PENNSYLVANIA: CHURCHES

Beth Sholom Congregation Elkins Park, PA

The Beth Sholom Congregation synagogue was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built between 1954-1959. The building is replete with Jewish symbolism as Wright worked closely with Beth Sholom's Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen on the design. There are numerous triangular forms suggesting the Star of David and the importance of the number three in the Jewish faith. Using concrete, steel, aluminum, and glass, Beth Sholom was meant to resemble Mt. Sinai. The suspended ceiling resembles a tent and the carpeting is sand-colored. The building's hexagonal structure was meant to imitate two joined hands, as Wright said: "when one enters a place of worship, he should feel as if he were resting in the very hands of God". The glass roof immediately proved impractical and was replaced with fiberglass panels. The main synagogue can seat over 1,000 people. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Beaver, PA

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish appears to be mid-century. Does anyone know more about it?

Christ Chapel Episcopal Academy Merion, PA

The Christ Chapel at the Episcopal Academy was built in 1960. It was designed by Vincent G. Kling and Associates.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Center Philadelphia, PA

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center was built as an annex to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. It appears to be from the late 1960s or, more likely, the early 1970s. Does anyone know more about the building?

PA Banks

PA Domes

PA Educational

PA Motels

PA Offices

PA Roofs

PA Misc.

Main Mid-Century Page

[Main Roadside Page] [Home Page]

all photos contained at this website are copyrighted and may be used only with consent