Religious News Service Photographs

Primary tabs

About this Collection

Conceived by journalist Louis Minsky (1909-1957), Religious News Service (RNS) was established in 1934 as an affiliated but independently managed agency of the National Conference of Jews and Christians (later the National Conference of Christians and Jews), and was dedicated to providing authoritative and bias-free news about religion and ethics to both the secular and religious press. This collection contains photographs documenting Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish groups. Coverage of Protestants (especially mainline Protestants) and Catholics constitutes the bulk of the images. View the collection guide to learn more. Digitization of some of the images in this collection made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Featured image: Father James Groppi, the civil rights activist priest from Milwaukee, and militant leader Rennie Davis are taken into custody during an anti war demonstration a block from the White House.

Search In

For

Pages

Title:
A Mormon salute.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: P-29941 A MORMON SALUTE SALT LAKE CITY -- President Kennedy stands erect as Dr. David O. McKay, 90-year-old spiritual leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), leads in applause for the chief executive. Mr. Kennedy had just paid tribute to Mormon pioneers in a major address at the historic Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. “The qualities of the founders of this community are qualities we seek in all Americans -- courage, patience, faith, self-reliance and perseverance, and, above all, an unflagging determination to see right prevail,” he said. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (JB-OC-9E-63-RB)
Creator:
Brown, Jack. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., McKay, David O. (David Oman), 1873-1970., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints., Tabernacle (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Religious leaders--Utah--Salt Lake City., Latter Day Saint pioneers--Utah.
Geographic subjects:
Salt Lake City (Utah)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358111
Title:
A helping hand.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-29707 A HELPING HAND HYANNISPORT, Mass. -- After Mass at St. Francis Xavier church in Hyannisport, Mass., Caroline Kennedy lends a helping hand to her father’s pocket flap so he’ll look neat for spectators and cameramen. The President’s other pocket flap also is disarranged. Following Mr. Kennedy and Caroline out of the church is Mrs. Paul Fay, wife of the Undersecretary of Navy. It was Caroline’s first appearance at the church here with her father. Earlier this year she attended Mass with him at Middleburg, Va. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (U-HY-8B-63-RB)
Creator:
United Press International. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Kennedy, Caroline, 1957-, Fay, Anita.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Children of presidents--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Hyannis Port (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358031
Title:
So daddy will look neat.
Creator:
United Press International. (author)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Kennedy, Caroline, 1957-, Fay, Anita.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Children of presidents--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Hyannis Port (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:357811
Title:
The president and 'March' leaders.
Description:
Alternate caption when the photo was reissued in November 1963 on the occasion of President Kennedy's death.
Creator:
Religious News Service. (author)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (1963 : Washington, D.C.), Oval Office (White House, Washington, D.C.), Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973., McKissick, Floyd B. (Floyd Bixler), 1922-1991., King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968., Young, Whitney M., Reuther, Walter, 1907-1970., Blake, Eugene Carson, 1906-1985., Ahmann, Mathew H., Prinz, Joachim, 1902-1988., Randolph, A. Philip (Asa Philip), 1889-1979., Lewis, John, 1940-2020., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963--Assassination.
Topics:
Civil rights movements--United States., Civil rights demonstrations--Washington (D.C.), Civil rights workers--Washington (D.C.), Labor leaders--Washington (D.C.), Civil rights--Religious aspects., Presidents--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.), Mall, The (Washington, D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:357746
Title:
Memorial Mass for President Kennedy.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31859 MEMORIAL MASS FOR PRESIDENT KENNEDY BOSTON -- Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, celebrated a nationally televised Mass “facing the people” to mark the first anniversary of the death of President John F. Kennedy. Standing at a simple altar in the forefront of the sanctuary, Cardinal Cushing used a new English Ritual for the first time. A congregation of more than 3,000 overflowed the massive cathedral. Mrs. Peter Lawford, the President’s sister, sat in a front pew with her daughter and two cousins. Other dignitaries present included U.S. House Speaker John W. McCormack, Gov. Endicott Peabody and Mayor John J. Collins [sic. John F. Collins]. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-11D-64-NAB)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Catholic Church--Bishops., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Boston (Mass.), Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Boston, Mass.), Lawford, Patricia Kennedy, 1924-2006., McCormack, John W., 1891-1980., Peabody, Endicott, 1920-1997., Collins, John F., 1919-1995.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Memorial service., Mass--Celebration., Television broadcasting--Religious aspects--Catholic Church.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:356570
