The Church Exterior

The architecture of Redeemer is an adaptation of the Romanesque and Byzantine. The exterior walls are built of beautiful split-faced Bedford limestone laid in an ashlar pattern with limestone trim. The seven buttresses on each side help to beautify the building and also carry the outward thrust of the trusses. The north entrance is ornamented with a beautiful Romanesque arch of cut stone laid around a stone carving of the rising sun, reminding one of the Redeemer who is the Son of Righteousness with healing in His wings. The south entrance (seen coming from the Fellowship Hall) is centered around the Cross, the symbol of our Redemption. The exterior is greatly enhanced by the roof of Early American red tile. The church is 40 feet wide and 110 feet long. The Roman Cross at the peak of the west wall stands 42 feet above the ground.

The building had not one, but three architectural firms involved between it's conception and completion. It was initially designed by Theo. Steinmeyer of St. Louis (some of his original concept art can be seen on our history page). Some changes were made by Edward C. Hallmann of Chicago, and the final changes were made by the firm of Louis and Henry of Louisville, who oversaw construction.

The Church Interior

The interior walls are built of buff-colored masonry brick cut into various sizes and laid in an ashlar pattern. The laminated trusses, purlins, rafters, and roof sheathing in the church and pastor's office are built of western Douglas fir.

The entrance hall, or narthex, is separated from the nave, or church proper, by an oak screen with windows of leaded cathedral glass and contains book cases for storage. Stairways leading to the choir loft and balcony are found at both entrances.

The church proper is divided into two portions, the nave, where the congregation gathers to worship the Lord, and the chancel, or sanctuary, where the pastor ministers in His name.

The church proper is divided into two portions, the nave, where the congregation gathers to worship their Lord, and the chancel, or sanctuary, where the pastor ministers in His name.

The center of attention in the chancel, as well as of the entire church, is the alter of Italian Botticina marble with the IHS, a monogram of Jesus, carved into the front panel. The rectable, also of marble, carries the brass candlesticks and flower vases, and has a throne for the brass cross.

The reredos, reaching from the back of the alter, to the Rose Window, is made of hand-carved oak. At the top of the center panel is a shield with the CHI-RHO, a monogram of Christ. The shields with crown and buttresses are those of the Four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The eight shields in the side panels are the Passion symbols. Shields with the Alpha and Omega symbols - referring to Christ as the beginning and end of all things - are also introduced into the carving at the top of the center panel. At the base are communion symbols, wheat and grapes, representing bread and wine. The entire reredos is built around a seven foot statue, hand-carved by a German artist, of Our Redeemer in a pose which brings to mind the invitation "Come unto me, all ye that balour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

The communion rail is also made of hand-carved oak and is provided with kneeling pads.

The pulpit, designed in an octagonal form, is made of rope columns and linen-fold panels. The front panel shows the Book and the Sword, a symbol of the Word of God and the sword of truth with which the church is built.

The Lectern, built very much like the pulpit, has the symbol of the Torch referring to Christ as the Light of the World.

The spirit of the worshiper is elevated when he steps from the narthex into the nave of the church with its lofty clerestory type of architecture, its massive pillars of solid stone connected by arches of carves stone. These pillars carry the main weight of the building and are tied to the outside wall with smaller arches of stone. The pillar caps are enhanced with carvings of the Greek Cross. The high ceiling with its heavy trusses and purlins, as well as the massive chancel arch, helps create a spirit of worship and meditation.

The pews are made of solid red oak. The pew ends are embellished alternately with Luther's Coat of Arms, and the Greek Cross. Approximately 330 may be seated comfortably in the present pews. The choir loft can seat an additional 30 people.

The light fixtures, especially designed for the church, are made of solid bronze. Equipped with amber glass, they produce a sunset lighting effect creating a worshipful atmosphere.

Finally, the Baptismal Font, presented to the congregation in 1906 by a Young Ladies League, harmonizes with the marble alter and is unique in its beauty.