Concordia Lutheran Church, Maplewood

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I always find Modernism in St. Louis to be endlessly inventive; sometimes they’re pure, and other times they take on a fascinatingly eclectic feel, such as Concordia Lutheran Church in Maplewood.

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Built in 1953, it features many of the hallmarks of Modernism, while simultaneously incorporating elements of many different historical styles, such as these volutes on the front sign.

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In what is surely a coincidence, the church features these interesting Gateway Arch-like windows, a decade before the completion of the famous landmark.

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A lamb is visible in the one window at right.

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The tower looks like something out of a Gothic cathedral, but its ornament is so much more simple.

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The front portal features elements of Romanesque architecture, both in the arch and in the statue of Christ.

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Protected from pigeons, the sculpture is surrounded by what appear to be terracotta decorative elements.

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Even the lamps on either side of the door have their own unique panache.

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And then, out of nowhere, we see Classical architecture appear, with this Corinthian capital.

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The side door, however, is more purely Modernist in its design.

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Apparently the church originated in 1892 and was rebuilt in this location later.

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3 Comments Add yours

  1. Matthew Wood says:

    Great pictures and information on the building! I am the pastor here and was very much interested in your observations. If you ever want to take pictures of the inside just let me know and we can set something up.

    1. Chris Naffziger says:

      I would love to take a look inside; drop me a line at naffziger (at) gmail (dot) com.

  2. Meredith says:

    My parents were married here one January in the late 60s. I’ve never seen the inside, though (wedding photos were dark inside, and the flash only seemed to light up the people walking down the aisle, not any of the surrounding space).

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