Religious News Service Photographs

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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.

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Title:
Archbishop blesses plane.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: ARCHBISHOP BLESSES PLANE #c-3566 BOSTON -- Archbishop Richard J. Cushing blesses the plane Our Lady of Hudson Bay at Boston airport. The ship will be used by the Rev. Aloysius Cartier, O.M.I., (left) to keep in touch with remote missions in the Arctic region. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EM-BOS-MES-5C-6-C)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church--Bishops., Catholic Church--Clergy., Cartier, Aloysius.
Topics:
Bishops--Massachusetts--Boston., Benediction--Catholic Church., Clergy--Arctic regions., Airplanes--Massachusetts--Boston., Pastoral theology--Equipment and supplies., Rural clergy--Travel.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359565
Title:
Seventeen years before the 'mike.'
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: SEVENTEEN YEARS BEFORE THE ‘MIKE’ #C-3463 WESTON, Mass. -- September is a significant month for the Rev. Michael J. Ahern, S.J., known throughout this area as “the Radio Priest.” He is beginning his 17th year before the microphone and his 50th year as a Jesuit. Professor of geology at Weston College here, Father Ahern formerly was president of Canisius College, Buffalo, N.Y. He is a member of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and recently returned from Oxford where he attended the first International Conference of Christians and Jews. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RNS-MES-9C-6-C)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church--Clergy., Ahern, Michael J., Jesuits., Weston College of the Holy Spirit--Faculty., National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Topics:
Clergy--Massachusetts--Weston., Radio broadcasters--Massachusetts--Weston., Religious broadcasting--Massachusetts., Mass media in religion--Massachusetts--Weston.
Geographic subjects:
Weston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359561
Title:
Chaplain for the big top.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: CHAPLAIN FOR THE BIG TOP #3615-D BOSTON -- Circus performers are old friends to Father Edward S. Sullivan, shown here (center) with members of the famous Wallender troupe of aerialists. As chaplain of the Circus Fans Association, a group banded together to break down old prejudices against the circus, he has known thousands of performers over the last 20 years. He first came into contact with the Big Top artists when he worked on a wild animal farm near here. During those years circus people visited the farm to purchase animals, and he found them a group whose “knowledge of the arts and music is amazing.” He is known as Father Ed to the artists, and he has served circus people all over the country, regardless of their denomination. Pointing out that the circus is built on the family idea, the artists handing down their talent from generation to generation, Father Sullivan says there are fewer divorces among circus people than in any comparable group in the amusement world. He is curate of St. Peter’s church, Cambridge, Mass. (One of a Series) Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ELM-BOS-MES-5D-6-R-C)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Circus Fans Association of America., Catholic Church--Clergy., Sullivan, Edward S.
Topics:
Clergy--Massachusetts--Boston., Circus performers--Massachusetts., Women circus performers--Massachusetts., Aerialists--Massachusetts., Religious medals.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359524
Title:
Chaplain for the big top.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: CHAPLAIN FOR THE BIG TOP #3615-C BOSTON -- Father Edward S. Sullivan, curate of St. Peter’s church, Cambridge, Mass., has served circus folks all over the country as chaplain of the Circus Fans Association, a group of people who have banded together to dispel prejudices regarding the Big Top performers. He is shown here with some of the smaller members of his “congregation”--the circus midgets. Father Sullivan describes circus people as “sober and industrious.” He points out that people often confuse “honky-tonks and girly shows with circus stars. This situation is unfortunate because actually the stars of the sawdust trail lead daily lives just as normal as do their audiences, although constant practice in their specialties deprives them of normal outside activities.” He says he has been a circus fan since he used to help water the elephants when they came to Charlestown, his boyhood home. (One of a Series) Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ELM-BOS-MES-5D-6-R-C)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Circus Fans Association of America., Catholic Church--Clergy., Sullivan, Edward S.
Topics:
Clergy--Massachusetts--Boston., Circus performers--Massachusetts., Dwarfs (persons)--Massachusetts., Religious medals.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359523
Title:
Chaplain for the big top.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: CHAPLAIN FOR THE BIG TOP #3615-B BOSTON -- Father Edward S. Sullivan, curate of St. Peter’s church, Cambridge, Mass., is chaplain of the Circus Fans Association and unofficial spiritual advisor to circus performers all over the country. Here he is presenting a religious medal to Martha Henderson, a member of the famous Wallender aerial troupe who was injured in an accident. He has distributed over 3,600 medals of the Blessed Virgin to circus people during the last 20 years. Father Sullivan was given official permission by the late William Cardinal O’Connell to accept the post of chaplain of the Circus Fans, an association of people who have banded together to break down prejudices against circus people. Father Sullivan says the circus “is the only form of entertainment that has never needed to be censored.” (One of a Series) Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ELM-BOS-MES-5D-6-R-C)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Circus Fans Association of America., Catholic Church--Clergy., Sullivan, Edward S., Henderson, Martha.
