Children fill the stage at Faith Temple. They may have taken part in a Christmas pageant since this photograph was taken two days before Christmas 1951. Stripes, plaids and western wear seem popular in children's wear at this time.

Congregational churches--Tacoma; Faith Temple (Tacoma); Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Children performing in theatrical productions--Tacoma; Children--Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Hugh MacWhirter, Carman Knap Nordlund and Ernest Bates (L-R) sang the trio in the Saint-Saens "Christmas Oratorio" at the First Methodist Church's annual carol service in 1951. The church choir, directed by Fritz Berntsen, and other soloists would also take part in the performance. Ordered by Mr. Berntsen. (TNT, 12/23/1951, p.C-7)

Methodist churches--Tacoma; First Methodist Church (Tacoma); MacWhirter, Hugh; Nordlund, Carman Knap; Bates, Ernest; Singers;

Reverend Elsworth T. Johnson. First Cadet Rally at Foursquare Gospel Church. Large group of children holding balloons in front of early wood-frame church building with three Gothic-style windows at front.

Protestant churches--Tacoma; Children & adults--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balloons--Tacoma; Foursquare Gospel Church (Tacoma);

Children at the Foursquare Gospel Church let loose their large balloons in celebration of the first Cadet Rally on December 1, 1951. All eyes follow the balloons' upward path. The Foursquare Gospel Church was located at 2303 South Sheridan Avenue and pastored by Rev. Elsworth T. Johnson. Built in 1909, the church was first home to the First Swedish-Finnish Baptist Church before it was purchased by Foursquare Gospel in 1938. (TPL-3864)

Protestant churches--Tacoma; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balloons--Tacoma; Foursquare Gospel Church (Tacoma);

Members of the Foursquare Gospel Church congregate in front of their church building in December, 1951, for the first Cadet Rally. There are a large amount of smiling children present; many are holding onto huge balloons. Rev. Elsworth T. Johnson is listed as pastor according to the 1951 City Directory.

Protestant churches--Tacoma; Children & adults--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balloons--Tacoma; Foursquare Gospel Church (Tacoma);

A Country Fair was held at the Little Church on the Prairie's Education Building on Friday, November 9, 1951. Mrs. Charles Fields, Mrs. R. Gene Grant, Mrs. Neil Armstrong and Mrs. Ernest Grant (from left) met earlier at the home of Mrs. George Boldt on October 30, 1951, to display some of the dolls, Christmas stockings, aprons and other hand-made gift items to be sold at the Country Fair. (TNT 11-4-1951, D-6)

Little Church on the Prairie (Lakewood); Boldt, George H.--Homes & haunts; Fields, Charles--Family; Grant, R. Gene--Family; Armstrong, Neil--Family; Grant, Ernest--Family; Dolls;

The administrative staff at First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Albert J. Lindsey is seated at the desk. Ordered by Dr. Albert J. Lindsey.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Lindsey, Albert J.;

A room full of more than 100 children from the Bible class at the First Presbyterian Church. TPL-1739

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sunday schools--Tacoma;

Dr. Albert J. Lindsey stands behind the pulpit at the First Presbyterian Church.

Presbyterian churches--Tacoma; Clergy--Tacoma--1950-1960; First Presbyterian Church (Tacoma); Lindsey, Albert J.; Pulpits--Tacoma;

To celebrate the 109th anniversary of the formation of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Tacoma Central Ward Relief Society members held a party in their new church's club rooms at 4th & So. L. The organization had grown in 109 years from 18 members at inception to 126,000 women nationwide. The group claimed to be the oldest active national women's organization and had met weekly since their founding March 17, 1842 in Nauvoo, Illinois. They have sponsored emergency contributions in many world crises, living up to their motto "Charity Never Faileth." The four center women in the photograph, left to right, are Mrs. Lloyd Green, Geraldine (Mrs. Mirl J.) Haney, Afton (Mrs. Lige) Dickson and Rosella (Mrs. Leslie C.) Seal. (TNT 3/22/1951, pg. C-4)

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Central Ward Relief Society (Tacoma); Haney, Geraldine; Dickson, Afton; Seal, Rosella; Anniversaries--Tacoma--1950-1960; Commemoration--Tacoma; Tea parties--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Attorney Gail Haddock, 510 Perkins Building, commissioned a series of photographs depicting a scene of an accident. The accident apparently occurred near Holy Rosary Church, shown on the far right, and Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way). This view shows the steepness of the hill near the church.

