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:
Fordham honors Negro priest.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: FORDHAM HONORS NEGRO PRIEST #c-3324 NEW YORK -- The Rev. Basil Matthews, O.S.B., only Negro ever ordained in the Benedictine Order, will have his doctoral thesis on West Indian culture published by Fordham University, it was announced here. The 34-year-old priest, who is a native of Trinidad, and was ordained eleven years ago, will receive his doctor’s degree in June. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (BH-NY-TFD-4-C-6-C)
Creator:
Haller, Ben, 1919- (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Fordham University., Catholic Church--Clergy., Matthews, Basil., Fordham University--Graduate students., Benedictines.
Topics:
Clergy--New York (State)--New York., Doctoral students--New York (State)--New York., Minority doctoral students--New York (State)--New York., Clergy, Black--New York (State)--New York.
Geographic subjects:
Bronx (New York, N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359556
Title:
Fordham honors Negro priest.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: FORDHAM HONORS NEGRO PRIEST #c-3324 NEW YORK -- The Rev. Basil Matthews, O.S.B., only Negro ever ordained in the Benedictine Order, will have his doctoral thesis on West Indian culture published by Fordham University, it was announced here. The 34-year-old priest, who is a native of Trinidad, and was ordained eleven years ago, will receive his doctor’s degree in June. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (BH-NY-TFD-4-C-6-C)
Creator:
Haller, Ben, 1919- (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Fordham University., Catholic Church--Clergy., Matthews, Basil., Fordham University--Graduate students., Benedictines.
Topics:
Clergy--New York (State)--New York., Doctoral students--New York (State)--New York., Minority doctoral students--New York (State)--New York., Clergy, Black--New York (State)--New York.
Geographic subjects:
Bronx (New York, N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359555
Title:
Fordham honors Negro priest.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: FORDHAM HONORS NEGRO PRIEST #c-3324 NEW YORK -- The Rev. Basil Matthews, O.S.B., only Negro ever ordained in the Benedictine Order, will have his doctoral thesis on West Indian culture published by Fordham University, it was announced here. The 34-year-old priest, who is a native of Trinidad, and was ordained eleven years ago, will receive his doctor’s degree in June. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (BH-NY-TFD-4-C-6-C)
Creator:
Haller, Ben, 1919- (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Fordham University., Catholic Church--Clergy., Matthews, Basil., Fordham University--Graduate students., Benedictines., Jesus Christ--Statues.
Topics:
Clergy--New York (State)--New York., Doctoral students--New York (State)--New York., Minority doctoral students--New York (State)--New York., Clergy, Black--New York (State)--New York.
Geographic subjects:
Bronx (New York, N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359554
Title:
Father Alfred A. Purcell.
Description:
Text transcribed from notations on envelope: 3696 Churchmen in the news Father Alfred A. Purcell Instructor Fordham University Camera Club.
Creator:
Haller, Ben, 1919- (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Purcell, Alfred A., Catholic Church--Clergy., Fordham University--Faculty., Fordham University--Students., Fordham University.
Topics:
Clergy--New York (State)--New York., College teachers--New York (State)--New York., College students--Societies and clubs.
Geographic subjects:
Bronx (New York, N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359549
Title:
Father Alfred A. Purcell.
Description:
Text transcribed from notations on envelope: 3696 Churchmen in the news Father Alfred A. Purcell Instructor Fordham University Camera Club.
Creator:
Haller, Ben, 1919- (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Purcell, Alfred A., Catholic Church--Clergy., Fordham University--Faculty., Fordham University.
Topics:
Clergy--New York (State)--New York., College teachers--New York (State)--New York., College students--Societies and clubs.
Geographic subjects:
Bronx (New York, N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359547
Title:
Father Alfred A. Purcell.
Description:
Text transcribed from notations on envelope: 3696 Churchmen in the news Father Alfred A. Purcell Instructor Fordham University Camera Club.
Creator:
Haller, Ben, 1919- (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Purcell, Alfred A., Catholic Church--Clergy., Fordham University--Faculty., Fordham University.
Topics:
Clergy--New York (State)--New York., College teachers--New York (State)--New York., College students--Societies and clubs.
Geographic subjects:
Bronx (New York, N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359546
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:
Processional.
Creator:
Quillan, James. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Our Lady of Fatima & St Nicholas Church (Passaic, N.J.), Catholic Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Clergy--New Jersey--Passaic., Processions, Religious--Catholic Church., Processions, Religious--New Jersey--Passaic., Acolytes--Catholic Church., Acolytes--New Jersey--Passaic.
Geographic subjects:
Passaic (N.J.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359453
Title:
Palestine types.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PALESTINE TYPES #3469 Here a Latin Rite Catholic priest is explaining a copy of the ancient Mosaic of Madexba [Madaba], the oldest map of Palestine. The influence of Roman Catholics in the Holy Land owes much to the accomplishments of the Franciscan order. The head of the Franciscan Order in Palestine is designated “Custodian of the Holy Land.” There is a Latin Patriarch at Jerusalem. (One of a Series) Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (GS-JE-S-5B-6-R)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church--Clergy., Franciscans.
Topics:
Maps--Jordan--Maʼdabā., Clergy--Jordan--Maʼdabā., Maps--Facsimiles., Mosaics--Copying., Mosaics--Jordan--Maʼdabā., Ethnology--Palestine., Christians--Palestine.
Geographic subjects:
Maʼdabā (Jordan), Palestine--Maps.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359435
Title:
Catholic drive goes over the top.
Description:
Clipping from an unknown issue of an unknown publication.
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Wylegala, Victor B., Catholic Church--Clergy., Weismantel, John A., Mumbach, George W., O'Hara, John Francis, 1888-1960., Catholic Church--Bishops., Czerwinska, Joan M., Loftus, Eugene A., Lander, Dolores E., Pollina, Jennie.
