foot) Carpenter Gothic church was built in only ten days in August of 1873 on land donated by Edward S. "Skookum" Smith and Captain Starr. It is Tacoma's oldest church. As the label on the photograph notes, St. Peter's had the oldest church tower in the United States. An aged fir, cut at 48-feet, served as the bell tower. The age of the tree trunk was used in the calculation of the tower's age. The original tree was replaced by a new tower in 1935 when it was damaged by a windstorm. St. Peter's Episcopal Church is on the City and National Register. TPL-10166

St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma;

Mt. Tacoma (Rainier) from the banks of the Puyallup River, circa 1902. The building to the right is the Puyallup Indian Church, built in 1880 or 1881 with lumber hauled by horse and wagon from Old Tacoma. It was based on Presbyterian teachings and had many prominent Indians, such as Thomas Stolyer, as members. The church was located close to the Puyallup Indian cemetery. (Copied by Mary Randlett)

Rainier, Mount (Wash.); Puyallup River (Wash.); Puyallup Indian Church (Tacoma);

ca. 1903. St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 2910 North Starr St, as viewed circa 1903. The tiny 21 x 45-foot wood church is considered to be Tacoma's oldest church, built in 1873 on land donated by Edward S. "Snookum" Smith and Capt. Starr with timber donated by the Hanson-Ackerson Mill. The unusual bell tower is actually a fir tree cut at 48 feet with its bell donated by the Sunday School of St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia. A windstorm in 1935 resulted in a new tower which replaced the unique Old Town fir tower. St. Peter's is on both the City and National Registers.

St. Peters Episcopal Church (Tacoma); Episcopal churches--Tacoma;

The congregation of the German Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated the dedication of the $8000 church located at South 16th and "L" Sts. on September 27, 1908. Rev. Arthur Spleiss of Sherwood, Oregon, delivered the dedicatory morning service. An afternoon and evening service followed led by Rev. H. Janssen of North Yakima and Rev. W.H. Behrens of Portland respectively. The new church was 44 x 86-feet and had a seating capacity in its auditorium of 500. In addition, there was a large Sunday School room. In 1953 the Miles Memorial CME Church purchased the property. It was demolished in 2004. (TDL 9-27-1908, p. 32-article)

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1900-1910; Church dedications--Tacoma;

Members of the Polish National Alliance posed at the dedication of St. Joseph's Church, 602 South 34th St., on May 19, 1912. The men all wear ribbons/medals. It is not known whether the large group participated in the parade down Pacific Avenue prior to the church dedication.

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1920; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1910-1920; Polish National Alliance (Tacoma);

Bishop Edward J. O'Dea at dedication of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 602 South 34th Street, on May 19, 1912. He was assisted by Rev. Father Paul Kern and Rev. Aloysius Mlinar, rector. Some of the 150 members appeared in this photograph with two young girls carrying large bouquets. St. Joseph's was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest. The building and ground were paid for entirely by Slavonian church members or those in the Slovak community. The church was built by its congregation who labored after finishing their regular jobs. It was estimated that this volunteer labor saved more than $10,000 in construction costs with the building costs initially set at $25,000. (TDL 5-19-12, p. 33-article)

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1912; Church dedications--Tacoma;

Parishioners celebrated the dedication of the St. Joseph Slovak Catholic Church on May 19, 1912. The church, located at 602 South 34th St., was built by congregation members who had purchased the site in April of 1908. Piles of bricks remained in the photograph's foreground across the street from the church. The structure stood 92 x 46-feet tall with a full concrete basement. The auditorium was 46 x 73-feet and seated 450 people. Membership was approximately 150. St. Joseph's was the first Slovak Catholic church built in the Northwest. (TDL 5-19-12, p. 33-article)

St. Joseph's Slovak Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma--1910-1920; Church dedications--Tacoma;

ca. 1919. Tacoma architect C. Frank Mahon drew this delineation of Holy Rosary Church before construction began on the Catholic church in 1920. Located at 520 South 30th Street, its Gothic steeple has long been a Tacoma landmark. Mahon's architectural work for the Catholic Diocese included many schools and churches in Tacoma in addition to Marymount Boys School in Spanaway and St. Martin's College in Lacey. (B2308)