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Streets--Tacoma;

Tacoma Ave S looking south towards St. Joseph's Catholic Church. This photograph was taken on August 9, 1950, near Wakefield Dr. (now South Tacoma Way) and the Holy Rosary Church. It apparently depicts the vicinity of an accident and was commissioned by Gail Haddock, attorney, 510 Perkins Building.

Holy Rosary Church (Tacoma); Streets--Tacoma;

Groundbreaking for new Mormon church. A large bulldozer stands ready to begin groundbreaking for the new Lincoln ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Bishop Alvin L. Morris conducted the ceremony with additional remarks by former bishop of Lincoln ward, James H. Pike, as well as other members of the congregation. Members of the ward will use their own labor to build the chapel, as well as manufacturing the cement blocks utilized in the construction. The chapel will be located at South 50th and A streets.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bulldozers; Morris, Alvin L.; Pike, James H.;

Groundbreaking for new Mormon church. A large crowd gathers to participate in the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Lincoln ward chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The new church will be located at the corner of South 50th and A streets. Members of the Lincoln ward will construct the chapel under the direction of Ted Mulholland, former resident engineer at Fort Lewis. (TNT 7-3-50, p. 12)

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Ground breaking ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bulldozers;

After picture of new roof on First Congregational Church. Blair Construction, 3022 South 38th. This exterior photograph of the First Congregational Church, taken on July 10, 1950, shows portions of the new roof, the work of Blair Construction. Arched windows with stained glass adorn the stone building located at Division and J.

Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Roofs--Tacoma; Stone buildings--Tacoma; Stained glass--Tacoma; Blair Construction Co. (Tacoma);

After picture of new roof on First Congregational Church. Blair Construction, 3022 South 38th. The early Gothic/Tudor church was designed by architect George W. Bullard and had its cornerstone laid on September 5, 1907. While the first services were held in October, 1908, dedication of the church was delayed until December 12, 1909, after all debts were paid.

Congregational churches--Tacoma; First Congregational Church (Tacoma); Roofs--Tacoma; Stone buildings; Bullard, George W.; Blair Construction Co. (Tacoma);

Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Several members of the Mormon Church are learning to make the blocks from which they will build their new church. A man on the right is showing others how the soft materials are fed into forms at the base of an automated feeder.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building materials;

Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Members of the Mormon Church look proud of the first of many blocks they will be making to build their new church. Everyone, from young to old, is expected to play their part.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building materials;

Making the first block for their new church, Church of Jesus Christ LDS. Several members of the Mormon Church, men, women and children, have gathered to make the blocks with which they will build their new church. They are standing outside a corrugated metal building in an unimproved lot.

Mormon churches--Tacoma; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Tacoma); Church membership--Tacoma; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building materials;

Father Martin Duggan was honored by his parish at Holy Cross Church on his 25th anniversary as a priest. He is seen here, second from the right, surrounded by well-wishers, near the table set for cake and coffee. Silver tea and coffee service as well as candelabra decorate the table and a four-tiered cake is ready to be cut. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely.

Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Anniversaries--Tacoma; Cakes--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Holy Cross Church presented a new automobile to Father Martin Duggan for his 25th anniversary as a priest. The automobile came complete with virtually every accessory possible. Jim McMenamin, chairman of the silver jubilee committee, hands Father Duggan the keys while members of the congregation look on. Ordered by Liberal Engraving Company, Joe Lovely. (TNT, 5/9/1950, p.19)

Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma); Catholic churches--Tacoma; Duggan, Martin J.; Priests--Tacoma; Automobiles--Tacoma--1950-1960; McMenamin, James H.;

Eunice Allen is teaching a weekday Bible class to younger students at Calvary Baptist Church. Weekday church schools were provided through the sponsorship of the Tacoma Council of Churches and were held in various parts of the city with 60 churches participating. Ordered by the Tacoma Council of Churches, Reverend Loyal Vickers. (TNT, 4/16/1950, p.A-4)

Calvary Baptist Church (Tacoma); Sunday schools--Tacoma--1950-1960; Children--Tacoma--1950-1960; Allen, Eunice; Tacoma Council of Churches (Tacoma);

Group of 13 altar boys at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4302 No. Shirley St. Holy Cross was founded in 1915. In 1950, it was under the direction of the Rev. M.J. Duggan and also included a parochial school run by the Dominican Sisters. These boys served as altar boys during a three day mission in March 1950 at the church. The mission was conducted by Rev. Enda Somers of Los Angeles and featured a special childrens' mission for the students of the school and area public schools. The boys are: front row left to right Jerry Paukert, David Lane, Jerry Hubbard; 2nd row Billy McConnell, Marty Dougherty, David Albright, James Burcar; back row Billy McMenamin, Bobby Gunovick, David Walsh, Billy Ostruske, George O'Dore and Ronald O'Connell. (TNT 3/4/1950, pg. 18)

Catholic churches--Tacoma; Vestments; Acolytes; Boys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Holy Cross Catholic Church (Tacoma);

This is the choir of the Bethlehem Baptist Church as photographed in February of 1950. The choir president, William Ervin, is in the center of the second row. Bethlehem Baptist, 1723 South "I," was founded in 1890 and was the oldest African American Baptist church in the city of Tacoma. The church at this location was dedicated in 1922, destroyed in a 1959 fire, and rebuilt. (TNT 4-7-50, p. 4 - alt. photograph & complete listing of choir members)

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (music); Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); African Americans--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Ervin, William;

This is the choir of Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1723 South "I" Street, as photographed in February of 1950. The choir was led by William Ervin, at center (with hymnal) next to church pastor Rev. E.B. Wilson. Bethlehem Baptist was founded in 1890 in Tacoma and was the oldest African American Baptist church in the city. The church at this location was dedicated in 1922. It was destroyed by fire in 1959 and subsequently rebuilt. Rev. E.B. Wilson was a member of Bethlehem Baptist for 50 years and served as its minister for 20 years. (TNT 4/7/1950, p.4 complete listing of choir names) TPL-10345

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Choirs (Music); Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); African Americans--Tacoma--1950-1960; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1950-1960; Wilson, Edward B.; Clergy--Tacoma; Ervin, William;

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;

Bethlehem Baptist Church was celebrating the 10th anniversary of their pastor, Reverend Edward Byard Wilson, in August of 1949. View of Reverend Wilson, who is joined by his wife, Allie, friends, and other church members. TPL-5783

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma; Wilson, Allie;

Bethlehem Baptist Church primarily had African-American members. In January 1959 Bethlehem Baptist Church was destroyed by a fire, the congregation decided to rebuild their facilities. View of banquet celebrating the 10th anniversary of Reverend Edward Byard Wilson; Reverend Wilson (seated on the right next to wife Allie) is joined by family, friends, and other church members. TPL-8582

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--Tacoma; Wilson, Allie;

In August of 1949 the congregation of the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Tacoma celebrated the 10th anniversary of Reverend Edward Byard Wilson, Pastor. The Bethlehem Baptist Church was dedicated in August 1922; the church building costs were about $10,000. This church is located at South 18th & I Street, in the Hilltop area of Tacoma. On January 7, 1959 the church was virtually destroyed by a fire, and it had to be rebuilt.

Baptist churches--Tacoma; Preaching--Tacoma--1940-1950; Religious services--Tacoma--1940-1950; African American churches--Tacoma; Bethlehem Baptist Church (Tacoma); Wilson, Edward Byard; Clergy--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);