1859 ~ Martin Luther Lutheran Church ~ 2009
150th Anniversary ~ The Building Plans
“According to the Grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder, I laid a foundation; and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” I Corinthians 3:10-11
Words from architect Mr. William E. Foster; source, Dedication Souvenir Book, 1934:
The design of Martin Luther Lutheran Church goes back boldly to the beautiful church architecture of Europe. Martin Luther Church attempts to blend the past with the present and to retain the best of each. The design is in the Gothic style. It is the one style developed entirely during the Christian era, largely by church builders, and since it is not an outgrowth from any pagan style, as other architectural styles are, it is peculiarly well suited for the design of church buildings. The Gothic style was developed during several centuries of church building, and in many countries, so naturally has many variations. The period chosen for the design of Martin Luther Church is known as decorated Gothic. It is generally conceded that Gothic art reached its finest development during this period. The designer has attempted to create a building with a religious atmosphere suitable for a place of worship. With that end in view, each part of the design has its own meaning and purpose.
Did you know……..
v Plans for the church were prepared by Mr. William E. Foster, a church architect of Cleveland, Ohio and Messrs. H. F. Kling & Son of Youngstown were associate architects.
v On February 23, 1931, the building committee submitted plans and specifications to the congregation at a cost not to exceed $250,000.
v Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Palm Sunday, March 29, 1931, with work beginning the following week by Joseph Bucheit & Sons.
v Items contained in the cornerstone: a Bible, constitution of the church, Lutheran Standard, Kirchenblatt minutes of the Eastern District, a copy of the minutes and proceedings of the merger convention in Toledo, Ohio, Sunday school papers, Missionary Society papers, weekly Bulletins of the church, copies of the local newspapers, photographs of various persons of the church and synod and photographs of local scenes, a few national periodicals and many other items which might be of interest when some day the cornerstone would need to be opened. (taken from the 1934 Dedication Book!!)
v On October 27, 1946 was the mortgage burning service!
Next month: The Narthex,The Nave, Pews and The Rood Beam
