AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARTS
Baptistry Pool :
Christ Our Hope Catholic Church Seattle , WA Stephen Lee , Stephen Lee Architects
Christ Our Hope Catholic Church in Seattle undertook the reconstruction of a baptismal font to allow for full immersion in a small worship space . The church occupies what was once the dining room of a luxury hotel built in 1908 . The building overall is now used for low-income housing . The new baptistry sits at the entrance to the church . The seating next to the main is movable to provide more space during baptisms for the assembly to gather .
The font integrates an infinity pool with a structure that is elevated 24 inches above the floor . The height ensures safety and decreases the likelihood of worshippers falling in . The rectangular plan reflects the shapes in the decorative ceiling above . The white stone ties in with the other liturgical elements — altar and ambo .
The sarcophagus-shaped font signifies triumph over death . The steps inside the pool represent entering into the death of Christ , being buried with Christ , and rising to walk in the resurrected life of Christ ( Romans 6:4 ). The contrasting black stone interior reinforces this concept . Visitors , on entering the church , are immediately confronted by the baptistry pool with its “ living ” water gently pouring over the sides .
JURY COMMENTS : This font is simply detailed and elegant with its infinity edge . There ’ s a strong connection in this font between the imagery of a tomb and the sacrament of baptism that is biblical in its references . Very well scaled for the sanctuary in which it resides .
Stephen Lee
AWARD FOR RELIGIOUS ARTS
Stations of the Cross Sioux Falls , SD Scott Parsons
The Stations of the Cross are conceived of as stopping-off points for the congregation to sojourn at prayerful markers , contemplating the Holy Week journey of Christ into Jerusalem through his suffering , death , and resurrection . Aesthetically , the designs complement three large mosaics embedded in the church floor in 2014 . The swirling fields of color in each mosaic panel contain hundreds of pieces of glass . Interweaving fragments of gestural color and deep contrast signify the paschal mystery of death and new life . Hung against the muted-red brick of the four interior sanctuary walls , the panels serve as small , jeweled cairns . Measuring only 8-by-10 inches in size , the scale is intimate and devotional within the larger liturgical and worship experience . The Stations of the Cross were blessed on Good Friday , April 2 , 2021 .
JURY COMMENTS : These unique and interesting mosaics are effective devotional objects that demand your attention . Displayed in a challenging church interior , these elements are assertive and relate to the church ’ s existing stained glass . They are little gems in a rather bleak space that direct and focus prayer .
Pietro Giraldo and Scott Parsons
26 SACRED PLACES • SUMMER 2023