Topics:
Clergy--Massachusetts--Boston., Circus performers--Massachusetts., Women circus performers--Massachusetts., Aerialists--Massachusetts., Religious medals.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359522
Title:
Chaplain for the big top.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: CHAPLAIN FOR THE BIG TOP #3615-A BOSTON -- Circus life is no novelty to Father Edward S. Sullivan, unofficial chaplain of circus people throughout the country. A curate of St. Peter’s church, Cambridge, Mass., Father Sullivan has distributed over 3,600 medals of the Blessed Virgin to circus people during the last 20 years. Shown here with one of the star clowns, Father Sullivan is chaplain of the Circus Fans Association, a group of over 1,000 circus lovers who have banded together to break down prejudices against circus people. As part of his duties, Father Sullivan visits every circus that comes to New England. (One of a Series) Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ELM-BOS-MES-5D-6-R-C)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Circus Fans Association of America., Catholic Church--Clergy., Sullivan, Edward S.
Topics:
Clergy--Massachusetts--Boston., Circus performers--Massachusetts., Clowns--Massachusetts., Religious medals.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359521
Title:
Plaschanycia blessing.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: 3567 -- Boston. At the blessing of the “plaschanycia” at the Ukrainian Holy Trinity Church. Left to right: Rev. V. A. Kashiev, pastor, Adelia Paschak, Olga Petreyko, Julia Zinko and Helen Yarosh, donors of the “plaschanycia” the covering for the “Tomb of Jesus to be used Good Friday. [sic]
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity (Boston, Mass.), Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA--Clergy., Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA--Customs and practices., Kashiev, V.A., Paschak, Adelia., Petreyko, Olga., Zinko, Julia., Yarosh, Helen.
Topics:
Good Friday--Massachusetts--Boston., Holy Week--Massachusetts--Boston., Christian art and symbolism., Ukrainian Americans--Massachusetts--Boston., Ukrainian American art--Massachusetts--Boston., Ukrainian American women--Massachusetts--Boston., Benediction.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359492
Title:
Crucifixion triptych.
Description:
Text transcribed from notations on envelope: 3383 One of worlds masterpieces of Ecclesiastical Art. Famous Crucifixion by Duccio. Earl MacDonald
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer), Duccio, di Buoninsegna, -1319? (artist)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Museum of Fine Arts, Boston., Jesus Christ--Crucifixion--Art.
Topics:
Christian art and symbolism--13th century., Triptychs--Italy., Crucifixion in art., Art museum visitors--Massachusetts--Boston., Art museums--Massachusetts--Boston.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359370
Title:
Woman member of Japan commission.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: WOMAN MEMBER OF JAPAN COMMISSION #s-3264 BOSTON -- Miss Alice E. Cary (right) points to the map of Japan, where she was born, the daughter of missionary parents. Miss Cary, who is shown with the Rev. Loy L. Long, candidate secretary of the American Board of Foreign Missions, is the woman member of a commission of six leaders selected to go to Japan under the auspices of the Foreign Missions Conference of North America. An associate secretary of the American Board, Miss Cary spent 20 years in Japan as a social service missionary. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ELM-BOST-MES-4C-6-W-M)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Cary, Alice E., Long, Loy Lewis, 1903-, Foreign Missions Conference of North America.
Topics:
Missionaries--Japan., Returned missionaries--Japan., Women missionaries--Japan., Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Religious aspects., Missions--Japan.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.), Japan.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359123
Title:
Rev. Loy L. Long.
Description:
Text transcribed from notations on envelope: 3266 Rev. Loy L. Long formerly of Calcutta, India now candidate Secy. of the American Board of Foreign Missions, Boston Mac
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Long, Loy Lewis, 1903-, American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
Topics:
Returned missionaries--India--Kolkata., Missionaries--India--Kolkata.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.), Kolkata (India)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359078
Title:
Rabbi installed by brother.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: RABBI INSTALLED BY BROTHER #3104 BROOKLINE, Mass. -- Rabbi Beryl D. Cohon (right) shown at the ceremonies at which he was installed to life tenure as rabbi of Temple Sinai here. The ceremonies were conducted by Rabbi Cohon’s brother, Dr. Samuel S. Cohon (left), professor of theology at Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati. Rabbi Cohon has been spiritual head of the temple since its founding in 1939. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ELM-BOST-MES-4A-6-J)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Cohon, Beryl D. (Beryl David), 1898-1976., Cohon, Samuel Solomon, 1888-1959., Hebrew Union College--Faculty.
