The Architecture of Union Lutheran
Union's present sanctuary was designed in 1925 by J.A. Dempwolf. The cornerstone was laid in January of 1928 and construction completed in 1929. The sanctuary's dedication was celebrated in September 1929 with a week long series of services. Unfortunately, Union was Mr. Dempwolf's last design. The noted architect passed away before its completion and his son completed the building.
From Market Street you will notice the front facade consisting of two towers. The smaller west tower is a corbeled tower and is purely for decoration. The larger east tower contains the church bell. You will also notice the pointed arches of the entrance and the rose window. If you look around into the courtyard to the est, you will notice large stone columns between the windows. Theses are the buttresses. Their purpose is to help support the weight of the building and allow more open wall space for the stained glass windows.
Through the front doors you will enter the narthex. If you look at the ceiling, you will see an example of ribbed vaulting. This style of ceiling was much stronger than previously used and allowed for very large open spaces.
Union's sanctuary is an exceptional example of neo-gothic cruciform architecture, meaning in the shape of a cross. The nave and chancel form the upright and the baptistery and choir loft form the arms. The nave is flanked on either side by aisles, which are defined by a series of columns and pointed arches. These, along with the buttresses, help support the weight of the building. I the aisles you will notice stained class tracery windows. The upper part of the nave, the clerestory, is also designed to allow more light to enter the building.
From Market Street you will notice the front facade consisting of two towers. The smaller west tower is a corbeled tower and is purely for decoration. The larger east tower contains the church bell. You will also notice the pointed arches of the entrance and the rose window. If you look around into the courtyard to the est, you will notice large stone columns between the windows. Theses are the buttresses. Their purpose is to help support the weight of the building and allow more open wall space for the stained glass windows.
Through the front doors you will enter the narthex. If you look at the ceiling, you will see an example of ribbed vaulting. This style of ceiling was much stronger than previously used and allowed for very large open spaces.
Union's sanctuary is an exceptional example of neo-gothic cruciform architecture, meaning in the shape of a cross. The nave and chancel form the upright and the baptistery and choir loft form the arms. The nave is flanked on either side by aisles, which are defined by a series of columns and pointed arches. These, along with the buttresses, help support the weight of the building. I the aisles you will notice stained class tracery windows. The upper part of the nave, the clerestory, is also designed to allow more light to enter the building.
