NEWS

Talk and Tour Showcase Mid-Century Church Design in Terre Haute

Learn how congregations embraced modern design in the 1950s and 1960s.

In September, Indiana Landmarks and its affinity group Indiana Modern offer two ways to explore how congregations embraced modern design in the 1950s and 1960s: a free talk on September 26 and a ticketed tour on September 29 in Terre Haute.

After World War II, America’s religious denominations moved to the expanding suburbs, spending billions on church architecture and exploring how Modernist design might help them stay relevant in a time of great cultural change.

On September 26 at United Campus Ministries, 321 N. 7th Street, Dr. Gretchen Buggeln presents “Amazing Space: A Mid-Century Church Talk,” discussing how architects and suburban congregations envisioned Modernism could reinvigorate worship and community. Buggeln holds the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Christianity and the Arts at Valparaiso University. The talk, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is free with reservation at terrehautemidcenturychurchtalk.eventbrite.com or by calling 317-639-4534.

In Terre Haute, several congregations embraced modern design for their own houses of worship. Created for various denominations, the churches illustrate the creative overlap of traditional and Modernist design.

On September 29, Indiana Landmarks and Indiana Modern invite deeper exploration of mid-century ecclesial design on “Amazing Space: A Mid-Century Church Tour,” visiting five Terre Haute mid-century churches including:

St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2405 S. 7th Street (1958)

St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Poplar Street (1956)

Memorial United Methodist Church, 2701 Poplar Street (1968)

Trinity Lutheran Church, 2620 Ohio Boulevard (1953)

St. Mark United Church of Christ, 475 S. Fruitridge Avenue (1959)

The tour, which runs 1-4 p.m., may be taken in any order after checking in at tour headquarters, Memorial United Methodist Church. A program with background on the history and architecture of each church will be available at all participating sites. Parking is available on lots adjacent to each church. Tickets cost $7 in advance and may be purchased at Terrehautemidcenturychurchtour.eventbrite.com or by calling 317-639-4534. Day of the tour, tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at tour headquarters – Memorial United Methodist Church.

WHAT: Amazing Space: A Mid-Century Church Talk and Tour

WHEN: Talk: September 26, 6:30 p.m.
Tour: September 29: 1-4 p.m.

WHERE: United Campus Ministries, 321 N. 7th Street, Terre Haute, hosts the talk. The tour explores five mid-century churches around Terre Haute

COST: The talk is free with reservation online at terrehautemidcenturychurchtalk.eventbrite.com.
The tour is $7 in advance (discounts for members of Indiana Landmarks) available online at terrehautemidcenturychurchtour.eventbrite.com or by calling 317-639-4534. On September 29, tickets are $10 per person, available at Memorial United Methodist Church.

WHO: Both events are presented by Indiana Modern, an affinity group of Indiana Landmarks.

CONTACT: 317-639-4534 or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.

###

Media contacts:
Mindi Woolman, Director of Marketing & Communications, 317-639-4534, cell 317-417-1204, mwoolman@indianalandmarks.org

Emily Eckardt, Community Preservation Specialist, Indiana Landmarks Western Regional Office, 812-232-4534, eeckardt@indianalandmarks.org

###

Indiana Landmarks, a private nonprofit organization, has worked for half a century saving historic places and using preservation as a catalyst to revitalize communities. What started as a small, all-volunteer group has grown to the largest statewide preservation group in the U.S., with 6,200 members and a staff of 40 in nine offices around Indiana. For more information on Indiana Landmarks, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.

Sign up for our e-newsletter.

Stay up to date on the latest news, stories, and events from Indiana Landmarks, around the state or in your area.