Title:
Girl marks first Communion with Kennedy tribute.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-30751 GIRL MARKS FIRST COMMUNION WITH KENNEDY TRIBUTE WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A seven-year-old girl marked her first Holy Communion by going to Washington and placing her Communion bouquet at the grave of John F. Kennedy in Arlington National Cemetery. Little Julia McCarthy, who received her first Communion the day before at St. Joseph's Catholic church, West New York, N.J. is shown pausing have [sic. here] placing the bouquet inside the white fence surrounding the late President's gravesite. Standing with Julia is Lt. John Phillips of the honor guard at the grave. In the rear are Julia's parents, Mr. And Mrs. James McCarthy of North Bergen, N.J., and her six-year-old brother, Joseph (almost hidden). Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (W-3D-64-NAB)
Creator:
United Press International. (author)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, Va.), McCarthy, Julia., McCarthy, James., McCarthy, Joseph., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963.
Topics:
Sacraments--Catholic Church., Lord's Supper., Bereavement--Religious aspects--Christianity., Children--Washington (D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:353766
Title:
Prayer and the President.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30268 PRAYER AND THE PRESIDENT WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Figures in a dramatic, tragic story in American history at a prayer breakfast of congressional wives and the inauguration of the first Roman Catholic President of the U.S. Below, the late President Kennedy addresses the prayer gathering; with him are his successor, then Vice President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, Mrs. Johnson, and Evangelist Billy Graham. Above, the late President takes the oath of office on Jan. 20, 1961. Administering the oath is Chief Justice Earl Warren. In his appearance at the breakfast and in his inaugural address, Mr. Kennedy reflected the need for religious zeal in American life. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (W-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973., Johnson, Lady Bird, 1912-2007., Graham, Billy, 1918-2018., Warren, Earl, 1891-1974.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Vice presidents--United States., Vice presidents' spouses--United States., Prayer breakfasts--Washington (D.C.), Evangelists--Washington (D.C.), Presidents--Inauguration., Inauguration Day., Judges--Washington (D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352972
Title:
Key moments had Protestant settings.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30267 KEY MOMENTS HAD PROTESTANT SETTINGS Key moments in the political life of the late President Kennedy came amid Protestant settings. Above, the man destined to become the nation’s first Roman Catholic chief executive speaks in October, 1960, before the Ministers Association of Greater Houston. Addressing 500 clergymen he delineated his thoughts on separation of Church and State. Below, the photo shows what must have been a heart-warming moment for the young leader. It was provided by Dr. E. S. James of Dallas, left, clergyman-editor of the Texas Baptist Standard. Dr. James had opposed election of a Roman Catholic president in 1960. He came to the White House in February, 1963, however, to tell Mr. Kennedy that “it was a pleasure” to note that religious bias had been scrupulously avoided by the administration. The Baptist leader said the Catholic chief executive was “determined to abide by the Constitutional provision for the separation of Church and State.” Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (SD-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Religious News Service. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., James, E. S., Baptist General Convention of Texas--Clergy.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Clergy--United States., Church and state--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Houston (Tex.), Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352971
Title:
The Presidents.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30252 THE PRESIDENTS A happier time. This photograph of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson was taken shortly after their election in 1960. President Kennedy, slain by an assassin in Dallas, was succeeded by the Vice President, Lyndon Baines Johnson, who becomes the nation’s 36th Chief Executive. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (W-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Vice-presidents--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352967
