Church Architecture

[jwinch2]

It’s not unusual to see very bare ancient Catholic churches in Europe. I think rather we have to appreciate that our Catholic tradition is not as homogeneous as we often would like and acknowledge that there is much variety and beauty.

Indeed. These are pictures of the Church at St. Gregory’s Abbey in Oklahoma where I will likely end up offering my oblation should they feel I will be a good addition to the community. I took them with my camera phone so the quality is not what it could be. The next time I go back, I will take my real camera along and try to get some decent shots of the monastery, church, and the grounds.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Wow. Is that a Catholic Church?

Yes - just goes to show what’s possible, taken to an extreme.

BTW - the “pews” are matching chairs, so you could just grab six or so to go with the table.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

Indeed. These are pictures of the Church at St. Gregory’s Abbey in Oklahoma where I will likely end up offering my oblation should they feel I will be a good addition to the community. I took them with my camera phone so the quality is not what it could be. The next time I go back, I will take my real camera along and try to get some decent shots of the monastery, church, and the grounds.

What a gorgeous place. Lucky you. My monastery is basically a small room.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

Indeed. These are pictures of the Church at St. Gregory’s Abbey in Oklahoma where I will likely end up offering my oblation should they feel I will be a good addition to the community.

It is beautiful in its simplicity and austerity, yet it is not barren or empty. One could tell you are in church here!

 

[jwinch2]

What a gorgeous place. Lucky you. My monastery is basically a small room.

No Church, no cloister, etc.?

St. Gregory’s seems a bit bigger than it is because it is on the grounds of St. Gregory’s University. The actual monastery consists of three buildings joined together and some nice grounds. Regardless, it is a nice place.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

No Church, no cloister, etc.?

St. Gregory’s seems a bit bigger than it is because it is on the grounds of St. Gregory’s University. The actual monastery consists of three buildings joined together and some nice grounds. Regardless, it is a nice place.

The cloister is up the hill. The one room is the church

 

[triumphguy]

Yes it was a lovely little old building and a close knit parish.

The parish priest wanted to raise money to paint the interior, so I did it with my 3 brothers. We were between 13 and 17 years old at the time, but we painted the walls and ceiling ourselves. The priest, Fr. James Murphy (I’m sure there’s been a thousand Fr. Jim Murphys!) was very greatful and nearly cried when he saw the job we’d done.

Of course looking back his motives for crying might not have been awe at our workmanship Actually we did do a good job and were very proud of it.

 

[triumphguy]

There’s something to be said for that, and surely you must miss it.

Yes it was a lovely little old building and a close knit parish.

Where in the UK, out of curiosity?

It was Sacred Heart Church in Whaley Bridge, Derbyshire.

The parish priest wanted to raise money to paint the interior, so I did it with my 3 brothers. We were between 13 and 17 years old at the time, but we painted the walls and ceiling ourselves. The priest, Fr. James Murphy (I’m sure there’s been a thousand Fr. Jim Murphys!) was very greatful and nearly cried when he saw the job we’d done.

Of course looking back his motives for crying might not have been awe at our workmanship Actually we did do a good job and were very proud of it.

 

[jwinch2]

It is beautiful in its simplicity and austerity, yet it is not barren or empty. One could tell you are in church here!

Agreed, there is no mistaking you are in a Church. The acoustics are awesome also, which is nice.

Each one of the alcoves to the side has a small chapel, I suppose for a private Mass to be said but I am not sure. One of the alcoves is filled with some pretty amazing relics, and the other one is a small chapel where the tabernacle is kept.

 

[Luigi_Daniele]

In the interest of full disclosure, this is the Franciscan parish

http://www.diocese-sacramento.org/Home_news/images/stfrancisbookcopy_000.jpg

This is the monastery church

(Please Note: This uploaded content is no longer available.)

 

[CarloMagnus]

If I may ask, what exactly is wrong with this building?

Answer me why you like it first.

-Karl

 

[SgtSchultz]

Here are some nice churches:
SNIP

-Byrnwiga

Now those are what I call proper churches!

The thing that bothers me the most about modern buildings and furnishings is a point made in the article, that there is zero feeling of connection to the past. An icon or staute of a Saint in these modern churches looks out of place. When I walk into an old historic Church I feel at home. When I walk into a modern, gaudy building I feel like I’m in a strange place.

Amen to that! I really enjoy heading downtown to the old 19th century cathedral. (That’s not to say I don’t appreciate the priests, people, or parish life at my local parish church…)

I am sorry to say, but this interior is absolutely atrocious!

Indeed.

Not visible in the photo is that this church was built with a communion rail and the tabernacle is on the altar.

At least they have that.

 

[i_am_a_Catholic]

architectureandmorality.blogspot.ca/2011/12/vapid-unbearable-lightness-why-modern.html

Finally an article I can get my teeth into regarding traditional church architecture and why modern architecture isn’t very successful at creating sacred “Catholic” spaces (Though thre are notable exceptions which do get it right).

modern church that does get it right:
Cistercian Chapel by Gary Cunningham, Irving, Texas

Hello there,

I specifically registered to comment on this very thread

The church in the OP’s post (quoted above) is actually inferior. The thing to note is that there are old churches that are much inferior to the spirit of the Liturgy as well. But in general, tradition does tend to have better churches.

