Christ Church Lutheran (Minneapolis, Minnesota) facts for kids
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Christ Church Lutheran
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Christ Church Lutheran viewed from the northeast
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| Location | 3244 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406 |
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| Built | 1948–1949 |
| Built by | Kraus-Anderson, Inc. |
| Architect | Eliel Saarinen |
| Architectural style | International Style |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000654 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 20, 2001 |
| Designated NHL | January 16, 2009 |
Christ Church Lutheran is a church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The church buildings are famous around the world. They include a main worship area and a chapel built in 1949. There is also an education building added in 1962.
These buildings were designed by two famous architects, Eliel Saarinen and his son, Eero Saarinen. In 2009, the U.S. Department of the Interior named the church a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical place in the United States.
The church started in 1911. It was first part of a different Lutheran group. Later, in the 1970s, the church joined a new group. This group helped create the ELCA, which is the church's current home.
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Amazing Architecture of the Church
The main church building has a special design called the International Style. This style uses clean lines and simple shapes. It was designed by Eliel Saarinen and his son Eero Saarinen. This project was one of the last buildings Eliel Saarinen designed before he passed away.
The church opened in 1949. Right away, people recognized it as a masterpiece of architecture. It was one of the first modern church buildings in the United States. Its design inspired many other churches built in the 1950s and 1960s.
The church's acoustics are also very good for music. A famous conductor, Osmo Vänskä, said it is a great place for concerts. He noted that the sound is excellent for both musicians and the audience.
Why a Modern Design?
The church leaders first wanted a traditional Gothic Revival style building. But they found it would be too expensive. So, in 1946, their pastor, Reverend William A. Buege, contacted Eliel Saarinen. Saarinen was the head of the Cranbrook Academy of Art at the time.
Saarinen had already designed a modern church in Indiana, the First Christian Church. He used ideas from that church for Christ Church Lutheran. Eliel Saarinen believed that "if a building is honest, the architecture is religious."
At first glance, the church looks like a simple box. But it is actually an unusual shape. The side walls are not perfectly parallel. Also, the front and back walls are not parallel either. This makes the building unique.
The Education Building Addition
An additional building, called the education building, was finished in 1962. It is connected to the main church by a walkway and hallways. This building was designed under the guidance of Eero Saarinen. It was also one of his last projects before he passed away.
The education building is built around a courtyard. Its design carefully matches the style of the older worship building. It helps complete the overall look of the church campus.
Awards and Recognition
In 1977, Christ Church Lutheran received a special award. It was the eighth building to get the American Institute of Architects Twenty-five Year Award. This award honors buildings that have stood the test of time and are still considered excellent. Only two places of worship have ever received this award.
The church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On January 16, 2009, the entire building was named a National Historic Landmark. This is a very high honor for a historic site.
Recent Updates and Tours
The church has been well-maintained over the years. In 2011, the bell tower was repaired. The courtyard was rebuilt in 2017. In 2018, a new pipe organ was installed. It was built by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders.
You can take free tours of the church to learn about its architecture. These tours happen at 11:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of every month. Guides from the Friends of Christ Church Lutheran lead the tours. If you have a large group, you can arrange a special tour.
More to Explore
- Chapel of the Resurrection (Valparaiso, Indiana), another important church design influenced by Christ Church Lutheran.
- First Christian Church (Columbus, Indiana), a similar church designed by Saarinen.
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Minnesota
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Hennepin County, Minnesota
