Lutheran Architectural Landmark Dedicated in Houston Texas
By Rev. Jack Cascione

 

It has been almost a year since the dedication of Our Savior Lutheran Church, in Houston, Texas, on July 25th, 2000.

The question is, "How do 21st century Americans react to a 6.5 million dollar experiment in art and architectural excellence as we witness the decline of contemporary theater/warehouse style mega-church worship facilities?" Yes, this is a six million dollar question.

First, you will have to see it to believe it. We recommend you purchase the $10.00, full color, 70-page book on the architectural history and pictorial record of Our Savior's new church building. There is nothing quite like it in the Americas. The address is:

Our Savior Lutheran Church
5000 W Tidwell Rd.
Houston TX 77091-4633
713-290-9087

The June 18th issue of Christian News will feature a number of black and white pictures of Our Savior.

At a time when many congregations have invested millions and millions of dollars in contemporary meg-church structures, the members of Our Savior Lutheran Church have chosen to make an outstanding statement in architectural beauty.

Our Savior Lutheran Church has integrated Lutheran doctrine, practice, history, tradition, art, and music into one amazing edifice. Their unique 160-foot high building, in the heart of the Southern Baptist Bible belt, serves as a visible Lutheran testimony to the community. Yes, attendance at the 1200 seat, three-tiered church has increased.

In his book about the new church, pastor Laurence White explains that the design of European octagon shaped Lutheran church buildings was primarily intended to draw the congregation closer to the pulpit. The design can also be seen in early Byzantine churches built to resemble a large baptismal fount, eight being the number of eternity.

This style also places the pulpit over the altar in order to focus on the centrality of God's Word. This design was first applied in the Castle Church of the Saxon town of Torgau north of Wittenberg, dedicated in October 5, 1544 by Martin Luther.

This design reached its culmination in the magnificent "Frauenkirche" built in Dresden in 1726 and destroyed during World War II.

Pastor White points out examples of early Missouri Synod churches that reflect all or part of this architectural style. The book is a unique lesson in church architecture.

In addition to the distinctive shape of the building, it is decorated with nearly a million dollars of sculpture, paintings, stain glass, and bronze relief. Magnificent carved painted angels greet the worshipers. A fabulous organ with glittering pipes set in dark wood dominates the interior, towering in a crescendo of visible and audible praise.

There is a splendid carving of Michael slaying the devil, a twice life-size crucifix suspended from the ceiling, paintings depicting Reformation scenes, a unique carved altar on the backs of angels, just to name a few the many works. You won't miss the life size statue of Luther as you enter the atrium.

The baptismal fount, with its eight painted base relief carvings and a life size statue of John the Baptist above, is unique in North America.

Second, this entire structure is counter to the current mega-church style that often combines the architectural design of a movie theater with the economy of a warehouse.

Our Savior is an unmistakable visual presentation of Lutheran theology while most new contemporary worship facilities attempt to say as little as possible about their faith. Contemporary churches, such as Willow Creek, don 't like to display a cross.

The members of Our Savior Lutheran Church have risked millions of dollars in challenging the current direction of American church growth architecture.

Our Savior has chosen to emphasize the Word, faith, theology, meaning, witness, tradition, excellence, timeless culture, music, and art over contemporary fads, emptiness, utilitarian superficiality, commercialism functionalism, entertainment, emotionalism, and shallowness.

Public response in the first year has been outstanding. The question is "Will it stand the test of time?"

The artisans of Demetz Art Studio, Ovieto, Italy, have created an aesthetic landmark worthy of a travelers visit.

Our Savior has given their witness to the importance of worship.

Others will have to come, see, and judge for themselves, but there is no question that Our Savior has chosen to preach a Reformation sermon through its architecture where others have chosen to say be silent.


Rev. Jack Cascione is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS - MI) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He has written numerous articles for Christian News and is the author of Reclaiming the Gospel in the LCMS: How to Keep Your Congregation Lutheran. He has also written a study on the Book of Revelation called In Search of the Biblical Order.
He can be reached by email at pastorcascione@juno.com.

June 9, 2001