The Collage Church also acting as an omnipresent celebrity. His congregation spread farther than any one church could accommodate. His success was obtained because of his ability to adapt to societies needs. During this time, society saw technology and mobility as freedom and choice. Graham used different types of media to preach, including television, broadcasting, and radio. This media made it possible for religion to reach domestic households, an idea carried through the mega church. Robert Schuller, not quite as famous as Billy Graham, also reached out to society by using media. For example, the design of Schuller’s Garden Grove church was in response to the cultures demands in terms of mobility and accessibility. The Garden Grove plan made it possible for people to go to mass within the building, in addition to, attending the service within your car (Figure 6.7). Small speakers were placed throughout the parking lot in order for people to enjoy the mass at their own comfort and security. Following this shift into suburbia, the church’s next intent was to bring these disparate communities together. A new typology emerged. The mega church was able to serve individuals from different communities who could travel via highway to the mega church. This ultimately affected how religion is used today. The mega church, which doesn’t only provide a sermon, also provides additional services for the convenience of the individual. Such services include day-care facilities, activities for group bonding, along with educational services. A precedent example of a mega church is the First Baptist Church in Hammond, Indiana (Figure 6.8). It can be argued that this church is a “collage church” because it encompasses a collection of ideals gained over time from previous churches. Founded in 1887, it became one of the first
Figure 6.6
Figure 6.7
Figure 6.8
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