The evening will feature a special presentation by Dr. Bill Baarsma, former Mayor of Tacoma and renowned local historian. Dr. Baarsma will highlight two significant Tacoma preservation projects—Saint Luke’s Memorial Church and Saint Luke’s Parish Hall—and the pivotal roles played by community leaders Charles Wright and Allen C. Mason.
St. Luke’s has a remarkable story:
In 1874, railroad magnate Charles Wright donated the original downtown property and $30,000 to construct the church, designed in the Gothic Revival style.
Threatened with demolition in the 1930s, St. Luke’s became the focus of what is believed to be Tacoma’s first major preservation campaign. Community members rallied, saving the church by moving and reconstructing it—stone by stone—in the North End, where it was re-consecrated in 1947.
Today, the church stands as a symbol of Tacoma’s commitment to honoring and preserving its architectural heritage.
The program will include:
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, October 16, 2025
🕕 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
📍 St. Luke’s Memorial Church, 3615 North Gove Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
✅ Free entry & parking | Family-friendly | Donations welcome
Registration through our Eventbrite link is welcome but not required. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1740174501779?aff=oddtdtcreator