Topics:
Rabbis--Massachusetts--Brookline., Rites and ceremonies--Massachusetts--Brookline.
Geographic subjects:
Brookline (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359027
Title:
Suffragan bishop-elect of Michigan.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: SUFFRAGAN BISHOP-ELECT OF MICHIGAN #3103 CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The Rev. Richard Stanley Merrill Emrich, assistant professor of Christian social ethics at the Episcopal Theological School here and minister-in-charge of St. Gabriel’s church, Marion, Mass., reads the letter notifying him of his election as suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Michigan. The son of Episcopal missionaries, Mr. Emrich was born in Mardin, Turkey. He studied at Brown University, the Theological School here, Union Seminary, New York, and the University of Marburg, Germany. He formerly was curate of St. John’s church, Waterbury, Conn. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ELM-BOST-MES-4A-6-A-E)
Creator:
MacDonald, Earl L. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Emrich, Richard S. M. (Richard Stanley Merrill), 1910-, Episcopal Church--Bishops., Episcopal Theological School (Cambridge, Mass.)--Faculty.
Topics:
Bishops--Michigan., Bishops--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Theologians--Massachusetts--Cambridge.
Geographic subjects:
Cambridge (Mass.), Michigan.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359026
Title:
Wedding party of former Japanese prisoners.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #973 WEDDING PARTY OF FORMER JAPANESE PRISONERS BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- All members of this wedding party outside St. Thomas Aquinas Church here, are former Japanese prisoners except the bridegroom. Capt. Edward Nestor of Belmont, Mass. (center). The bride is Lt. Helen M. Cassioni of Bridgewater. She was liberated after three years internment at Santo Tomos prison in the Philippines and met her husband in California when she was on her homeward journey. Left to right: Rev. Bernard J. Clancy, Boston; Maj. Albert D. Talbot, Cambridge, Catholic Chaplain at Camp Edwards; Rev. Robert E. Sullivan, O. M. I. South Weymouth; the bridegroom, Capt, Nestor; his bride Lt. Helen M. Cassioni; Lt. Rita Palmer, Hampton, N.H.; Rev. Vincent Kennally, S. J. Boston College; Rev. Bernard F. Doucette, S. J. Boston College, and Lt. Phyllis Iacobucci, New York. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (REA-BR-REA-11-8-5)
Creator:
Ashley, Robert E. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., St Thomas Aquinas Church (Bridgewater, Mass.), Nestor, Edward., Cassioni, Helen M., Santo Tomas Internment Camp (Manila, Philippines), Clancy, Bernard J., Talbot, Albert D., Catholic Church--Clergy., Sullivan, Robert E., Oblates of Mary Immaculate., Palmer, Rita., Kennally, Vincent Ignatius., Jesuits., Catholic Church--Bishops., Doucette, Bernard F., Iacobucci, Phyllis., Boston College--Faculty.
Topics:
Ex-internment camp inmates--Japan., Ex-prisoners of war--Japan., Interfaith worship--Massachusetts--Bridgewater., Military weddings--Massachusetts--Bridgewater., Marriage celebrants--Massachusetts--Bridgewater.
Geographic subjects:
Bridgewater (Mass.), Camp Edwards (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358913
Title:
Phillips Brooks statue in Boston.
Creator:
MacDonald, Carl. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Brooks, Phillips, 1835-1893--Statues.
Topics:
Statues--Massachusetts--Boston.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358692
Title:
Phillips Brooks statue in Boston.
Creator:
MacDonald, Carl. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Brooks, Phillips, 1835-1893--Statues.
Topics:
Statues--Massachusetts--Boston.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358691
Title:
School Bible reading (pro tem).