That being said, I know you are all wondering “What is a good church architecture vs. what is bad church architecture”

I would invite you to watch the following video by Dr. Denis Mcnamara

youtube.com/watch?v=oEqRlE8m3DI

He also has a new series on it here

youtube.com/watch?v=2PDWXMMgy9c

He speaks of the Theology behind the design of a church and would give anyone a good understanding on why many “modern” churches are a failure.

 

[i_am_a_Catholic]

After seeing a thread here, I registered so that I could perhaps comment a bit on this issue.

As a Catholic, I was always drawn to the older churches and I found myself asking if it was simply a matter of “taste”. Maybe it was just my taste vs. Mr./Mrs. X,Y,Z’s taste. Who am I to disagree with Fr. Joe or Mr. John’s preference.

Then I stumbled upon the following which made me understand how to put my objection to things in words using objective concepts that others could understand.

So I thought it worth sharing by creating a new thread. I feel that every traditional Catholic needs to have seen this so that next time someone asks why they don’t like a certain church, they know how to answer.

Link to full lecture at Franciscan University of Steubenville by Denis Mcnamara

youtube.com/watch?v=oEqRlE8m3DI

Link to new on going 10 part series

youtube.com/watch?v=2PDWXMMgy9c

Enjoy

 

[buffalo]

I did not view the links.

Removing Catholic Identity and sacred art has wracked the church and young people too. Sacred art is another way to tell the story.

 

[LoyalViews]

Indeed. Isn’t the purpose of a church’s architecture to lift one’s soul to God? To glorify God? These things being built lately are hardly accomplishing that. Of course, who am I to say? I am not a bishop nor architect, but it’s my opinion that modern churches are barren of spirituality, case closed (well at least for me).

Of course there ARE exceptions to the rule. Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral may be …ugh…on the outside, but on the inside, SPECTACULAR! It’s still not my cuppa tea, but it’s a silent and holy atmosphere.

 

[cavaleriesoldaa]

Agreed. A Church should leave you in awe of God. The beautiful Church I attend does just that. These “modern” churches do not touch my soul and leave me with the sense of reverence you should have during mass.

 

[Credo_in_Deum]

After seeing a thread here, I registered so that I could perhaps comment a bit on this issue.

As a Catholic, I was always drawn to the older churches and I found myself asking if it was simply a matter of “taste”. Maybe it was just my taste vs. Mr./Mrs. X,Y,Z’s taste. Who am I to disagree with Fr. Joe or Mr. John’s preference.

Then I stumbled upon the following which made me understand how to put my objection to things in words using objective concepts that others could understand.

So I thought it worth sharing by creating a new thread. I feel that every traditional Catholic needs to have seen this so that next time someone asks why they don’t like a certain church, they know how to answer.

Link to full lecture at Franciscan University of Steubenville by Denis Mcnamara

youtube.com/watch?v=oEqRlE8m3DI

Link to new on going 10 part series

youtube.com/watch?v=2PDWXMMgy9c

Enjoy

Thank you for sharing the video with Dr. Denis McNamara; it was an awesome presentation. I will watch the others later since my battery is dying on my pc.

 

[triumphguy]

He’s wearing that tie with that jacket!

How can I take him seriously on matters of aesthetics!!

OK back to the video.

 

[Cat]

Agreed. A Church should leave you in awe of God. The beautiful Church I attend does just that. These “modern” churches do not touch my soul and leave me with the sense of reverence you should have during mass.

As with all art forms, what touches one person will leave another cold or jar them.

I personally love modern architecture and find it incredibly inspiring and uplifting. The lines, the sweep, the flow, the simplicity–it’s other-worldly to me and puts me in mind of heaven.

The simplicity and spareness of much modern architecture brings peace in the midst of cacaphony. I have a very busy life, and I like it when an architectural style forces me to slow down and think about God rather than all my “stuff.”

I think that the older church architectural styles are beautiful, but often, they are so “busy,” filled with windows, statues, murals, etc. There isn’t a single place in the nave where a person can rest their eyes and see “nothing.” I feel like a kid in an amusement park–way over-stimulated!

I find this distracting. I love empty spaces, empty walls, and sparse decor. To me, the prettiest decor is very simple–a dinner table centerpiece of one vase with a flower, or a shelf with just one knickknack, or a wall with just one photo or painting.

In churches, I prefer just one piece of sculpture. I do like real crucifixes, preferably with a Christ who has obviously suffered.

I also like plain bricks, wood, and metal, and natural light, and consider these conducive to turning my thoughts away from this world and to the unseen world of God.

The main problem I have seen with much modern architecture is that the acoustics are often horrible . The clamshells are especially bad, with a myriad of “dead spots” and variation in the sound throughout the nave that makes it necessary to purchase an extremely expensive and well-engineered sound system. Why not just design a modern building to be acoustically good?! The older churches were built so well, with wonderful acoustics. After all, faith comes by hearing! I personally think that a lot of the “modern” buildings would do well to pass out headphones so that people could listen to the Mass through them, instead of struggling to hear through the bad sound system!