100 YEARS AGO TODAY
December 23, 1912
Christmas trees reaching to the tip of arches in several Tacoma churches were decorated today for the celebration of Sunday schools tonight. Churches of the city opened the holiday services with special sermons yesterday, and today followed the exercises for the children. A large number of the churches will have their Christmas tree entertainments tomorrow evening and others on Christmas evening. A few will be given later in the week.
50 YEARS AGO TODAY
December 23, 1962
The new Central Lutheran Church, Fourth Street and Tacoma Avenue, was crowned recently with a cross 25 feet high. The steel cross, painted white, revolves four times each minute. Sunshine reflect from the majestically turning arms and at night four spotlights will illuminate the cross against Tacoma’s sky. The neon-lighted cross on the old Central Lutheran, which stood where the County-City Building now stands, was a Tacoma landmark for many years.
25 YEARS AGO TODAY
December 23, 1987
Tacoma City Manager Erling Mork has plucked a new police chief from his own backyard. Pierce County Sheriff Ray Fjetland has been chosen to replace Dean Phillips as chief of the Tacoma Police Department, Mork announced. Fjetland officially will assume his new post on Feb. 14, the date on which Phillips’ personal service contract with the city expires. Mork said Phillips will complete the balance of his contract. The new chief’s salary will be $70,000 a year, a hike of about $6,000 over the amount of Phillips was being paid. Long rumored as a possible candidate for the job, Fjetland said he decided only in the past few weeks to accept the offer. “I felt it was the right thing to do,” Fjetland said. “I know it sounds hokey, but it’s true. I don’t think I’m leaving (the county). I feel I’m being traded to the city.”
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.