The cornerstone of Holy Rosary Church was laid on May 30, 1920 by the Most Rev. Joseph McGrath, D.D. Bishop of Baker City Oregon (and former pastor of Saint Patrick’s in Tacoma) on behalf of Bishop O’Dea of Seattle, who was ill. The Rt. Rev. Abbot Oswald Baran O.S.B. and thirty other members of the clergy assisted. Mayor Riddell of Tacoma was among the many honored guests.
Less than 18 months later, on November 21, 1921 – Thanksgiving Day – the new church building was dedicated by Most Rev. Edward J. O’Dea, Bishop of Seattle. He was assisted by Rt. Rev. Oswald Baran O.S.B. Abbot of Saint Martin’s and former Pastor of Holy Rosary, forty Priests from all parts of the Northwest, and eighteen Knights of the Altar. Choirmaster Mr. Stellbrink conducted the thirty-member Choir in singing the hymns. Representatives from the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians provided an honor guard.
Despite the pomp and ceremony, the church building itself was not actually finished. Corners were cut to get it in some sort of shape for the dedication. Since the expected Gothic-inspired light fixtures could not arrive in time, “temporary” kitchen light fixtures were ordered and installed instead. The planned-for monastic choir seating in the sanctuary was shelved and chairs put in its place. Even the organ had not arrived, and the sisters’ piano was reportedly used for the Mass.
Most of these fixes were expected to be temporary. The organ was installed in March of 1922. Proper lighting fixtures were finally installed – in 2017, almost a century late. The choir stalls are still waiting for a future renovation of the sanctuary.
