Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Minneapolis, Christ Church Lutheran stands as a testament to architectural innovation and spiritual devotion. Christ Church Lutheran isn’t your typical church. Its story began in the Longfellow neighborhood in 1911. The congregation’s first church was built in 1914. By 1924, they had outgrown the space. They purchased land at 34th Avenue South and 33rd Street, envisioning a grand Gothic Revival structure. However, the Great Depression and World War II stalled these plans.
In 1946, Reverend William A. Buege arrived, bringing a new vision. The proposed Gothic Revival design proved too expensive. Reverend Buege sought a more economical and honest approach. He discovered the elegance of contemporary Scandinavian architecture. He thought of Eliel Saarinen, son of a Lutheran minister, renowned for his modernist sensibilities.
Reverend Buege posed a profound question to Saarinen: “Is it possible, in a materialistic age, to create something truly spiritual?”. Saarinen accepted the challenge. He believed that honesty in a building translated to religious architecture. His designs, presented in 1948, were groundbreaking. The cornerstone was laid in 1949. The completed Christ Church Lutheran was dedicated on December 4, 1949, a beacon of modernism in a world clinging to tradition. The church’s cost, $336,211.92, was significantly less than the original Gothic Revival estimate. Tragically, Saarinen passed away the following June, making Christ Church Lutheran his final masterpiece.
The church’s design reflects Saarinen’s genius. It’s not simply a brick box. The walls are intentionally askew, enhancing the acoustics and manipulating light and volume. The brickwork, uniform in type, varies in placement. A simple whitewash behind the altar, illuminated by a strategically positioned window, creates a truly spiritual atmosphere.
Christ Church Lutheran’s story doesn’t end with Eliel. In 1956, Reverend Buege approached Eero Saarinen, Eliel’s son, to design an education wing. Eero, a rising star with projects like the Gateway Arch and TWA Terminal, accepted the modest commission. He wanted to ensure the addition complemented his father’s design. Eero also passed away before seeing his addition completed in 1962. The one-story, flat-roofed structure seamlessly blends with the original church, a testament to Eero’s respect for his father’s legacy. Today, the Luther Lounge in this wing, with its original 1962 furnishings by renowned designers, captivates visitors. It stands as a time capsule of mid-century design, a testament to both Saarinens’ architectural vision. Christ Church Lutheran continues to inspire, its story a blend of spiritual yearning, architectural innovation, and familial devotion. It serves as a reminder that honesty in design can create a truly spiritual experience.