Three Eyewitness Reports of Our Savior Dedication in Houston, Texas
You can order a book about the building and artwork by dialing Our Savior at 713-290-9087.
For pictures, visit the Concord website.
Your comments are requested at Luther Quest under message titled, "Our Savior Dedication, Houston, Texas."
"Surely the Lord is in this place!" (Gen. 28:16). This Scripture verse fittingly distils the experience of worshipping in the newly-dedicated Our Savior Lutheran Church in Houston.
From the imposing exterior, crowned with the largest onion dome in North America, to the carefully-chosen Italian statuary in the sanctuary, this building expresses powerfully the centrality of Word and Sacrament in the worship and witness of this congregation. The immense carved bronze doors open into a spacious narthex presided over by a dramatic bronze rendering of Dr. Martin Luther holding the Bible to his heart as he steps forward to burn the Papal Bull, risking all for the truth of God's Word.
One enters the sanctuary through a second set of bronze doors and an eight-foot- wide baptismal font with constantly flowing water reminds us that we enter the Kingdom of God through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. In the center of the font, a life-sized figure of John the Baptizer kneels in reverence before the Lord at His baptism. Eight colored bas-relief panels around the font portray the apostles who were commanded by Jesus to teach and baptize all nations.
Proceeding into the sanctuary, one's eyes are drawn upward to the beautifully carved eight-foot crucifix suspended over the altar-pulpit area. Thus the congregation gathers at the foot of the cross. It is a moving experience to see the weary but loving gaze of the thorn-crowned Savior looking down from the cross on a sinner for whom He died.
The altar-pulpit over which the crucifix hangs is at the center of the sanctuary. The Isaiah altar, based on the prophet's vision in Is. 6:3, is a large octagonal oak mensa (table), carved on four sides with the word "Holy," in English, Latin, Greek, and German. Supporting the mensa are four kneeling angels, intricately detailed as warriors with drawn swords for they are guardians of the throne of God. Isaiah's vision is repeated in the 8' by 22' woven Belgian tapestries which flank the altar. On these, angels surround the "Shakinah," the glory-cloud representing the presence of God.
The "Wittenberg Pulpit" is inspired by the altar triptych of the City Church in Wittenberg, Germany, where Luther preached. It is located behind the altar and is elevated by five steps above the level of the chancel to maximize visibility. Three carved and colored panels on the front are reproductions of the Wittenberg paintings of Lucas Cranach, the most noted artist of the Reformation. They depict baptism, communion, and the office of the keys. On each side panel, there is the seal of Our Savior Lutheran Church: the open Bible with Luther's seal surmounting the cross of Christ. From this pulpit, God's Word is both read and preached.
Lindenwood statues of angels stand on either side of the altar-pulpit area. Two Calvary angels are stationed on either side of the crucifix. The dramatic seven-foot archangel Michael chains and defeats Satan on one side, and on the other, a guardian angel watches lovingly over a boy and a girl. Trumpeting angels grace the music loft as well. Children especially will find these visual reminders of Scriptural truth helpful as they grow in grace and devotion to Christ. Luther valued such church art and sternly reprimanded those who had destroyed the statuary in the churches during his absence. "How dare you destroy those things which help a Christian in his devotions?" he thundered.
The music loft fills the wall on the second level behind the altar-pulpit and provides ample space for the choir, the brass choir, and the bell choir. The magnificent Italian pipe organ is creatively situated so that its pipes frame the two large oval stained-glass windows depicting Jesus as Alpha and Omega. Thus the organ artfully becomes part of the design. Because the worshippers are seated on three levels and all four sides of the center, the organ does not overpower the congregational singing as is so common. Rather, a vortex of praise rises from all sides, supported by the organ, filling the center of the church. It is wonderful to hear.
The theme of the dedication service was "To the Glory of God and the Salvation of Men," derived from the cornerstone of the mountain church of Seiffen, Germany. This church, built in 1779, provided much of the inspiration for Pastor Laurence White in his quest to express Lutheran theology through church design. Pastor White's sermon called on the congregation to use their marvelous church to move "Faithfully Forward," which is Our Savior's motto. The hymns, choral, and instrumental selections revolved around this joyful theme.
