The Architecture of the Cathedral:
| The Cathedral stands midway on the old Territorial Road through Michigan, a principal route to Chicago and the Middle West in the 1830's. It stands as a constant reminder to Christians of each generation that it is the mission of the Church of the Living God to minister to all of God's people and to all forces in society. |
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This mid-20th century building of brick and glass on structural steel and concrete is a powerful statement of our faith in God. In creating a new design, the architect returned to the most basic patterns drawn with the primitive tools of that art - the compass and the square. The beauty of this building is in the simplicity of its motif - the circle and the square - repeated in many variations. |
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Symbolically, the circle in the square represents God in our world. The square is a most ancient symbol for humankind, or the finite or material world. The base of the pyramids and medieval towers follow this pattern. The circle, bounded by a curved line without beginning or end but possessing a center, is the ancient symbol for the infinite, the Universal Principal, or God. Stonehenge and Pantheon follow this pattern. When viewers see this simple motif of the circle in the square, they discover its manifold application, both architecturally and theologically. |
| Inside, the sanctuary is a square space which has as it's very center a large round austere alter - symbolizing the center of our life and work. Directly over the central altar ia a large round sky light (oculus or eye) in the square ceiling. Chairs for the congregation are arranged around the alter in concentric circles, like ripples caused by a pebble dropped into a pool. |
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The offices of the Bishop and staff are located on the outer walls, and, like the half-round bastions set in ancient walls, extend the Word of God and the work of God's people outward in every direction.
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The organ is a 49-rank Aeolian/Skinner. This is the second to last organ built by the Skinner Company. The sanctuary was designed not only to showcase this massive instrument, but to enhance the acoustics of the entire sanctuary.
Click here to see these and other interior photos. |
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Outdoors, light and shadow play delightful variations on walls and towers. The many towers
forma a crown and the Bell Tower houses a 47-bell carillon. |
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At the entrance, the bas-reliefs were executed by Leo Lentelli in 1922. They dominated the facade of the Strauss Building at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard in the City of Chicago from 1922 to 1952.
Allegorically depicted are Commerce, Agriculture, Industry and the Arts, major forces in the development of the Middle West in the early twentieth century.
Click here to see these and other exterior photos. |
Mown into the field at the northwest and southwest corner of the Cathedral grounds were two labyrinths. Many people walked the labyrinth to meditate, to receive insight into a question, or simply with attention to the experience. Labyrinth walkers were invited to enter their name in a registry located inside the Cathedral.
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The labyrinth which was in the southwest corner was a replica of the Chartres labyrinth laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral around 1220. A symbol found in many religious traditions, it has only one path that leads both in and out. Walking this winding path in its entirety took about an hour, allowing release of mental burdens and focus on quieted mind. The path wound throughout the entire circle. To return, walker retraced the path and returned to the opening. |
| The Reconciliation Labyrinth, was established in the northwest corner of the Cathedral's lot in 2005. This was designed by Clare Wilson (of South Africa), and had two entrances. The two-entrance design allows for a shorter walk. The two entrances lead to the same exit which makes this a perfect environment for things like wedding services. |
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Concepts and Historical Background:
The people of God around the altar of God expresses most fully the concept of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Western Michigan of the Episcopal Church, located in Kalamazoo. The Right Reverend Charles E. Bennison, the fifth bishop of the Diocese whose leadership and efforts created the Cathedral, said:
"The dynamic diocesan center I envision would have to be a church first and foremost housing at its heart the altar, with the various related aspects of the total mission of the Church going out as spokes from the altar hub to all parts of the Cathedral building and from there out to the world. Further, the Church, through the Cathedral, would have to be involved in all of life. Nothing which concerns any part of human life, in even the slightest way, could be divorced from the life and work of the Cathedral. Moreover, this building would have to be not only the official seat of the bishop of this Diocese of the Episcopal Church, belonging to all of the clergy and the laity of the Diocese of Western Michigan, but in this age of ecumenicity and the constant need for the grace of reconciliation to be born in the hearts of all people, the Cathedral would have to serve as a spiritual reservoir of all people of every race and creed."
A Prayer for the Cathedral:
O God, the Ruler of Creation, before you all the hosts of heaven bow and adore, let your blessing repose upon our Cathedral Church; may its services be acceptable to you in beauty, truth and holiness; may the ministry of the Word and Sacraments be here maintained unfailingly, worthily and effectively for the salvation of all people; and move the hearts of your people to such love and loyalty in its support that it may become an ever growing bond of unity throughout the Diocese for the powerful setting forth of our mission; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Cathedral Timeline:
1965 ……… Diocesan Convention approves building the new Cathedral
1965 ……… Land purchased
1966 ……… Architect Irving W. Colburn chosen
1967 ……… Congregation organized
1967 ……… Ground is broken for the Cathedral of Christ the King
1969 ……… The Cathedral is completed at a cost of $1,653,729.81
1977 ……… Consecration of the Cathedral
1990 ……… Diocesan Convention makes the Congregation a full Parish
2007……… Diocese of Western Michigan sells the Cathedral |
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