Amazing Space: 5 Profiles In Design

Be it whimsy or grandeur, simplicity or splendor, these sanctuaries all have that "special something."

The following churches, culled from a variety of architectural firms, represent a range of denominations, congregation sizes and locations. Some are big, seating 1,000 or more, and others accommodate just a few. Some follow a Puritanical style; others are gothic. Whatever your flavor, these intricate, innovative and functional sanctuaries are sure to make you look twice.

Trappist Chapel

Location: Holland, Manitoba, Canada
Completed: 1982
Cost: $28,000
Construction time: 3 months
Architect: Michael Boreskie
Michael Boreskie Architect Inc., Winnipeg, Canada

Believe it or not, this small chapel located on the grounds of Our Lady of the Prairies Cistercian monastery in Canada began its life as a tractor shed.

The story begins after the monastery relocated to Holland, Manitoba, when the monks of Our Lady had made the decision to design a new chapel, says liturgical design specialist Michael Boreskie, who conducted the transformation of the modest space.

"They wanted a little chapel for people to go off to," Boreskie explains. "Because it was adjacent to the guest house, the guests could make use of it as well. They said they wanted it to be just a summer chapel--they didn't want to spend enough to heat it and that sort of thing."

Originally in "dreadful" shape, Boreskie says the un-insulated space--consisting of two-by-four studs, some wood plates and a small lean-to--sat on the dirt. Yet despite its humble appearance, Boreskie had big ideas. "[I wanted to] create a sensation within in a twenty-by-twenty room," he says.

With the exception of some cosmetic work and reshingling, the shed's exterior remained essentially the same once the project was complete. "We wanted the building to act as a symbol of life for the monks themselves, so it's very, very plain--but they have an incredible life inside them," Boreskie explains. "It's meant to be a symbol of the monastic life."

Chambers Protestant Chapel

Location: Boys' Town, Neb.
Completed: 1989
Cost: $3.2 million
Construction time: 1 year
Architect: Dennis Raynor
Hinz Lamprecht Architects, P.C., Omaha, Neb.

One of the primary reasons for building the multi-denominational Chambers Protestant Chapel was to fulfill the ecumenical goal the founder of Boys' Town had in mind from the beginning, and its architecture shows it. Inside this 400-seat space, aisle windows depict Old and New Testament stories that emphasize issues important to children.

Gothic design is another important element in the chapel. Architect Dennis Raynor (now deceased) made a preliminary trip to Europe so he could study churches there, incorporating much of what he saw in the design of Chambers. Its gothic hardware elements include classic bronze-clad doors and heavy wood timber hammer-beam trusses, and each stained glass window is composed of three lancets dedicated to its individual theme.

Grace Episcopal Church

Location: Gainesville, Ga.
Completed: 1996
Cost: $2 million
Construction time: 1 year
Architect: M. Garland Reynolds, Jr., FAIA
Reynolds Architects, Gainesville, Ga.

The design for the new Grace Episcopal Church building takes its cue from the early Gothic period, though it is officially deemed "Postmodern Gothic" by its architects.

"Light comes in from a lot of directions," architect M. Garland Reynolds, Jr., says. Much of it is due to the church's many stained-glass windows. Additionally, Grace's 100-foot long nave features brick masonry pointed arches held aloft by free-standing columns. Within the arches are clerestory windows that bring in light.

For a more "open" effect, Reynolds positioned the choir at the rear of the church, freeing up space at the front. "Plus," he says, "everything in the chancel area is movable--kneeling rails, the pulpit, furniture and even the altar."

Reynolds incorporated a variety of other unique features into the space as well, but he says that one in particular stands out. More than two decades ago, on a visit to Israel's Church of the Holy Sepulcher (which is believed to be over Calvary, the site of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection), he took--with permission from his host--a broken piece of the Judean limestone floor.

"Years later, while doing the [Grace Episcopal] Church, the rector spoke about the navel of the world being in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher," Reynolds says. "We wound up inlaying five pieces of the [limestone] in the top of the marble altar." A "great arch," executed in brick masonry, is at the front.

First Netherlands Reformed Congregation

Location: Grand Rapids, Mich.
Cost: $3.5 million
Construction time: 1 year
Architect: Mark Scobell
Dan Vos Construction Company, Ada, Mich.

The new, 12,500-square foot nave and narthex addition at First Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Mich., created seating for more than 600 parishioners on the main floor level, and a balcony accommodates about 250 more when needed. The nave incorporates two rows of windows and features a retractable window blind system, plus an extensive variety of lighting options for worship services. The nave's voluminous space includes eight enormous chandeliers, wood paneled railings and wainscots, extensive wood millwork and columns at the cannel and organ chambers, plus plaster cove moldings around its perimeter.

Other additions include two drop-off canopies, a consistory room and a narthex that unites the new and original buildings with massing and circulation.

In style, the church wanted to return to traditionalism, and the design of its new addition and the renovation of the existing building convey a strong core of Puritanism.

According to the Dan Vos' Web site, over $95,000 in construction costs were saved by "proper coordination of volunteer labor and subcontractors."

The completed project won an ABC of West Michigan "Award of Excellence."

St. Mary Catholic Community

Location: Ledgeview, Wisc.
Completed: 1998
Cost: $5.5 million
Construction time: 10 months
Architect: Birschbach & Associates, Ltd., Appleton, Wisc.

St. Mary's building system contains a concrete foundation, concrete masonry bearing walls, laminated truss and wood truss systems, asphalt shingle roofing and wood frame interior. Inside, its cruciform-shape nave features an interior circular soffit, which, according to Birschbach, creates a unity symbol within the cross. The heavy roof truss system, spanning 108 feet, features 18-foot deep trusses that form a cross to support the clerestory with windows that fill the space with light. Many other elements--including stained glass windows, Stations of the Cross, a tabernacle and marble from the old altar and ambo--were also incorporated.