Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest
James S. Currie, Executive Secretary
Sometimes there’s a tendency either to overlook or be unaware of architectural characteristics of our places of worship. Such features can carry great theological and historical significance. While the Reformed tradition emphasizes simplicity in architecture, there is a sense in which symbols and artwork can point us to the richness of the gospel. Knowing that there are many such unique marks in church buildings throughout the Synod of the Sun, this column will offer six examples.
(1) A part of the renovation of First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma was adding a hand-carved eagle on the pulpit. Hand-crafted by artist Bill Derrevere, it was commissioned by Elder Jim Dixon “to the glory of God and in memory of his parents”. The eagle, of course, is a symbol of John the Evangelist (Revelation 4:7).
(2) At one time the pulpit at First Presbyterian Church in Vernon, Texas had an inscription that read, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” Those words are uttered by Greeks coming to see Jesus (John 12:21) and are visible only to the one behind the pulpit. They serve as a reminder to the preacher that his/her task is, as Paul writes, to “preach Christ crucified” (I Corinthians 1:23). That pulpit is now in the church’s fellowship hall.
(3) The west wall of the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church in Austin is covered with no fewer than 15 stained glass windows that graced that church at its first location in downtown Austin. From depictions of Ruth to Jesus praying in Gethsemane to his ascension to several fleur-de-lis to Jesus knocking at the door (Revelation 3:20) , upon entering the sanctuary one’s attention is drawn to these illustrations of biblical stories. There are other stained glass windows in other parts of the church. First Presbyterian will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2025.
(4) Webster Presbyterian Church in Webster, Texas is often known as “the astronauts’ church”. Among others, Roger Chafee, John Glenn, and Buzz Aldrin were members of that church. When a new sanctuary was built in 1983, windows with a modern, space-like theme were installed, representing the role that congregation and that town played in the American space program.
(5) The Austin Seminary Chapel has several unique features and is filled with many symbols. The front tower of the chapel is designed after the central tower of Canterbury Cathedral. Inside, on the reredos behind the choir and on the north wall is carved “the Pelican in Her Piety”, a depiction of a mother pelican piercing her breast in order to feed her young, dying that they might live. It is a symbol of the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross (John 6:53; 19:34). A colorful needlepoint of this image, done by alumnus Rev. John Evans, hangs from the pulpit.
(6) In that same chapel, above the reredos and catching the attention of one entering the chapel is a rose window, at the center of which is the cross and the crown. It depicts the cost of discipleship as well as the promise of faithfulness.
Finally, one of the papers that will be presented at the Society’s annual meeting in Galveston March 22-23 will focus on the history of First Presbyterian Church, Galveston and, more particularly, the stained glass windows (at least two of which are Tiffany windows). Following serious damage to the church done by Hurricane Ike in 2008, these windows (and the sanctuary) have undergone extensive restoration. Mr. David Salyer, a PHSSW board member, will make this presentation. All are invited to this gathering. There is no charge.
No doubt, there are many other artistic or architectural features in churches in our region that hold theological and historical significance. It can be fun and instructive to explore what some of them might be.
The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest exists to “stimulate and encourage interest in the collection, preservation, and presentation of the Presbyterian and Reformed heritage” in the Southwest. If you are not a participating member of the Society and would like to become one, the annual dues are $20 per individual and $25 per couple. Annual institutional and church membership dues are $100. Checks may be made out to PHSSW and sent to:
PHSSW – 5525 Traviston Ct., Austin, TX 78738.
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