CMR readers may remember a series on architectural theology some months back centered around a new church being built outside of Kansas City, Kansas. The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel was designed by David Meleca of Columbus, Ohio with Treanor Architects of Kansas City. Meleca has been something of a “sleeper” in the traditional church building world, not garnering much publicity, but designing many new classical Catholic churches in recent years. One week from tomorrow, St. Michael’s will be dedicated by Archbishop Naumann.
There has been some news of late in the classical church world with the construction of Duncan Stroik’s Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and chapel at Thomas Aquinas College. But here we see a large classical church built at the parish level by a trained classical specialist, with an ample budget, a dedicated pastor and parish staff, and a liturgical/theological consultant (myself–if I may say so) with an interest in the building in sacramental and eschatological terms.
Since church architecture is the built form of theology, and people disagree on theology, there will be some varying opinions on the design, especially the interior which has seating on three sides and the “platform” sanctuary–more on that in a later post. But the parish asked for a church that would clearly be connected with the Roman tradition while looking like it belonged in Kansas, and the design certainly does that. Certain features got “value engineered” (ie: cut) out of the design, most notably the octagonal crossing tower. But the semi-detached baptistery reads nicely from the outside and the front facade still shows its two pediments, properly proportioned columns, genuine modilions, an expensive tile roof and bronze doors. Stay tuned for more on the interior….
June 6, 2009 at 3:41 pm
A gorgeous beacon of hope for our church!
June 6, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I'll look forward to seeing it; I passed the site many times when I lived in KC.
I will offer a note of detraction on the theology expressed by this building. Though I know the archbishop has his reasons, I do find it an interesting priority that St Michael's school was built before the church. It might be that the school boosted the fundraising for the church itself–I wouldn't quibble there.
What does it say about our theology of church that the place of worship is second fiddle to the school+gym+computer labs+athletic fields?
June 6, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Architecture must be one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world.
Besides sharing in God's creative power, one can offer back to God an edifice for Him to dwell in.
June 6, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Todd- actually the school and church were planned together, but the school was, indeed, built first. The urgent need of families with children in the neighborhood (and moving in quickly) was, I think, behind that plan. The future gym of the school has been used as a church for several years, and was in fact nicer than a lot of permanent churches. I think it was simply prudent to anchor people to the parish, give their kids a Catholic education, and then plan for a beautiful church.