Title:
The First Family: Churchgoers.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30248 THE FIRST FAMILY: CHURCHGOERS MIDDLEBURG, Va. -- This was an eventful family day for the John F. Kennedy family. Oct. 27, 1963: the first time all members of the First Family attended church together. Only a few weeks before his third birthday, little “John John” was permitted to attend his first public Mass at the Kennedys’ parish church, St. Stephen the Martyr, at Middleburg, Va. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (W-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, 1929-1994., St. Stephen the Martyr Church (Middleburg, Va.), Kennedy, Caroline, 1957-, Kennedy, John F., Jr., 1960-1999.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Presidents' spouses--United States., Children of presidents--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Middleburg (Va.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352966
Title:
The Kennedy smile.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30245 THE KENNEDY SMILE Young, vibrant, with a warm smile and hearty good humor that contrasted sharply with the seriousness and the awesomeness of his responsibility. That was John F. Kennedy on May 29 as he observed his 46th birthday. The youngest President elected to the nation’s highest office, he joshed the White House correspondents on that day: “You all look older today.” Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (W-NY-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Birthdays--Washington (D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352964
Title:
John Kennedy: Race is a 'moral crisis.'
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30244 JOHN KENNEDY: RACE IS A ‘MORAL CRISIS’ The late John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, held that to assure the rights of Negroes the nation must solve a “moral crisis.” “It is as old as the Scriptures, and is as clear as the American Constitution,” he said. On June 17 he met with the nation’s religious leaders in a White House Conference on Religion and Race. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (U-NY-11E-63-W)
Creator:
United Press International. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Oval Office (White House, Washington, D.C.), White House (Washington, D.C.)
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Race relations--United States., Civil rights movements--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352963
Title:
JFK and religious leaders.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: P-30273 JFK AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS The late John Fitzgerald Kennedy won the respect and friendship of many of the nation’s and world’s religious leaders. Above, at the White House, he is shown as he received Dr. Arthur Michael Ramsey, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in November, 1962. Below, he addresses leaders of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. who advised him of the denomination’s plans to build a multi-million dollar National Presbyterian church in the nation’s capital [sic]. Shown from left are: President Kennedy; Major Gen. (Retired) Reginald C. Harmon, USAF; Dr. Eugene Carson Blake, stated clerk of the Church’s General Assembly; Dr. Edward L.R. Elson, pastor of the National Presbyterian church; the Rev. Stewart C. McKenzie, pastor of the Western Presbyterian church, Washington, D.C.; and Henry R. Luce, New York publisher and prominent Presbyterian layman. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (SM-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Muse, Seth H., 1912-1976. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Ramsey, Michael, 1904-1988., Church of England--Bishops., United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A., Harmon, Reginald Carl, 1900-1992., Blake, Eugene Carson, 1906-1985., Elson, Edward L. R. (Edward Lee Roy), 1906-1993., McKenzie, Stuart C., Luce, Henry R., 1898-1967., United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.--Clergy.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Clergy--Washington (D.C.), Bishops--Washington (D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352922
Title:
A presidential tradition.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: P-30263 A PRESIDENTIAL TRADITION WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A man with a strong sense of history and respect for tradition, the late John F. Kennedy is shown as he registered at St. John’s Episcopal church, Washington, D.C., long known as “the church of the Presidents.” At top left the first Roman Catholic President shakes hands with the Rev. John C. Harper, rector; top right, he is introduced to the congregation before the service begins; and below, he signs the prayer book previously signed by Presidents Hoover, Truman and Eisenhower. Thirty-one Presidents have either visited or worshipped at the church founded in 1816. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (HLSS-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Religious News Service. (publisher), Stein-Schneider, Herbert. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., St. John’s Church (Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C.), Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Harper, John C.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Church and state--United States., Lafayette Park (Washington, D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352921