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-29878 SCHOOL BIBLE READING (PRO TEM) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Bible reading continues, at least temporarily, in this public school classroom. Edward J. Murphy, eighth-grade teacher in the Russell School at Cambridge, Mass., reads from the Scriptures as students listen. The status of Bible reading was much confused at Cambridge. The School Committee voted 5-2 to substitute a moment of silent meditation, but a parliamentary maneuver caused the decision to be held up for a week. During the week Bible reading was permissible, the board ruled; however, the superintendent of schools left the practice to the discretion of teachers. Mr. Murphy was the only teacher at Russell School to authorize Bible readings in his class. Atty. Gen. Edward W. Brooke of Massachusetts has held that public schools in the state must obey the Supreme Court decision barring devotional exercises. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EM-BOS-9B-63-W)
Creator:
Backoff, Robert. (photographer), Globe Newspaper Co. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Murphy, Edward J., Russell School (Cambridge, Mass.), Russell School (Cambridge, Mass.)--Faculty., Russell School (Cambridge, Mass.)--Students.
Topics:
Prayer in the public schools--United States., Teachers--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Male teachers--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Middle school students--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Religion in the public schools--United States., Religion in the public schools--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Bible--Study and teaching--Massachusetts--Cambridge.
Geographic subjects:
Cambridge (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358127
Title:
Prelate's rating: Jet pilot.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-29780 PRELATE’S RATING: JET PILOT BOSTON -- How strong are you? Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, finds out by clubbing the Hi-Striker at Boston’s Nantasket Beach. The occasion was the cardinal’s 68th birthday, and he celebrated it by taking some 250 old people to the amusement park from the Little Sisters of the Poor homes in Roxbury and Somerville. His guests ranged in age from 70 to 98. At the park, the cardinal sang with the barbershop quartet and rode the roller coaster with a group of nuns. His strength on the Hi-Striker? Cardinal range the bell at 2700 (truck driver) and 2900 (jet pilot). Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EM-BOS-8E-63-RB)
Creator:
Mason, Ed. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church--Bishops., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970--Birth., Paragon Park (Nantasket Beach, Mass.)
Topics:
Bishops--Massachusetts--Nantasket Beach., Birthday parties--Massachusetts--Nantasket Beach., Amusement parks--Massachusetts--Nantasket Beach., Carnival games--Massachusetts--Nantasket Beach.
Geographic subjects:
Nantasket Beach (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358045
Title:
Educational TV trainee.
Description:
Handwritten notations on reverse of image.
Creator:
Mason, Ed. (author)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Boston (Mass.), Daly, Donna., Endicott College--Students., Endicott College.
Topics:
Nuns--Massachusetts--Beverly., College students--Massachusetts--Beverly., Women college students--Massachusetts--Beverly., Nuns as teachers--Massachusetts--Brockton.
Geographic subjects:
Beverly (Mass.), Brockton (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358041
Title:
Educational TV trainee.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-29769 EDUCATIONAL TV TRAINEE BOSTON -- Sister Claire Bernadette, of Sacred Heart school, Brockton, Mass., receives instruction in the use of a television camera from Donna Daly of Endicott Junior College. Sister Claire is one of 16 nuns and two brothers now studying television broadcasting as a teaching medium in Boston parochial schools. Some nuns will serve as instructors and others as consultants of a new channel which Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, hopes will be in operation within six months. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EM-BOS-8D-63-RB)
Creator:
Runci, Joseph. (photographer), Globe Newspaper Co. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Boston (Mass.), Daly, Donna., Endicott College--Students., Endicott College.
Topics:
Nuns--Massachusetts--Beverly., Church and mass media--Massachusetts--Boston., Television cameras., Television in religion--Massachusetts--Boston., Television broadcasting--Religious aspects--Catholic Church., Television in education--Massachusetts--Boston.
Geographic subjects:
Beverly (Mass.), Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358040
Title:
Special Marian Week ceremonies.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-29759 SPECIAL MARIAN WEEK CEREMONIES STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. -- Marian Week, a special time of prayer and penance, drew great throngs to the Marian Seminary near Stockbridge, Mass. Top photo shows part of the great crowd of 3,000 at the field Mass opening the Week at the Shrine of the Mercy of God. Below, following a candlelight procession, worshippers hold candles as they listen to a sermon. Marian Fathers have conducted the program annually for ten years; average attendance is slightly over 10,000. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (LA-GB-8D-63-W)
Creator:
Aigner, Lucien. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Marian Fathers., Catholic Church--Liturgy., Catholic Church--Customs and practices., Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint--Devotion to., Mary, Blessed Virgin, Saint--Shrines--Massachusetts--Stockbridge.
Topics:
Mass., Christian shrines--Massachusetts--Stockbridge.
Geographic subjects:
Stockbridge (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358038

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