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:
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:
Mass of the future.
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church.
Topics:
Mass--Celebration.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:356568
Title:
Modern design.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31796 MODERN DESIGN BURLINGTON, Mass. -- The newly dedicated ultra-modern St. Malachy’s church -- which some say looks like a caterpillar -- draws parishioners and sight-seers. The Burlington, Mass., church was dedicated by Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston. It is named in honor of St. Malachy, 12th Century Primate of Armagh, Ireland. The building’s unusual features include a cone-shaped baptistry near the main entrance and a three-prong fork-like steeple. A glass partition divides the interior at its mid-section to separate the main church from a smaller chapel. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-11A-64-NAB)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., St. Malachy's Church (Burlington, Mass.), Catholic Church--Buildings.
Topics:
Church buildings--Massachusetts--Burlington., Church architecture--Massachusetts--Burlington., Modern movement (Architecture)--Massachusetts--Burlington., Church dedication--Massachusetts--Burlington.
Geographic subjects:
Burlington (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:356552
Title:
English' Mass televised to classrooms.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31770 ‘ENGLISH’ MASS TELEVISED TO CLASSROOMS BOSTON -- History is made in the Archdiocese of Boston. A Mass, including the new English ritual, was telecast by the archdiocesan TV station (channel 38) to some 140,000 children in parochial schools. The celebrant was Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston. Here, at right, is Msgr. Walter L. Flaherty, director of the Archdiocesan Radio and TV Apostolate, and his staff monitor the telecast. Cardinal Cushing said “it would not surprise me” that an all-English Mass might one day be approved if the present English form of the Mass is effective. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-10E-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church--Liturgy., Catholic Church--Clergy., Flaherty, Walter L., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Boston (Mass.)
Topics:
Mass., Church and mass media--Massachusetts--Boston., Liturgical reform., Religious education of children--Massachusetts--Boston.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:356545
Title:
Church has electronic glass bells.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-32066 For Release: Thurs., Jan. 21, or later CHURCH HAS ELECTRONIC GLASS BELLS DEDHAM, Mass. -- An electronic system of glass bells has been installed in St. Susanna Catholic church in Dedham, Mass. They were invented by Gerhard B. Finkenbeiner, shown here in his Brandeis University laboratories. The four-bell chime is encased in what appears to be radio tubes and housed in a metal cabinet two feet long with a total weight of 40 pounds. Mr. Finkenbeiner says that the electronic system has the sound and clarity of 2,500-pound church bells cast in bronze. The glass device is described as a significant advance over electronically amplified metal vibrators now in use in many churches. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-1C-65-NAB)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Saint Susanna Church (Dedham, Mass.), Finkenbeiner, Gerhard B., Brandeis University.
Topics:
Glass blowing and working  --Massachusetts--Waltham., Church bells--Massachusetts--Dedham., Inventors--Massachusetts--Waltham., Lampwork--Massachusetts--Waltham.
Geographic subjects:
Dedham (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:355930
Title:
"Minor elevation" in new Mass.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-32200 ‘MINOR ELEVATION’ IN NEW MASS BOSTON -- Extensive changes in the celebration of the Mass will be inaugurated in parishes around the country on the first Sunday of Lent, March 7, in accordance with the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy promulgated at the Second Vatican Council. One of the dramatic changes occurs at the conclusion of the Canon when the celebrant raises the Host and chalice together as shown in photo. This is the “minor elevation” during which the priest recites a prayer mentioning the three Persons of the Trinity and the congregations responds with “Amen.” Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-2D-65-NAB)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church--Liturgy., Catholic Church--Clergy., Vatican Council (2nd : 1962-1965 : Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano)
Topics:
Mass., Liturgical reform., Lent--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:355878
Title:
Icycles cover statue in church fire.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-32121 ICYCLES COVER STATUE IN CHURCH FIRE BOSTON -- A statue of Christ outside Boston’s Sacred Heart church is covered with icycles [sic] from water sprayed by firemen while fighting a spectacular five-alarm blaze which destroyed the church. The first alarm was sounded by a parish curate minutes before a wedding ceremony was about to begin. The rite was performed in a nearby rectory and the wedded couple left the scene under a shower of fire hoses. Located in the city’s eastern section, the church once served as a haven for Irish immigrants. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-2A-65-NAB)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Sacred Heart Church (Boston, Mass.), Jesus Christ--Statues.
Topics:
Statues--Massachusetts--Boston.
Geographic subjects:
Boston (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:355861
Title:
Trying it on for size.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-32034 TRYING IT ON FOR SIZE NEWTON, Mass. -- Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, tries on a white yarmulke, traditional Jewish skull cap, for size. The occasion was a breakfast meeting of Temple Emeth’s Brotherhood in Newton, Mass., which the cardinal addressed. The skull cap was given to the prelate by Rabbi Zev K. Nelson, the synagogue’s spiritual leader (left). Looking on is Abraham Naterman, president of the Brotherhood. Cardinal Cushing wore the cap as he told the Jewish laymen: “We are all, Jews and Gentiles, equally guilty of the Crucifixion, assuming He was crucified to atone for the sins of mankind.” He reported that he was scheduled to address at least ten Jewish and some 40 Protestant groups this year. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-1B-65-NAB)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church--Bishops., Temple Emeth (Chestnut Hill, Mass.). Brotherhood., Nelson, Zev K., Naterman, Abraham., Catholic Church--Relations--Judaism.
Topics:
Judaism--Relations--Catholic Church., Bishops--Massachusetts--Newton., Rabbis--Massachusetts--Newton., Yarmulkes--Massachusetts--Newton.
Geographic subjects:
Newton (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:355847
Title:
Closed circuit TV aids instruction at girls' home.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30692 CLOSED CIRCUIT TV AIDS INSTRUCTION AT GIRLS' HOME PHEONIX, Ariz. -- As Mrs. Myrtle Kuykendall (top left) gives instructions, girls in each of 11 cottages at the Good Shepherd Home for Girls at Phoenix, Ariz., watch over a special closed circuit television system and prepare their meals. The TV system is the first of its kind to be installed in one of some 400 Good Shepheard Homes throughout the world. The homes, for the rehabilitation of girls, are operated by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. Designated GS-TV, Channel 4, the station can originate telecasts from 42 different locations in the school and on the campus, for athletic events as well as classroom work. Arthur Carroll, an engineer and technician who designed and built the system, gives an explanation of camera operation to Mother Mary Euphrasis, president of the school, (bottom, left). The channel also features programs by special speakers. The first of these was the Rev. Rex A. Sprink, Methodist clergyman in Phoenix, who gave four weekly half-hour talks. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (HU-P-3B-64-NBM)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Good Shepherd Home for Girls (Phoenix, Ariz.), Sisters of the Good Shepherd., Kuykendall, Myrtle., Carroll, Arthur.
Topics:
Religion on television., Girls' schools--Arizona--Phoenix., Nuns as teachers--Arizona--Phoenix., Christian education--Arizona--Phoenix., Nuns--Arizona--Phoenix.
Geographic subjects:
Phoenix (Ariz.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:353866
Title:
Protests 'Permissive' Bible-reading in school.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: PC-30648 PROTESTS 'PERMISSIVE' BIBLE-READING IN SCHOOL LEWISBURG, Pa. -- James Snavely, plaintiff in the suit against "permissive Bible reading" in the Cornwall-Lebanon School District in Pennsylvania, checks notes with his wife Mary and children, Victoria and Eric. Describing himself as "a religious man," Mr. Snavely held it immoral for the school board to defy the U.S. Supreme Court decision against devotional practices in public schools. Just before the suit was to be called for a hearing, the school board reversed its decision and said it would instead order use of the Bible "as literature and history." The American Civil Liberties Union said it would oppose the new program as devised by the board. Shortly after Mr. Snavely filed suit, he was arrested in the middle of the night and fined $53 for failure to license his dogs in 1962. When the United Churches of Greeter Harrisburg protested the police action, an investigation of the alleged intimidation and harassment was ordered. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (U-NY-2D-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Snavely, James., Snavely, Mary., Snavely, Victoria., Snavely, Eric.
Topics:
Prayer in the public schools--Law and legislation--Pennsylvania--Lewisburg., Freedom of religion--United States., Court proceedings--Pennsylvania--Lewisburg.
Geographic subjects:
Lewisburg (Pa.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:353856
Title:
Liturgy reforms: Priest faces people.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-30614 LITURGY REFORMS: PRIEST FACES PEOPLE LEXINGTON, Mass. -- St. Brigid Church, Lexington, Mass., is one of more than 100 churches of the Boston Archdiocese where Sunday Masses "facing the people" are on a permanent schedule. Father John Fitzpatrick is shown celebrating the Mass. A lay commentator (not shown) reads the Epistle and Gospel in English and describes the action of the Mass. Other archdiocesan parishes have Mass "facing the people" at evening Masses in Lent and on special feast days. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-DOS-2C-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., St. Brigid Church (Lexington, Mass.), Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Boston (Mass.), Catholic Church--Clergy., Fitzpatrick, John.
Topics:
Liturgical reform--Massachusetts--Lexington., Mass--Celebration.
Geographic subjects:
Lexington (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:353726
Title:
The Cardinal calls.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-30551 THE CARDINAL CALLS HAVERHILL, Mass. (RNS) -- Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, led a group of children in classroom prayer when he dedicated the new St. James Elementary School in Haverhill, Mass. The school is staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-2A-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church--Bishops., Catholic Church. Archdiocese of Boston (Mass.), St. James Elementary School (Haverhill, Mass.)
Topics:
School children--Massachusetts--Haverhill., Catholic schools--Massachusetts--Haverhill.
Geographic subjects:
Haverhill (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:353709
Title:
Cardinal addresses college students.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31144 CARDINAL ADDRESSES COLLEGE STUDENTS CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Augustin Cardinal Bea, president of the Vatican Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity, delivers a homily for college students at Cambridge, Mass. He urged the Harvard-Radcliffe Catholic Club to pray and work for the cause of Christian Unity. The cardinal offered an evening Mass and, according to his custom, it was said facing the congregation at the improvised altar at left. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-6B-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Bea, Augustin, 1881-1968., Harvard University., Catholic Church--Bishops., Harvard University., St. Paul’s Church (Cambridge, Mass.), Catholic Church--Liturgy.
Topics:
Mass., Bishops--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Ecumenical movement--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Ecumenical movement--Vatican City., Christian college students--Massachusetts--Cambridge.
Geographic subjects:
Cambridge (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:350140
Title:
Harvard honors Cardinal Bea.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31143 HARVARD HONORS CARDINAL BEA CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Augustin Cardinal Bea, president of the Vatican Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity, shares honors with Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and 15 other distinguished honorees at Harvard University’s commencement exercises. The prelate was granted an honorary doctor of laws degrees as a “revered scholar” who seeks “fraternal dialogue evoking harmony in Christendom.” Below, Cardinal Bea walks in the procession with an old friend, Dr. Samuel H. Millers, dean of Harvard’s School of Divinity. Last year, when the prelate participated in Harvard’s Catholic-Protestant Colloquium on Christian Unity, he was the guest of Dr. Miller. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-NY-6B-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Bea, Augustin, 1881-1968., Harvard University., Miller, Samuel Howard, 1900-1968., Catholic Church--Bishops., Harvard Divinity School--Faculty.
Topics:
Degrees, Academic--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Ecumenical movement--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Ecumenical movement--Vatican City., Commencement ceremonies--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Bishops--Massachusetts--Cambridge.
Geographic subjects:
Cambridge (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:350139
Title:
Harvard honors Cardinal Bea.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31143 HARVARD HONORS CARDINAL BEA CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Augustin Cardinal Bea, president of the Vatican Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity, shares honors with Chancellor Ludwig Erhard and 15 other distinguished honorees at Harvard University’s commencement exercises. The prelate was granted an honorary doctor of laws degrees as a “revered scholar” who seeks “fraternal dialogue evoking harmony in Christendom.” Below, Cardinal Bea walks in the procession with an old friend, Dr. Samuel H. Millers, dean of Harvard’s School of Divinity. Last year, when the prelate participated in Harvard’s Catholic-Protestant Colloquium on Christian Unity, he was the guest of Dr. Miller. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-NY-6B-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Bea, Augustin, 1881-1968., Harvard University., Erhard, Ludwig., Catholic Church--Bishops.
Topics:
Degrees, Academic--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Ecumenical movement--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Ecumenical movement--Vatican City., Commencement ceremonies--Massachusetts--Cambridge., Bishops--Massachusetts--Cambridge.
Geographic subjects:
Cambridge (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:350138
Title:
College honors.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31140 COLLEGE HONORS BOSTON --Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, is shown as he participated in commencement exercises at Boston College, above, and at Jewish-related Brandeis University at Waltham, Mass. In top photo, the cardinal follows Peace Corps Director Sargent Shriver and Father Charles F. Donovan, S.J., dean of arts and sciences, in Boston College procession. Mr. Shriver, who delivered the commencement address and received an honorary degree, wears an academic gown of gold and maroon conferred on him by Chulalokoran [Chulalongkorn] University of Bangkok. Below, Cardinal Cushing chats with famed actress Helen Hayes at the Brandeis University ceremony. The prelate received an honorary degree in humane letters as Brandeis cited his “reverence for the inseparable heritage of Judaism and Christianity.” Miss Hayes was honored as “an actress of uncommon radiance…holding that fidelity and restraint are the essence of art.” Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-6B-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Hayes, Helen, 1900-1993., Brandeis University., Cushing, Richard, 1895-1970., Catholic Church--Bishops., Catholic Church--Relations--Judaism.
Topics:
Bishops--Massachusetts--Waltham., Judaism--Relations--Catholic Church., Ecumenical movement--Massachusetts--Waltham., Degrees, Academic--Massachusetts--Waltham., Commencement ceremonies--Massachusetts--Waltham.
Geographic subjects:
Waltham (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:350136
Title:
Communion for retarded child.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: C-31020 COMMUNION FOR RETARDED CHILD BRAINTREE, Mass. -- A mentally retarded child receives her First Communion. Father Mark E. Breheny, shown here, distributed Communion to a class of six at St. Coletta School for mentally retarded children, Braintree, Mass. The day school chaplain was assisted by two altar boys, similarly retarded. Traditionally the Catholic Church allows mentally retarded youngsters “with the use of reason” to receive the Sacrament. Father Robert McCall, S.J., of Weston (Mass.) College, recently proposed that all such children (with or without “reason”) be permitted to receive Communion. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CB-BOS-5C-64-W)
Creator:
Buckley, C.M. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Catholic Church., St. Coletta Day School (Braintree, Mass.), Breheny, Mark E., Catholic Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Sacraments--Catholic Church., Franciscan sisters--Massachusetts--Braintree., First communion--Catholic Church., Developmentally disabled children--Massachusetts--Braintree., Church work with children with mental disabilities--Massachusetts--Braintree., Intellectual disability--Religious aspects., Acolytes--Catholic Church., Acolytes--Massachusetts--Braintree.
Geographic subjects:
Braintree (Mass.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:348325

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