No account of this memorable gathering would be complete without mentioning the dedicated spirit of the members of Our Savior as they welcomed hundreds of visitors among the 1500 worshippers. With sweat beading his brow, a cordial young man helping park cars in the 96 degree heat assured us with a Christmas-morning smile that there was nowhere he would rather be on that hot Sunday in Houston. The members who greeted the worshippers and provided them with beautiful dedicatory books and a picture of the church were equally helpful and welcoming.
As I gave thanks with the members of Our Savior, I could imagine the disapproval of my beloved and very practical grandfather as he would survey this church. (He would have really looked askance at the beautifully-appointed ladies' room off the narthex!) However, I also recalled how God commanded that the tabernacle being toted around the desert by the nomadic Israelites be furnished with amenities such as a gold-covered floor and carved wooden walls, not nearly as practical as a light-weight tent. And I also remembered that when the disciples clucked in disapproval at Mary's impractical act of pouring expensive perfume on Jesus's feet, He accepted her lavish gift as the sign of love that it was. So we rejoice with Our Savior Lutheran Church in Houston as they dedicated this magnificent church to the glory of God and the salvation of men. It is a gift of love to our Savior and to us as well.
Jerene Loeschman
June 26, 2000
What I expected to hear tonight (on the Texas discussion list) was a round of thanks to God and of congratulation for Our Savior, which has dedicated its new church with a rousing service of hymns and Scripture!
Certainly you wouldn't want to turn that kind of church out with a cookie cutter. But I am really glad there is ~one~ of it on the American continent, since I am not expecting to get back to Europe again.
It's a visual declaration of the Lutheran faith. From the double doors, rising in a line to the first balcony organ and choir loft, you have a magnificent baptismal font, an imposing altar and a pulpit behind and above it not on the balcony a la Serbin, rather an old fashioned high pulpit approached with steps. [There is a picture of Serbin church in the memorial book, however...]
The sacraments and the Word are all before you, and above, a larger than [human] life crucifix. Having arrived only 30 minutes before time, I was lucky to get a folding chair behind the last row of pews. But it seemed that I was sitting at the foot of the cross!
By 6:00 p. m. the narthex was packed with every temporary chair OSL could muster. I believe the considerable usher corps stood for the two hour service.
Not that it seemed like two hours! --- We went from one celebration in praise of God, in hymn and Scripture, to another; then the sermon; then the dedications. OT, NT, and the Confessions were all incorporated in the service in word and music. Glorious music (!) both by the choirs, and the congregation assembled 1400 strong. The Hallelujah Chorus was beautiful, sung to God, not to a concert audience. But the congregation stood, to the glory of God.
Those who started down the long road to a new church and 'fell asleep' by the way were honored in an all saints commemoration. The angels we had before our eyes!
I want to congratulate the members of Our Savior! Every possible thing for the comfort of the crowd was planned for. Your car had to be parked "back of beyond"? Never mind, a golf cart came along down to pick you up and carry you to the church door. And yes, they were there again afterward, till the last visitor was taken back to his/her vehicle. My thanks, gentlemen!
There were enough orders of service, and a commemorative book for each person. And finally, my personal "wish" was anticipated; a photo of the church from the entrance side with the steeple cross standing bold against a pure white cloud. I congratulate the photographer! :) [Web photos have shown the church at an angle which is a side view of the cross; however, they are impressive views of the building.]
My daughter was anxious for me to share this occasion, and I am so glad it was possible! There will be a video for those who are interested but could not come.
Helen Jensen
Dear Pr. White,
The peace of God that surpasses all our understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
These are the first words that come to mind after viewing the pictures of Our Savior, Houston. As the pastor of a much smaller congregation in north Florida, Christ Our Savior Lutheran, my congregation and I give our thanks to God our Father for blessing the congregation of Our Savior with His divine presence. The icons that adorn the sanctuary are very compelling to any member, guest, or visitor who may immediately understand what Our Savior does in the liturgy.
Keep us in your prayers during our building project as well. The pictures on the net will help us in the future as we consider the appropriateness of statuary, crosses, crucifixes and the like. Thank you for sharing these pictures with us!
PAX
Rev. Lydick
You are also invited to be a part of Lutheran history by making a contribution payable to:
Our Savior Lutheran Building Fund
5000 West Tidwell
Houston TX 77091-4633
June 27, 2000
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