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Before I forget&
Architecture is a kind of contradiction; it's a constant always between the theoretical and
the abstract, and the reality and the limitations. I often think of a quote that Philip Johnson,
the famous New York architect made, that without art, you have nothing but plumbing.
-- Ralph Rapson
A few years ago I had the privilege of meeting Ralph Rapson in our very own church building. You may not know his name, but you probably know his work. Mr. Rapson put his mark on the Twin Cities as only an architect can - in the buildings we use and see almost every day: the Guthrie Theater, the Cedar West high-rise apartments, and many houses for people of modest and not-so-modest means. He was head of the University of Minnesota School of Architecture for 30 years, educating the architects of the future.
When I met him here he told me how much architects love the interior of our church: the soft brick, the natural light and the openness. He wanted St. John the Baptist church to be included in a book on exciting works of architecture. He brought his colleagues to see the building. They all marveled at the interior, but the outside of the building was not very inviting. There were four entrances to the building: two on the south side, one on the west side, and one at the northeast corner. From your use of the building you know which one to use. But if you were a visitor, none of the four entrances really cried out - Welcome to the House of God, the Gate of Heaven!
When Msgr. Paul Koscielniak built the church in 1967 he built a great work of art for the glory of God. He didn't build a traditional church, he took a great risk& thank God! I really enjoy worshipping at St. John's, I like the feel and the space.
Over the past forty years some very ugly churches have been built. I feel sorry for those parishioners who have to worship in a building that has the feel of a suburban mall or gymnasium. Did the architects who designed them hate God? Or did they want to poison people's faith? Some parishes should just take a wrecking ball to their building! Our churches should be signs of hope in communities as people drive by.
Once again St. John's parishioners should be congratulated on their new pastoral center. I want to publicly thank all those who dreamed and helped execute a building that is not only functional, but a real work of art. It is probably, without a doubt, the very best parish center in the archdiocese. People are already talking about it. You did a great job. I hope everyone is getting excited about moving into the center in a few weeks.
Friends tell me that it looks like it was always meant to be here. The new canopy on the west side is inviting and says: this is the main entrance - please come in. You've only seen the exterior. Wait until you tour it on the weekend of October 13-14& it is more than I ever expected& it is a major addition to our campus.
Believe me when I say that the new space is going to make a tremendous change in the life of the parish. Masses will be followed by great hospitality& you are going to love it, I'm 100% sure.
More comments next week. Watch for the sculpture by Gloria Tew (world renowned Twin Cities artist). It will be outside on the west side of the building.
I feel like a kid at Christmas.
Fr. Bill
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