Revitalizing the Saint John's Abbey Church: Perspectives

Revitalizing the

SAINT JOHN’S ABBEY CHURCH

Revitalizing the

An architectural monument in the service of God

3

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

We are most interested in building a church which will be truly an architectural monument in the service of God. The Benedictine tradition at its best challenges us to think boldly and to cast our ideas in forms which will be valid for centuries to come, shaping them with all the genius of present-day materials and techniques.

We feel that the modern architect with his orientation toward functionalism and honest use of materials is uniquely qualified to produce a Catholic work. In our position it would, we think, be deplorable to build anything less, particularly since our age and our country have thus far produced so little truly significant religious architecture.

Abbot Baldwin Dworschak, OSB Saint John’s 6th Abbot, 1950-71

2

3

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

The Abbey Church would be regarded as one of the greatest examples of 20th Century architecture if it were not nestled away in rural Central Minnesota – far from the center of architecture’s critical establishment.

I.M. Pei Internationally Acclaimed Architect

4

5

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

This is the first building I have designed and the first object I have designed that has been made so sacred.

Marcel Breuer Architect, Saint John’s Abbey Church

6

7

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

The building really speaks to its place in a very powerful way. A lot of modern architecture doesn’t do that.

I’ve taken a lot of heavy hitters to Saint John’s to see the Abbey Church and when people step off the bus and look at the church for the first time, their mouths just drop.

Victoria M. Young Professor of Modern Architectural History President of the Society of Architectural Historians

8

9

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

And here it can be said without hesitation that the Abbey Church is a triumph of intelligence and humility.

Iltrud Evans, O.P. Dominican friar and author

10

11

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

The Abbey bell banner prepares you for an occasion… it is an inspiration of faith and hope.

Paul Heyer Architecture professor and critic

12

13

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

You feel its tug before you leave the freeway.

The vast, concrete bell tower of the Saint John’s Abbey Church lords over the landscape, announcing on behalf of the Benedictines: We are in this for the long run.

Austin Murphy Author, “The Sweet Season”

14

15

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

By the middle of the 20th Century, Saint John’s thought of itself very differently than it had at the beginning. They thought of themselves as being able to lead and contribute something here – to be leaders when it came to religious architecture in America.

David Paul Lange, OSB Saint John’s Abbey monk, Abbey Church tour guide

16

17

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

For the Saint John’s community, the church has been a symbol of risk-taking and boldness of vision, of confidence and foresight.

The Church embodies a vision of human and religious with its visual silence. It orients us to the contemplative and toward simplicity.

In powerful line and form, it draws us toward transcendence.

It is now time to revivify the Abbey and University Church.

Abbot John Klassen, OSB Saint John’s 10th Abbot, 2020

18

19

PERSPECTIVES

R e v i t a l i z i n g t h e S a i n t J o h n ’s A b b e y C h u r c h

Today, at stake is the preservation of an architectural wonder, a divine treasure, a sacred space, a holy place of worship.

It is now up to us. It’s in our hands to preserve and revitalize this architectural monument in the service of God. With good will, prayers and generous financial support, and with the grace of God, it can be done… it will be done.

20

Revitalizing the

SAINT JOHN’S ABBEY CHURCH

Revitalizing the

SAINT JOHN’S ABBEY CHURCH

Revitalizing the

SAINT JOHN’S ABBEY CHURCH

Development Office Saint John’s Abbey 2900 Abbey Plaza, Box 2015 Collegeville, MN 56321