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Architectural drawings;

ca. 1921. St Paul's Catholic Cathedral, Yakima, WA. for Father Robert Armstrong, J.W. Maloney and J.E. McGuire, Associated Architects. Copy of architectural rendering of Spanish style church with decorated tower and large round window. (filed with Argentum)

St. Pauls Catholic Cathedral (Yakima); Catholic churches--Yakima; Architectural drawings;

The Seamen's Church Institute, in its various existences, has served thousands of sailors with both spiritual and material needs. This photograph, believed to have been taken in February of 1922, shows some of the visiting sailors enjoying some recreational downtime with a bit of piano music. The same men can be seen in Boland B5339. The clergyman in the rear is believed to be Rev. Harry Ferneyhough who had been the guiding force at the Institute for sixteen years. He was born in England and was a former sailor himself. Rev. Ferneyhough went daily to the harbor to greet ships and distribute handbills inviting sailors to visit the Institute. There would be no charge for food or any hospitality offered. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 3-12-22, 10-E; TDL 3-14-22, p. 5-article)

Sailors; Seamen's Church Institute (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Pianos;

Visiting sailors at the Seamen's Institute are shown relaxing in a small room in February of 1922 . There are many books on shelves and newspapers and magazines are piled up on a long table. Two young seamen are playing checkers while others smoke and read. Rev. Harry Ferneyhough, a former sailor, is pictured overseeing the activities. Rev. Ferneyhough had offered a friendly hand to mariners in Tacoma for sixteen years. By 1922, the Seamen's Institute had moved from the old St. Luke's parish house to rent-free quarters at the Tacoma Municipal Dock. Here the hungry were fed, the penniless helped, the dying buried, and guidance provided, all without charge. (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 3-12-22, 10-E-article on the Institute; Tacoma Sunday Ledger, Community Chest special pictorial supplement, 3-19-22 )

Sailors; Seamen's Church Institute (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Newspapers--Tacoma; Books; Smoking--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma; Ferneyhough, Harry;

The hotel at 1407 Pacific Avenue was known as "Hotel Goodwill" in the early 1920s. The Salvation Army had a marked presence there as this photograph from February, 1922, shows. A Salvation Army officer sits with several men for some pleasant conversation. Books and newspapers were provided as well as spittoons for tobacco chawers. The Salvation Army operated the hotel where several hundred men were given free lodging and board in 1921. In 1922 the Army received their entire support from the Tacoma Community Chest. (TDL 3-7-22, p. 10-article)

Salvation Army (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Hotel Goodwill (Tacoma);

The congregation of the Epworth Methodist Church stands between the street and the church site on the 800th block of North Pine St on April 9, 1922, following the Epworth Bible School Parade on Sixth Ave. They are possibly gathered near the site proposed for their new church, 710 So. Anderson. The completed church was dedicated in May of 1926. Prior to their new church, the congregation met at 702 So. Anderson, built in 1902. The original church has been demolished. TPL-7074,

Epworth Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The Salvation Army has served Tacoma since 1888 as a vital segment of community life. In 1922, a new citadel, pictured a few months after completion, was constructed at 109 South 13th St. Architects Hill, Mock & Griffin designed the masonry and stucco structure built on the site once proposed for the Union Pacific Railroad depot. The flag was raised at the June 25, 1922 dedication by a delegation from the American Legion consisting of a soldier, a sailor and a marine. The building was erected at a cost of $42,000, with most of the funding supplied by the Tacoma Elks Lodge. TPL-6360; G21.1-183 (TNT 6-21-22, p. 3-article)

Salvation Army (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

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;

Mason Methodist Community House. By August of 1924, construction was underway at the new Mason Methodist Community House, a community hall, adjoining the church at 4008 North 28th St. Groundbreaking had occurred on May 20th. The new $25,000 hall, designed by architects Heath, Gove & Bell, would be dedicated in November of 1924. TPL-495; G22.1-131 (TNT 5-22-24, p. 14-article on groundbreaking)

Mason Methodist Church (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Sailors from the Seven Seas found a welcoming place to stay at the Seamen's Church Institute on the Municipal dock in August of 1924. Several men of varying races have gathered for a friendly billiards match. The purpose of the Seamen's Institute was to bring cheer to visiting sailors by providing them a comfortable place to congregate and rest. A library, gym, social hall, billiard room, reading/writing rooms, showers, kitchens, bedrooms and chapel were available, regardless of race or rank. It was partially supported by funding from the Tacoma Community Chest. TPL-7141; G53.1-093 (Tacoma Sunday Ledger, 2-5-28, 4-A - article on Seamen's Church Institute)

Sailors; Billiards--Tacoma--1920-1930; Seamen's Church Institute (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Sailors from many fleets enjoyed time away from their ships at the Seamen's Institute in August of 1924. Horseshoes, billiards, juggling clubs and boxing speed bag were just some of the activities pictured that the men could participate in without charge. Rev. Harry Ferneyhough is the clergyman near left. He had operated the Seamen's Church Institute for eighteen years as a friend to mariners. Books and newspapers were also available as well as meals for the hungry.

Sailors; Seamen's Church Institute (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1920-1930; Clergy--Tacoma; Ferneyhough, Harry; Horseshoes;

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;

ca. 1925. Choir at Our Saviors English Lutheran Church. Director: Mrs. J.A.E. Naess. (WSHS- negative A902-0)

Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1920-1930; Choirs (Music);

ca. 1925. Play at Congregational Church. A large group of actors, dressed in robes and headdresses, pose at the front of the church. A curtain has been hung across the altar, shielding most of a pipe organ. This is probably the First Congregational Church at 209 So. "J" St. (WSHS-negative under A600-0))

Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1920-1930;

ca. 1925. Members of the Epworth Methodist Church attend a retreat in the woods, possibly on Mount Rainier. To the right is a rough assembly hall and in the left background is a tent. Photograph is torn upper left. TPL-7075

Epworth Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma--1920-1930;

On April 6, 1925, photographer Marvin Boland captured K Street (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way) devoid of traffic. He stood at South 15th Street shooting north, picturing only a couple of parked cars and the empty streetcar tracks as they ran down the road. On the left was the two year old pride of Tacoma's Norwegian population, Normanna Hall at 1502 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. It served as a meeting place for the close knit community. Down the block on the right was the Norwegian Free Lutheran Church, at 1423 MLK, built in 1902. The area was still residential with open spaces, not the commercial shopping area that it became in the 1940's and 50's. TPL-3701; G60.1-082

Normanna Hall (Tacoma); Churches--Tacoma--1930-1940; Lutheran Free Church (Tacoma); Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930; Street railroad tracks--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Tacoma Rail & Power requested photographs in April of 1925 of South "K" St. (now called Martin Luther King Jr. Way) at 15th, showing both a north and south view. This is the view looking south on South "K" emphasizing the width of the street and the streetcar tracks in the foreground. The Norwegian Free Lutheran Church at 1423 South "K" (now Martin Luther King Jr. Way) is on the left with the Normanna Hall down the street on the right at #1502. G60.1-083

Churches--Tacoma--1920-1930; Lutheran Free Church (Tacoma); Normanna Hall (Tacoma); Street railroad tracks--Tacoma--1920-1930; Streets--Tacoma--1920-1930;

Knights of Columbus activities at U.S. Veterans Hospital, American Lake. High Mass was conducted at the American Lake Veterans Hospital in Lakewood on April 12, 1925, with a small congregation in attendance. The unidentified priest is on the small stage with two altar boys. G23.1-030; G22.1-066

Religious services--Lakewood; Priests--Lakewood; American Lake Veterans Hospital (Lakewood);

South Puget Sound Circuit Convention. Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Tacoma-Washington, April 24-26, 1925. Group of people in front of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Building by A.S. Knight, Architect, 1905. (filed with Argentum)

Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Tacoma); Lutheran churches--Tacoma--1920-1930; Meetings--Tacoma--1920-1930;

The cornerstone of the new Epworth Methodist Church was laid in ceremonies held on Sunday, May 17, 1925. The church congregation and friends gathered at the site of the new church at 710 South Anderson; the old church is in the background. The cornerstone was donated by Robert Walker of Walker Cut Stone who had given cornerstones for all the churches erected in Tacoma in recent years. The finished $90,000 Epworth Methodist was dedicated a year later in May of 1926. G22.1-128 (TNT 5-16-25, p. 14-article; TNT 5-18-25, p. 4)

Epworth Methodist Church (Tacoma); Methodist churches--Tacoma--1920-1930; Cornerstone laying--Tacoma--1920-1930;