Symbols of Faith

Completed in 1965, First Baptist Church was one of the early participants in the architecture program sponsored by Cummins Foundation whereby the foundation paid the architect's fees.  Harry Weese, a nationally prominent architect, was assigned to design the structure.  Among his many other notable projects, Weese also designed the Time-Life Building in Chicago, IL; the Mercantile Bank in Kansas City, MO; and the Healey Library at the University of Massachusetts--Boston.

The FBC sanctuary is the principal interior space of the building.  It is a windowless room, made up of simple elements that combine to create a space that is at the same time dramatic and serene.  Each element is a simple object--a brick wall, a beam, an opening, a skylight--but they are all exaggerated slightly in size, proportion, or height.  This unique church is included in the Columbus Architectural Tour which explains a number of religious symbols Weese incorporated in his design.  This link to "Symbols of Faith" also explains those religious symbols.