As we celebrate 100 years of service, look back with us on how it all began.
1911
December 2nd through December 18th – Evangelist Rodney “Gipsy” Smith presented a series of revival meetings in Tacoma at a large tabernacle built especially for the meetings at 6th and South I Street in Tacoma. Newspapers of the day described the building as large “block-long, half-block wide building with sawdust floors a choir loft and speakers’ stand at the end of the structure and able to seat 6,000 people.
1912
The Rescue Mission was established by a group of volunteers, community and church members at the urging of Evangelist Rodney “Gypsie” Smith during a series of revival meeting held in Tacoma in December 1911. The Rescue Mission was organized at a mass meeting following a general call made at the nondenominational revival meetings.
Tacoma’s population was 101,500 in 1912
1913
December 24 – A letter from Evangelist Rodney “Gipsy” Smith, of England appeared in the The Tribune two years after his revival meetings in Tacoma. His public letter …expressed his joy the Mission was established and thankfulness for those who operate the Mission.”I am always glad to have news from Tacoma, but none has cheered me more than the last , telling me of my blessed child, that mission which keeps the fire burnish in your city,”…
*photo from the Tacoma Public Library Richards Studio Collection
1925
The Mission began a jail chaplaincy program at the Pierce County jail, providing counselling and religious services for inmates and their families. In addition to providing meals, lodging and clothing to the needy, the Mission acted as an employment bureau, made hospital visits, performed jail services and held nightly church services. From 1912 to 1939 the Mission occupied a number of rented buildings to carry on its work. The increase in the numbers of unemployed and homeless during the Great Depression, led the trustees of the Mission to seek larger, permanent quarters.
1939
The Mission purchased its first building at 1512 Pacific Ave, and for the next 5 years carried on an extensive remodelling program. Mission Superintendent Shaughnessy stated, “We are planning this post-war expansion program to meet the inevitable need of those who become tomorrow’s unfortunates in the back-wash of war.” In 1946 the adjoining building on 1510 on Pacific was purchased for $10,000.
1951
The Mission begins the new year of operation with a deficit for the first time in a number of years, due to a lessening of private contributions and heavy demand by transient and unemployed men.
1960
The Mission, following a doctor’s donation of his residence/clinic, established Hope Home. Hope Home provides housing and assistance to mentally or emotionally disturbed women who cannot live independently.
1969
The New Life Clinic opens, which is a counselling and rehabilitation service offering new life and hope to the problem drinker.
The Rescue Mission is seeking sponsors for our 100th Anniversary celebration for 2012. Sponsorships may be in the form of grants, provision of needed in-kind support, and/or donated services.
As a sponsor, you, your business or organization can help raise awareness about the needs of the homeless.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity! Download our sponsorship package>
Do you have a story to share about the Mission's history? Email us, and tell us your story!