Inside the effort to save Tacoma's Landmark Church

"We ask that you continue to pray that this building may continue to be a beacon of faith, hope, and charity to the people of Western Washington. We pray that the Lord may soften the hearts of those who are responsible for its fate." Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church).

"Holy Rosary parish has changed quite a bit over the course of the past century and more. It has gone from the impossible dream of a few dedicated German immigrants to the grand old lady of Tacoma’s Catholic parishes. From the neighborhood church of Germantown to a shining beacon on a hill, seen by all who pass through our city." Save Tacoma’s Landmark Church).

"Holy Rosary, built by German Catholic immigrants who wanted to hear sermons in their own language, was originally established in 1891 with the construction of a simple wooden church built by largely volunteer labor. With the growth of the congregation and rising concerns about the safety of the original church, services were shifted to the adjacent school auditorium in 1912 for almost nine years to make way for planning, fund-raising, and construction of the present church. The cornerstone was laid on May 30, 1920 with the formal dedication following the next year on November 13, 1921. Designed by C. Frank Mahon of Lundberg & Mahon of Tacoma, Holy Rosary is in the Gothic revival style and in the form of a Latin cross. Until recently, the church remained in continuous use as a worship space thanks to many renovation projects undertaken and funded by the parish."(Washington Trust for Historic Preservation)

”Every community therefor has the duty to take special care of its own sacred buildings, which are a precious religious and historical patrimony. For this we call upon the intercession of Mary Most Holy, that she help us to become, like her, the 'house of God,' living temple of his love”

- Pope Benedict XVI