wfn.org | BCE honors excellence in church architecture

["Disciples Off. of Communication"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

Date: October 9, 1999	
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

99b-65

	Cincinnati General Assembly
	October 8-12, 1999
	Cincinnati Convention Center
	Room 233
	(513) 784-6014

	CINCINNATI (DNS) - - Nine Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 
congregations were named winners of the 1999 Board of Church Extension 
President's Award for Architectural Excellence during the board's Oct. 8 
General Assembly dinner.

	The five top award winners included: Creekwood Christian Church, Flower 
Mound, Texas, for new construction; Cleveland Heights Christian Church, 
Cheektowaga, N.Y., for renovation; and First Christian Church, Corvallis, 
Ore., for accessibility. Co-winners in the visual arts category were Geist 
Christian Church, Indianapolis, and St. Andrew Christian Church, Olathe, 
Kan.
 
	Jurists received entries from Disciples congregations and organizations 
in 17 states. Building projects ranged in size from $74,000 to $2.4 
million. The jury considered awards in new construction, 
renovations/additions, accessibility and visual arts.

	Awards included honor certificates plus a $500 cash gift to the top award 
winner in each category, given to the outreach ministry of the winner's 
choice.

	The category of new construction received the largest number of entries. 
In rewarding Creekwood Christian Church the highest honor for new 
construction, jury members noted that the 10,000-square-foot building was 
clean, straightforward, nice and open. "They accomplished a tremendous 
amount in terms of worship space function with a great deal of economy," 
one jurist said.

	The citation award in the new construction category went to St. Andrew 
Christian Church, Olathe, and the merit award went to Hazelwood Christian 
Church, Muncie, Ind.

	The jury delighted in the solution of what they saw as a very complex 
problem in the accessibility category by the top award winner, First 
Christian Church, Corvallis. A complete rework of the main entrance, 
including moving the existing doors to the center axis of the building 
meant a simplified and enlarged narthex. Elevators and two new accessible 
restrooms were added. 

	The citation award in the accessibility category was given to Carlock 
(Ill.) Christian Church and First Christian Church, Stow, Ohio, received 
the merit award.

	The highest honor award in the category of renovation and restoration 
went to Cleveland Heights Christian Church for its welcoming addition. The 
congregation added a fellowship hall that provides new opportunities for 
ministry. Also added was a central atrium that is a favorite gathering 
space for activities. The jury delighted in the scale of the building and 
said the addition was "clearly a welcoming facility."

	First Christian Church in Corvallis received further recognition by 
receiving the citation award for renovation and restoration. The award of 
merit went to Timberlake Christian Church, Lynchburg, Va.

	Both Geist Christian Church and St. Andrew Christian Church shared the 
visual arts category. Jury members were impressed with the fundamental 
theme in all the windows. The prominent symbol of the altar window at 
Geist Church features a flame, traditionally symbolic of the Holy Spirit, 
with white glass jewels scattered throughout.

	St. Andrew Church was honored for the design of a cross in its new 
sanctuary. Banners and other hangings were also cited as strong visuals in 
the sanctuary. The jury called the space "bright and playful" and stated 
that both the cross and banners make for a special and energizing worship 
experience.

	Many factors were considered in judging the entries, including how the 
project facilitated the congregation's or organization's ministry, 
stewardship, design aesthetics, environmental friendliness and 
accessibility.

	A jury composed of design professionals and other consultative staff to 
Board of Church Extension determined the winners of the awards.

	Members of the jury included: N. Vernon Blankenship, retired BCE vice 
president from Lexington, Ky.; Joe Gardner, Atlanta, Ga., and Jack Pecsok, 
Indianapolis, both BCE special architectural consultants, and E.J. 
Potente, BCE sacred space consultant, Kenosha, Wis. The Revs. Maribeth 
Blackman and Ryan Hazen, both general consultants for Board of Church 
Extension, chaired the President's Award Committee.

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