Frank Lloyd Wright and Unity Temple

Unity Temple Exterior

So long, Frank Lloyd Wright

I can't believe your song is gone so soon

I barely learned the tune
So soon
So soon

I'll remember Frank Lloyd Wright
All of the nights we'd harmonize till dawn
I never laughed so long
So long
So long

Architects may come and
Architects may go and
Never change your point of view
When I run dry
I stop awhile and think of you

So Long Frank Lloyd Wright 

Simon & Garfunkel

UNESCO is the international organization which designates World Heritage Sites and buildings such as the Taj Mahal as well as the Great Wall of China are on the list. Last Sunday UNESCO voted  to designate eight buildings by architect Frank Lloyd Wright to the list, a rarity in terms of modern architecture as designated sites. 

 One of the most remarkable FLW structures is a home called Fallingwater designed in 1939. Another of the buildings is a church, the Unity Temple located in Chicago's Oak Park, near Wright's studio. Apparently this Unitarian Universalist congregation was led by minister Rodney Johonnot who was known as a open-minded leader who wanted a modern building to replace the previous structure which had burned. The design of Wright's monolithic Unity Temple with no steeple or clear entrance was unlike other places of worship. I can only imagine that for decades people have sniffed at the unique exterior and interior -- "that doesn't look like a church!" I find it quite intriguing, at least the interior



Fallingwater

For 11 years I served a congregation in downtown Sudbury, Ontario, which was in a ten-storey high rise building. The sanctuary was and is unique and while I have been the minister of beautiful traditional church structures St. Andrew's Sudbury was probably my favourite. It spoke to me of a fresh outlook for a congregation which was steeped in tradition. The original church on the site had to be demolished because of structural issues and this building with apartments and shops and the church space rose from the rubble.

Church folk may claim to be followers of the Christ who makes all things new, but we love our conventions and sometimes make bricks and mortar more important than relationships and mission. And God help those who push too hard with new ideas, including those for church structures. 




Unity Temple Interior