Form Follows Function

In the early 1900s, Cedar Rapids was a rapidly growing community. As our Methodist church membership expanded dramatically at the turn of the 20th century, people began moving outward from the town center on the Cedar River. The Official Board of the church resolved in 1909 to erect a new building “for the worship and service of God.” “County land” was purchased on “the edge of the settlement, near the Circus grounds” at Third Avenue and 14th Street. With the dream of a non-traditional structure with dedicated space for a Sunday school and social and recreational activities in addition to worship, the search for an architect began. Ultimately, famed Chicago architect and Frank Lloyd Wright mentor Louis Sullivan was selected for the project.

Sullivan, who at the time was working on the Peoples Bank building in Cedar Rapids, accepted the commission in 1910. His design concept of the “modern church for a seven-day program” included a highly organized Sunday school, a gymnasium, a rooftop garden, a dome of many colored glass crowning a semi-round sanctuary, and extensive exterior ornamentation. The concept became known nationwide as “The Cedar Rapids Church Plan.” The cost, however, was twice what had been planned for and Sullivan withdrew from the project in 1912, rather than sacrifice the ornamentation of his design.

The church kept his plans, however, and another Chicago architect, W. C. Jones, was hired to redraw the plans to meet the budget of $100,000. Sullivan’s longtime draftsman, George Elmslie, rescued the project, serving as consultant and ensuring the plan remained true to Sullivan’s concept.

The resulting building exterior differed only slightly from the original plans, with the loss of decorative frills, such as four huge angels intended to grace the corners of the bell tower. Other more pronounced changes were made to the interior, while adhering to the concept that “form follows function.” The semi-circular sanctuary is a mix of classical and prairie style design. The tiered curvilinear seating area has no central aisle, with all aisles, like the spokes of a wheel, pointing to the communion table and the pulpit.

We are proud to share this historic church with visitors who come from around the world. The building is open to visitors on Sunday mornings and during regular church office hours. To schedule a tour, contact the church office.