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CHURCHES OF FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT (continued)

October 20, 2018 By Howard Kramer 1 Comment

Beth Sholom Synagogue

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania (built 1954)

Web: www.bethsholomcongregation.org

(photo from Wikipedia)

(photo from Wikipedia)

The Beth Sholom Synagogue in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania is the only synagogue designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.  It is one of the relatively few projects of his in Pennsylvania, and one of the last that he personally worked on.  In a portfolio of unique designs this was one of the most distinctive.  Its iconic feature is the pyramid-like roof, which incorporates elements reminiscent of Mesoamerican and Asian architectural styles.

Beth Sholom incorporates many symbolic elements, such as the beige floor which is designed to evoke images of the Exodus in the desert.  The roof is designed translucently to allow in light during the day and to make the building seem to glow at night.  The synagogue has been cited for its expressiveness, the most so for any of the houses of worship he designed.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Milwaukee, Wisconsin (built 1962)

Web: www.annunciationwi.org

(photo from Wikipedia)

(photo from Wikipedia)

The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Milwaukee was one of the very last designs the Frank Lloyd Wright completed and one of the very last to be completed, being finished three years after his death.  It is considered to be one of Wright’s crowning achievements.  The church is an out of this world structure, as it literally resembles a classic saucer-shaped unidentified flying object.

The definitive element of the church is the massive blue-domed roof which spans the entire structure and is crowned by a cross.  Interestingly, this church subsequently became an inspiration for modern mosque architecture, many of which were constructed in the latter half of the 20th century.  Also of note is the magnificent iconography, some of the best in a modern church in the United States.

Wayfarer’s Chapel

Rancho Palos Verdes, California (built 1951)

Web: www.wayfarerschapel.org

(photo from Wikipedia)

(photo from Wikipedia)

The Wayfarer’s Chapel in Southern California is one of America’s most beautiful churches, and one often incorrectly attributed to Frank Lloyd Wright.  This masterpiece was in fact designed by Lloyd Wright, his son, and many devotees consider it to be on par with any of the father’s religious designs.  Wayfarer’s Chapel is generally considered to be Lloyd Wright’s seminal work.

The chapel, also known as the glass church, consists of a wooden superstructure faced almost completely in glass.  This was specifically designed to draw in as much of the natural surrounding as possible (Lloyd Wright was also an accomplished landscape architect).  Combining the towering Redwood trees that were planted to frame the chapel with the magnificent view of the Pacific, Wayfarer’s Chapel is a definite contender for the most beautiful small church in the United States.

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About Howard Kramer

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is a culmination of years of his work and passion.

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Welcome to The Complete Pilgrim(TM)! This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment. Thank you for visiting!

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Have a comment, a great photo or a religious site you'd like to nominate for the weekly spotlight? We would love to hear from you. Email us at hkramer@thecompletepilgrim.com.

About the Author

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion.

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