Title:
The President's pastor.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-30272 THE PRESIDENT’S PASTOR Death parts two great friends, the 35th President of the United States and the Cardinal-Archbishop of Boston. Above, Mr. Kennedy listens to the prayer of Richard Cardinal Cushing at the inaugural ceremony in Washington. Below, a carefree, happy moment in Rome where, after his call upon Pope Paul VI, the President visited the Pontifical North American College. Later that day, in a more somber setting, Cardinal Cushing presented to the President gifts that the late Pope John XXIII had put aside for him. The Kennedy family, for more than 40 years, looked upon the cardinal as their parish priest. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (W-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church--Bishops., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963.
Topics:
Bishops--Washington (D.C.), Bishops--Italy--Rome., Presidents--United States., Presidents--Inauguration., Prayer--Washington (D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.), Vatican City.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352869
Title:
Happiest moments.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-30271 HAPPIEST MOMENTS Happy moments for a Catholic family. Above, Richard Cardinal Cushing of Boston -- then an archbishop -- is shown as he congratulated Sen. and Mrs. John F. Kennedy after baptizing their first child, Caroline, in 1957 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. Below, the then President-elect and his wife watch as their son, John, was baptized by Father Martin J. Casey, S.J., at Holy Trinity church, Washington, in December, 1960. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (GE-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, 1929-1994., Kennedy, Caroline, 1957-, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (New York, N.Y.), Kennedy, John F., Jr., 1960-1999., Casey, Martin J., Holy Trinity Church (Washington, D.C.), Catholic Church--Bishops., Catholic Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Bishops--New York (State)--New York., Clergy--Washington (D.C.), Baptism--New York (State)--New York., Baptism--Washington (D.C.), Baptism--Catholic Church., Sacraments--Catholic Church., Children of presidents--United States.
Geographic subjects:
New York (N.Y.), Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352868
Title:
The church and the Kennedys.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-30269 THE CHURCH AND THE KENNEDYS Memorable days for a Catholic family. Below, Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, is shown after baptizing Christopher George, son of Attorney General and Mrs. Robert F. Kennedy at Hyannisport [sic], Mass. The President’s warm smile reflects the family’s happiness. Above, Mars 20, 1939, when U.S. Ambassador to England Joseph P. Kennedy, his wife and children were granted an audience by Pope Pius XII. The President-to-be is second from left, back row. Tragedy stalked the Kennedys: the oldest son died an air hero of World War II; a daughter was retarded; a daughter died in a plane crash; and most recently a nation shared their grief upon the assassination of the second son, John Fitzgerald, 35th President of the U.S. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (W-NY-11E-63-W)
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, Ethel, 1928-, Kennedy, Robert F., 1925-1968., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Kennedy, Christopher George., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church--Bishops., Kennedy, Joseph P. (Joseph Patrick), 1888-1969., Kennedy, Rose Fitzgerald, 1890-1995., Vatican City. Guardia svizzera pontificia.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Bishops--Massachusetts--Hyannis Port., Ambassadors--United States., Baptism--Massachusetts--Hyannis Port., Sacraments--Catholic Church.
Geographic subjects:
Vatican City., Hyannis Port (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352866
Title:
Kennedy addresses nation on civil rights.
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Oval Office (White House, Washington, D.C.), White House (Washington, D.C.)
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Race relations--United States., Civil rights movements--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352795
Title:
First time for First Family.
Creator:
Wide World Photos, Inc. (author)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963., Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy, 1929-1994., St. Stephen the Martyr Church (Middleburg, Va.), Kennedy, Caroline, 1957-, Kennedy, John F., Jr., 1960-1999.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Presidents' spouses--United States., Children of presidents--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Middleburg (Va.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352757
Title:
At 46, a big grin.
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Kennedy, John F. (John Fitzgerald), 1917-1963.
Topics:
Presidents--United States., Birthdays--Washington (D.C.)
Geographic subjects:
Washington (D.C.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:352708

Pages

Bookmark

BookBags: