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:
Youth of all colors attend school.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: YOUTH OF ALL COLORS ATTEND SCHOOL #S-4986 SAN FRANCISCO -- The easing of racial tensions and anti-Japanese activities that erupted on the West Coast during the war is shown in this picture of an overcrowded San Francisco public school where Nisei and Negro youth, such as the two lads in the foreground (right), are in attendance. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (LA-NY-BS-1D-47-W)
Creator:
Aigner, Lucien. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Children--California--San Francisco., Education--California--San Francisco., School integration--California--San Francisco., African American children--California--San Francisco., Japanese American children--California--San Francisco., Public schools--Overcrowding--California--San Francisco.
Geographic subjects:
San Francisco (Calif.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360592
Title:
American church relief.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: AMERICAN CHURCH RELIEF #S-4974 DUESSELDORF, Germany -- More than 600 German youngsters flocked to the Pestalozzi Home here for a “party” sponsored by local Protestant churches. In this photo, some of the children are shown as they received a bowl of soup, a relief item send by American church groups. Each child brought along his own bowl--or can, mug, or other container--to receive his gift of soup. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CWS-GER-1B-7-JOG-W)
Creator:
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Church World Service. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., CRALOG (Organization)
Topics:
World War, 1939-1945--Civilian relief--Germany., Children--Germany--Düsseldorf., Church work with children--Germany--Düsseldorf., Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Religious aspects--Protestant churches., Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Germany., International relief.
Geographic subjects:
Düsseldorf (Germany), Germany (West)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360591
Title:
New Archbishop of Prague.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: NEW ARCHBISHOP OF PRAGUE #S-4966 PRAGUE -- The Most Rev. Joseph Beran, who spent five years in Dachau and other German concentration camps because of his outspoken opposition to Nazi ideologies, is shown here on his way to St. Vitus Cathedral where he was solemnly installed as Archbishop of Prague. Thirty-third prelate to occupy the Prague See, Archbishop Beran succeeds Karl Cardinal Kasper, who died in 1941. At Dachau the archbishop secretly ordained prisoners who completed their preparations for the priesthood while in the camp. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (CZ-PRAG-1B-7-JOG-C)
Creator:
ČTK. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Beran, Josef, 1888-1969., Catholic Church--Bishops., Katedrála sv. Víta (Prague, Czech Republic)
Topics:
World War, 1939-1945--Prisoners and prisons., Ex-Nazi concentration camp inmates., Bishops--Czechoslovakia., Bishops--Czech Republic--Prague., Processions, Religious--Czech Republic--Prague., Consecration of bishops--Czech Republic--Prague.
Geographic subjects:
Prague (Czech Republic), Czechoslovakia.
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360589
Title:
South India United Church leaders visit U.S.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: SOUTH INDIA UNITED CHURCH LEADERS VISIT U.S. #S-4945 Three leaders of the South India United Church are on an extended tour of the United States. They are left to right, the Rev. Arthur John, Mrs. Arputham William and Jared S. Savarirayan. Favorable progress is reported on the South India Union Scheme by which Anglican, Methodist and other denominational groups in South India would be merged with the United Church, providing Christians with a single group and eliminating separate British, Australian, American and German communions there. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (DR-KAL-BS-1A-47W)
Creator:
Kalamazoo Gazette (Kalamazoo, Mich.) (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., South India United Church., John, Arthur., Savarirayan, Jared S., William, Arputham., South India United Church--Clergy.
Topics:
Christian leadership--India., Clergy--Michigan--Kalamazoo., Christian union--India.
Geographic subjects:
Kalamazoo (Mich.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360587
Title:
Missionary plane assembled and dedicated in church.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: MISSIONARY PLANE ASSEMBLED AND DEDICATED IN CHURCH #S-4942 MINNEAPOLIS -- This two passenger airplane was assembled and dedicated during a Sunday service at the First Baptist church here. It was purchased by the Minneapolis Hospitality House as an aid in the expansion of church youth work in the Northwest. Included in the equipment is a loudspeaker which will enable the pilot to announce youth meeting while flying over towns and rural areas. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (PA-MINN-BS-1A-47-W)
Creator:
Associated Press. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., First Baptist Church (Minneapolis, Minn.)
Topics:
Pastoral theology--Equipment and supplies., Airplanes--Minnesota--Minneapolis., Home missions--Minnesota., Church work with youth--Baptists., Church work with youth--Minnesota.
Geographic subjects:
Minneapolis (Minn.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360586
Title:
Sabbath reminder.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: SABBATH REMINDER #S-4908 ODESSA, Texas -- Since the attractive billboard shown above was erected outside the Ector County Court House here a year ago attendance at all of Odessa’s 11 churches has noticeably increased. Sponsored by the Odessa Ministerial Association, the sign has prompted tourists to compliment the town on its church-mindedness. The Ministerial Association now has plans for three other signs to be put up at the edge of town, where they will be seen by one-third of the nation’s coast-to-coast highway travelers every year. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (WJD-DALLAS-12C-6-JOG-W)
Creator:
Davis, William J. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Billboards--Texas--Odessa., Church attendance--Texas--Odessa., Courthouses--Texas--Odessa.
Geographic subjects:
Odessa (Tex.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360578
Title:
Unusual Sunday school.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: UNUSUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL #S-4900 PITTSBURGH -- The Rev. James T. Orr reaches the climax of a Bible story at one of America’s most unique Sunday Schools. It is the Sunday School at the Alleghany County Juvenile Home, sponsored by the Council of Churches and the Board of Directors, for neglected and delinquent children ranging from six to 18 years old. Between 70 and 80 children attend each Sunday, singing hymns, repeating scriptures, listening to Bible stories and worshipping at an altar (above) made by inmates of Western Penitentiary. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (ANH-PITTS-12C-6-JOG-2-SS)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Orr, James T.
Topics:
Clergy--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh., Sunday schools--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh., Juvenile detention homes--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh., Religious education--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh.
Geographic subjects:
Pittsburgh (Pa.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360577
Title:
Else Bremer Niemoeller.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: ELSE BREMER NIEMOELLER #S-4894 SEATTLE, Wash. -- Exclusive photo of the wife of Pastor Martin Niemoeller while they attended the biennial convention of the Federal Council of Churches here. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RNS-SEA-BS-12B-6-W)
Creator:
Religious News Service. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Niemöller, Else, 1890-1961., Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America--Congresses.
Topics:
Congresses and conventions--Washington--Seattle., Spouses of clergy--Washington--Seattle.
Geographic subjects:
Seattle (Wa.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360576
Title:
Evangelicals, United Brethren achieve unity.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #S-4839 EVANGELICALS, UNITED BRETHREN ACHIEVE UNITY JOHNSTOWN, Pa. -- Thirteen years of planning are successfully ended here as representatives to the united General Conference of the Evangelical Church and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ attend a historic session at which the union of their churches was announced, forming the new Evangelical United Brethren Church. With a combined membership of more than 714,000 members the new group ranks 13th in size among Protestant denominations. It is relatively strong in Pennsylvania and the Midwest. First attempts to unite were made in 1813, and while unsuccessful, a close association existed between the two churches. In 1933 commissions from both churches were appointed to work out the detail which were accepted by both groups. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (JR-JOHN-BS-11C6-W)
Creator:
Rue, J. (contributor)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Evangelical United Brethren Church., Evangelical United Brethren Church. General Conference., Evangelical Church., Church of the United Brethren in Christ (New constitution)
Topics:
Christian union--Pennsylvania--Johnstown., Congresses and conventions--Pennsylvania--Johnstown.
Geographic subjects:
Johnstown (Cambria County, Pa.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360570
Title:
PWs hold religious services.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #S-4831 PWs HOLD RELIGIOUS SERVICES RIMINI, Italy -- German prisoners of war interned in an Allied camp here gather for religious services and hear a sermon by Pastor Adolf Freudenberg, a secretary of the World Council of Churches in charge of refugee work. Dr. Freudenberg is a prominent anti-Nazi who worked in Geneva during the war, assisting in the rescue of Jewish refugees. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RR-GEN-BS-11C6-W-L)
Creator:
World Council of Churches. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Freudenberg, Adolf, 1894-, World Council of Churches.
Topics:
Clergy--Italy--Rimini., World War, 1939-1945--Prisoners and prisons., Prisoners of war--Germany., Church work with prisoners of war--Italy--Rimini., Prisoners--Italy--Rimini., Prisoner-of-war camps--Italy--Rimini., Public worship--Italy--Rimini.
Geographic subjects:
Rimini (Italy)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360568
Title:
"Visual evangelism."
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: ‘VISUAL EVANGELISM’ #S-4826 MONTREAL -- Patients and attendant at the Montreal Military Hospital gather ‘round a bed-ridden soldier to watch W. Karl Steele, muralist and art instructor at Wheaton (Ill.) College, put the finishing touches to a blackboard drawing of the “Twenty-third Psalm.” Mr. Steele is making the rounds of military hospitals with his “visual evangelism.” He uses his own invention of phosphorescent chalk to highlight his artistic efforts. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (FC-MON-BS-11D-6-W)
Creator:
Graetz Bros. Commercial Photographers (Montréal, Québec) (photographer), Montreal Daily Star. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Steele, Willard Karl., Wheaton College (Ill.)--Faculty., Paquin, Andre.
Topics:
Military hospitals--Québec--Montréal., World War, 1939-1945--Veterans--Canada., Hospital patients--Québec--Montréal., Artists--Québec--Montréal., Christian art and symbolism--Québec--Montréal., Chalk drawing--Québec--Montréal., Evangelistic work--Québec--Montréal.
Geographic subjects:
Montréal (Québec)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360567
Title:
Religious editors at World Council.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #S-4824 RELIGIOUS EDITORS AT WORLD COUNCIL GENEVA -- Delegates to the first International Conference of Christian Press Associations are shown in session at World Council headquarters here. Editors came from Denmark, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Hungary, England, Italy, Czechoslovakia and the United States to discuss methods of improving the gathering and transmission of religious news throughout the world. Similar meetings will be held each year. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (RR-GEN-BS-11C6-W)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Editors--Switzerland--Geneva., Congresses and conventions--Switzerland--Geneva., Religious newspapers and periodicals--Congresses., Religion and the press.
Geographic subjects:
Geneva (Switzerland)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360566
Title:
New symbol for women's group.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: NEW SYMBOL FOR WOMEN’S GROUP #S-4807 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A new council seal is exhibited by Mrs. Harper Sibley (right), president of the United Council of Church Women, to delegates who attended the group’s third biennial assembly here. Looking on are Mrs. R.W. Hollinger (left), president of the Southern California Council, and Mrs. Walter B. Foley of the Philippines. Mrs. Foley suffered the loss of her left arm in Manila during the war. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (PA-NY-BS-11B-6-W)
Creator:
Associated Press. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., United Council of Church Women--Congresses., United Council of Church Women., United Council of Church Women--Presidents., Sibley, Georgiana Harding Farr., Foley, Mary Rosengrant.
Topics:
Women in church work--Societies, etc., Women in church work--Congresses., Congresses and conventions--Michigan--Grand Rapids., Seals (Numismatics), Women in church work--Michigan--Grand Rapids.
Geographic subjects:
Grand Rapids (Mich.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360564
Title:
Religious leaders at World Alliance convention.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: RELIGIOUS LEADERS AT WORLD ALLIANCE CONVENTION #S-4801 INDIANAPOLIS -- Father George B. Ford of New York, Protestant Episcopal Bishop G. Ashton Oldham of Albany and Rabbi Morris M. Feuerlicht of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation glance over the program at the annual convention of the World Alliance for International Friendship here. Delegates to the three-day conclave condemned the Ku Klux Klan, Columbians, and other hate organizations as embarrassing to American efforts to promote unity in the United Nations. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (HWW-IND-BS-11B-6-W)
Creator:
Welling, H.W. (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., World Alliance for International Friendship through the Churches--Congresses., World Alliance for International Friendship through the Churches., Ford, George B., Episcopal Church--Bishops., Oldham, G. Ashton (George Ashton), 1877-1963., Feuerlicht, Morris M. (Morris Marcus), 1879-1959.
Topics:
Congresses and conventions--Indiana--Indianapolis., Internationalism., Ecumenical movement., Clergy--Indiana--Indianapolis., Bishops--Indiana--Indianapolis., Rabbis--Indiana--Indianapolis.
Geographic subjects:
Indianapolis (Ind.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360563
Title:
Greek Orthodox pilgrims seek cure.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #S-4789 GREEK ORTHODOX PILGRIMS SEEK CURE TENOS, Greece -- Members of the Greek Orthodox faith are shown here prostrating themselves on the steps of the Church of the Virgin Mary, where an icon of Mary is presumed to possess miraculous healing powers. The young and old lying on the steps praying to be cured are part of an Easter pilgrimage to the shrine which annually attracts 100,000 persons. The pilgrimage to Tenos, a small island in the Aegean Sea, dates back to medieval times. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (FWN-NY-2C-7-JOG-W)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Church of the Virgin Mary (Tēnos, Greece)
Topics:
Pilgrims and pilgrimages--Greece--Tēnos., Easter--Greece--Tēnos., Holy Week--Greece--Tēnos., Posture in worship--Greece--Tēnos., Healing--Religious aspects--Orthodoxos Ekklēsia tēs Hellados.
Geographic subjects:
Tēnos (Greece)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360562
Title:
Scientists, churchmen discuss atomic problems.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: SCIENTISTS, CHURCHMEN DISCUSS ATOMIC PROBLEMS #S-4786 PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Conference of Churchmen and Scientists, composed of local leaders in science and religion, was organized here following a conference attended by 125 persons who met to exchange views on the social and moral implications of atomic energy. The scientists agreed that “religious leaders can do more for control of atomic energy than any other agency.” Above are presidents of the organizations which sponsored the conference, (left to right): the Rev. Dr. George Emerson Barnes, Philadelphia Council of Churches; Dr. W.C. Michels, Philadelphia Association of Scientists, and Rabbi C. Matt, Philadelphia Board of Jewish Ministers. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (JD-PHIL-BS-11B-6-W)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Barnes, George Emerson, 1882-1948., Michels, Walter C. (Walter Christian), 1906-1975., Philadelphia Board of Jewish Ministers., Matt, C. David, 1887-1951.
Topics:
Congresses and conventions--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia., Nuclear energy--Religious aspects--Congresses., Rabbis--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia., Clergy--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia., Scientists--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia., Religion and science--Congresses., Nuclear energy--Congresses.
Geographic subjects:
Philadelphia (Pa.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360561
Title:
Anti-vice crusader.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: ANTI-VICE CRUSADER #S-4785 STEUBENVILLE, Ohio -- The Rev. Robert K. Russell, 35, studies a pamphlet on crooked gambling devices. He is one of the 12 local Protestant ministers who are conducting a campaign against vice and gambling in this Ohio River community which has attracted national attention. The Steubenville Ministerial Association has submitted a petition signed by the townsfolk to Gov. Frank Lausche requesting a special grand jury investigation. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (PA-NY-BS-11B-6-W)
Creator:
Associated Press. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Russell, Robert K., Steubenville Ministerial Association (Steubenville, Ohio)
Topics:
Clergy--Ohio--Steubenville., Gambling and crime--Ohio--Steubenville., Investigations--Ohio--Steubenville., Vice control--Ohio--Steubenville.
Geographic subjects:
Steubenville (Ohio)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360560
Title:
No empty pews here!
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #S-4773 NO EMPTY PEWS HERE! This is what every pastor hopes for -- a packed congregation. Not only is every seat occupied but both floors of this church are lined with standees. The desire of many people to attend regular worship services, as more and more of them seek spiritual guidance during the present state of world uncertainty, is indicated by a rising church attendance in many parts of the country. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (AJM-APPL-BS-11B6-W)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives.
Topics:
Church attendance--United States., Church membership--United States.
Geographic subjects:
Appleton (Wis.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360559
Title:
Youth forum of the air.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: YOUTH FORUM OF THE AIR #S-4748 TACOMA, Wash. -- College and high school students who are youth members of Protestant churches serve as commentators on the Youth Forum of the Air, beamed weekly from the Little Chapel of the United Churches here. Panel discussions of interest to youth are featured. The Rev. Dr. Milton A. Marcy (fourth from left), Methodist minister, directs the comments on “Home and its Influence on the Community” which the group above, representing Presbyterian and Lutheran churches, discussed. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (YPS-TAC-BS-11A-6-W)
Creator:
Yost's Photo Service (Tacoma, Wash.) (photographer)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Marcy, Milton A., Methodist Church (U.S.)--Clergy.
Topics:
Ecumenical movement--United States., Clergy--Washington--Tacoma., Youth in church work--Washington--Tacoma., Radio programs--Washington--Tacoma., Church and mass media--Washington--Tacoma., Interdenominational cooperation--Washington--Tacoma.
Geographic subjects:
Tacoma (Wash.)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360558
Title:
Church relief for Greece.
Description:
Text transcribed from caption: #S-4713 CHURCH RELIEF FOR GREECE ATHENS -- A trailer truck operated by Greek War Relief Association arrives at the Evangelical Church of Athens here with a relief shipment of 3500 pounds of food donated by American churchgoers. It is the first of four such shipments being made under the auspices of the War Relief Commission of the National Association of Evangelicals. Credit Must Read: RELIGIOUS NEWS SERVICE PHOTO (JK-NY-BS-10E6-W-R)
Creator:
Greek War Relief Association. (publisher)
Subject names:
Religious News Service--Archives., Greek War Relief Association., National Association of Evangelicals.
Topics:
World War, 1939-1945--Civilian relief--Greece., Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Religious aspects., Reconstruction (1939-1951)--Greece., International relief., Emergency food supply--Greece.
Geographic subjects:
Athens (Greece)
URL:
https://digital.history.pcusa.org/islandora/object/islandora:360557

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