Topics:
Fund raising--New York (State)--Buffalo., Church fund raising--New York (State)--Buffalo., Clergy--New York (State)--Buffalo., Bishops--New York (State)--Buffalo., Women in church work--New York (State)--Buffalo.
Geographic subjects:
Buffalo (N.Y.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359291
Title:
Returning to China mission field.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: RETURNING TO CHINA MISSION FIELD #c-3265 SAN FRANCISCO -- The Rev. Herbert F. Vandenberg (left), of Chicago, and the Rev. Vincent D. Smith, of Milwaukee, Wis., are shown in their stateroom on the S.S. Lakeland Victory before its departure for China where they will resume their mission work interrupted by the war. The Vincentian priests, two of a group of four, are returning to Yukiang, remote part of Kiangsi province, 400 miles southwest of Shanghai. When the Japanese occupied the region they fled to the hills. They arrived back in this country after five months of walking, hitch-hiking, and sailing. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (BLR-SF-MES-4C-6-C)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church--Clergy., Catholic Church--Missions--China--Yujiang Xian., Vandenberg, Herbert F., Smith, Vincent D.
Topics:
Clergy--California--San Francisco., Missions--China--Yujiang Xian., World War, 1939-1945--China.
Geographic subjects:
San Francisco (Calif.), Yujiang Xian (China)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359108
Title:
To head Catholic relief in Japan.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: TO HEAD CATHOLIC RELIEF IN JAPAN #c-3246 MARYKNOLL, N.Y. -- The Rev. Michael J. McKillop of Brooklyn, N.Y., will represent the Catholic hierarchy on the temporary mission to Japan of the American Council of Volunteer Services [sic] for Foreign Service. Father McKillop was stationed in a Maryknoll mission in Japan before the war and since repatriation has been rector of the Maryknoll College at Los Altos, Cal. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RNS-MES-4-B-6-C)
Creator:
Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church--Clergy., McKillop, Michael J., Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America., Catholic Church--Missions--Japan., American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service.
Topics:
Clergy--California--Los Altos., Returned missionaries--Japan., Missions--Japan., Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Japan., Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Religious aspects.
Geographic subjects:
Japan.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359107
Title:
Priest acts as OPA official.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PRIEST ACTS AS OPA OFFICIAL #c-3178 PITTSBURGH -- The Rev. Charles O. Rice implements his spiritual ministry by acting as OPA district rent director here, an activity which he feels brings religion into the everyday problems of life. Here Father Rice (right) is giving reassuring advice to harried apartment house tenant who have come to consult him in the fear that when their leases expire May 1 they will be evicted. Father Rice says “the rush is twice as bad as last year.” Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (PP-PA-MES-4A-6-C)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., United States. Office of Price Administration., Catholic Church--Clergy., Rice, Charles Owen.
Topics:
Housing--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh., Scarcity., Clergy--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh., Eviction--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh., Church and social problems--Catholic Church., Church and social problems--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh.
Geographic subjects:
Pittsburgh (Pa.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:359104
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:
Czech Catholics fight for parochial schools.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #928 CZECH CATHOLICS FIGHT FOR PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS PRAGUE -- Msgr. Frantisek Hala, Postmaster General of Czechoslovakia, addresses a crowd of Bohemian peasants in the village of Bibrans during a popular festival. He tells them of the fight by priests and laymen to defend Catholic schools from confiscation by the state under a new bill drawn up by the Communist-controlled ministry of education. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EZ-PR-EZ-11-1-5)
Creator:
Zaugg, Ernest. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Hála, František., Catholic Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Postmasters general--Czech Republic--Prague., Church and state--Czech Republic--Prague., Speeches, addresses, etc., Christian education--Czech Republic--Prague., Socialism and Christianity--Catholic Church., Socialism and Christianity--Czech Republic--Prague., Catholic schools--Czech Republic--Prague., Church and education--Czech Republic--Prague.
Geographic subjects:
Prague (Czech Republic), Bohemia (Czech Republic), Czechoslovakia.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358904
Title:
Czech Catholics pay homage to St. Wenceslas.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #866 CZECH CATHOLICS PAY HOMAGE TO ST. WENCESLAS For the first time since the German annexation, Prague Catholics staged traditional ceremonies to honor St. Wenceslas, protector of Czechoslovakia. Born in 908, Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, promoted the conversion of his country to Christianity, but as slain by his pagan brother Boleslav in 929. Monsignor Forni, secretary of the Papal Nunciature in Prague, is shown seated in the foreground during a Latin Mass in honor of St. Wenceslas. In the front row of chairs is the Minister of Justice Stransky, and next to him Rector Bolehradek of the Karl University of Prague. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (EZ-PR-TFD-10255)
Creator:
Zaugg, Ernest. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, approximately 907-929., Catholic Church--Clergy., Stránský, Jaroslav, 1884-1973., Univerzita Karlova--Faculty.
Topics:
Christian saints--Czech Republic--Prague., Public worship--Czech Republic--Prague., Prayer meetings--Czech Republic--Prague., Saints--Commemoration.
Geographic subjects:
Prague (Czech Republic), Czechoslovakia.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358883
Title:
Headquarters of Moscow Patriarchate.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #864 HEADQUARTERS OF MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE Photo shows headquarters of the Moscow Patriarchate, which governs the affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is an exclusive RNS photo. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RAD-MO-LM-10245)
Creator:
Davies. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Wenceslas, Duke of Bohemia, approximately 907-929., Catholic Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Patriarchs and patriarchate (Catholic Oriental)--Russia--Moscow., Buildings--Russia--Moscow.
Geographic subjects:
Moscow (Russia), Moscow (Russia)--Buildings, structures, etc.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:358880

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