Designing a house of worship “comes closer to being pure art, defined as an expression of the human spirit, than almost any other field of architecture,” said the late Portland architect Pietro Belluschi, one of Oregon’s most revered and awarded citizens.
Over his long career, Belluschi designed 42 modern, light-filled churches and synagogues that were built in Oregon and across the country. Like the inventive houses and office towers he created, his sacred spaces continue to be praised for their elegantly spare aesthetic.
Restore Oregon Modernism is presenting two events in May focused on Belluschi’s churches: A lecture May 9 at the Belluschi-designed Central Lutheran Church in Northeast Portland, and on May 11, a self-guided tour of five of the architect’s Portland-area churches, including the historically significant Central Lutheran Church, which was put up for sale in January, the first time for one of Belluschi’s religious buildings.
The May 9 lecture includes insight from architect Anthony Belluschi, who collaborated with his father, Pietro, on about 20 new projects, and architect William C. Tripp, who oversaw the renovation of the 1950 Central Lutheran Church. Tickets to the Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi lecture, with doors opening at 6:15 p.m., are $25.
Tickets to the self-paced Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi Tour, held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 11, are $50. Both events, as well as other 2024 Restore Oregon programs, are free to people who donate $250 a year to the nonprofit organization’s Modernist Society (more information is at restoreoregon.org).
Restore Oregon Modernism’s events will spotlight Pietro Belluschi’s intentional departure from 19th and early 20th century church design and his enduring influence, as one of the originators of the Pacific Northwest modernism style starting in the 1930s. Belluschi set “a new standard for architectural aesthetics,” said Nicole Possert, executive director for Restore Oregon.
Belluschi’s use of native wood, rough stone and glass not only added to the visual appeal of each church on the tour “but also gave each a sense of place,” said Possert in a news release. “His architectural legacy continues to inspire and shape Oregon’s built environment, leaving an indelible mark on its identity.”
The tour and lecture will also showcase Belluschi’s collaboration with Oregon metal artist Frederic Littman and wood sculpture Leroy Setziol.
Religious buildings were a small part of Belluschi’s prolific career, which ended in 1994, shortly before he died at age 94 in Portland. But ecclesiastical architecture granted him great artistic expression and personal satisfaction, said Anthony Belluschi.
The Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi Tour May 11 includes:
- 1950 Central Lutheran Church in Northeast Portland’s Irvington neighborhood, which was praised by the American Institute of Architects and modern architecture experts at Docomomo US/Oregon for its graceful blending of Pacific Northwest modern, Japanese and Nordic aesthetics.
- 1950 St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Southeast Portland’s Hosford-Abernethy neighborhood has a pleasingly unadorned variegated brick exterior and a freestanding bell tower that houses the Carillon bells used for the Oregon Centennial Celebration.
- 1950 Zion Lutheran Church in Southwest Portland’s Goose Hollow neighborhood has a copper-clad spire, and the interior reflects Belluschi’s interplay of light and shadow to create a serene ambiance. Artist Littman created copper entry doors depicting ascending angels.
- 1980s Murray Hills Christian Church in Beaverton has a polyhedral roof over the sanctuary and stained glass designed by the architect. This church “draws on tradition but is wholly modern in form,” wrote Meredith L. Clausen in her 1992 book, “Spiritual Space: The Religious Architecture of Pietro Belluschi.”
- 1986 Chapel of Christ the Teacher at the University of Portland has native rock and intricately carved woodwork, including black walnut entry doors carved by Setziol. Restore Oregon calls it “a testament to Belluschi’s reverence for nature.”
Anthony Belluschi told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he and his wife, Marti, are always pleased to support Restore Oregon programs. “They are well-informed, well-organized and well-attended,” he said. “Their tour of churches is particularly appropriate since my father was known for his modern design influence on houses of worship. Our goals are always inspiration and education for everyone, particularly youth.”
Throughout the year, Restore Oregon Modernism 2024 program will have more opportunities to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Aug. 18 birthday of Pietro Belluschi. He remains the only Oregonian to receive both the National Medal of Arts for his lifetime achievements and the American Institute of Architects’ highest honor, the Gold Medal.
On June 8, Restore Oregon supporters can go inside the 1946 Menefee House, an elegant, single-story ranch house Belluschi designed on farmland in Yamhill. Under the living room’s vaulted wood-clad ceiling is a dazzling copper fireplace hood created by Littman.
The dramatic modern residence for actor-turned-turkey tycoon Percy (“P.L.”) Menefee was named the “most progressive house” in the U.S. by Progressive Architecture magazine. Admission to the tour and wine from area vintners is currently only available for purchase through Modernist Society membership.
Restore Oregon Modernism 2024 program also honors architect John Storrs, a hands-on perfectionist, with a tour July 13 of the fabled Storrs Quadrant, where four of the architect’s homes, completed around 1957, share an acre of land partitioned into four lots on and around Southwest 18th Drive in Portland’s Hillsdale neighborhood.
Admission to Oh My Storrs! A Four Home Tour with a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres is $125. ATOMIC Modernist Society members, who have donated $325 to Restore Oregon, are admitted for free and Modernism Society members will receive a discount, according to Restore Oregon.
— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072
jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman