David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

First United Methodist Church of Richardson, Texas – Part 1, the Sanctuary building

I’ve prepared sets of many churches I’ve visited around the World for viewing at UHH, but had not done so for my own church (where I’m a member). I decided that it was time I did so. I have a large assortment of photos of the facility, so selecting just a few will be difficult.

This is a new facility where construction began in 2001, after a decision by the membership to embark on a move to a larger facility located a short distance away. This was a chancy step since the economy was not robust at that time, but we desperately needed more space (particularly for parking!). I was a member of the Worship Committee (which had input to what the Sanctuary would be like) and the Organ Selection Committee (which recommended an organ builder and basic design). It was decided that the church complex could not be done in one build, but that there would be several phases in the construction; however, building the final Sanctuary as part of the first phase, including the pipe organ, was part of the plan. The 1300-seat Sanctuary was completed in 2006 and the first service there was 26 Mar 2006; installation of the organ, which had been built in Germany, began that June. Funding problems also dictated that the pipe organ be built in 2 phases, as well, and Phase 1 was completed in time for Christmas 2006. Phase 2, primarily the Gallery portion, was completed in 2010. Phase 2 of the complex build was begun in 2015 and completed in 2016. This provided a new Worship and Arts Center (a Great Room and a small theater, where the Contemporary services would also be held) and a big Music Suite with rehearsal facilities for the big music program at FUMCR.

Because it is a large complex, in keeping with my prior concentration on Sanctuary interiors, I will primarily be showing that portion of the complex here (and before Phase 2 build). The roof support in the Sanctuary was designed to give the impression of a cathedral; it involves intricate solid wood columns with branching tops—there are no nails or screws used in these supports, just steel plates as joiners (hidden) and 43,500 stainless steel pins connecting it all together.

There are 2 sets: Part 1 of the Sanctuary building exterior and interior, and Part 2 of the main stained glass windows.

Exterior views

DSC_0104a by David Casteel, on Flickr (view of Phase 1 from adjacent freeway)


DSC_0349 by David Casteel, on Flickr (Sanctuary building, Phase 1)


DSD_0012 by David Casteel, on Flickr (dropoff for Sanctuary)

Interior views

Klais_0029 by David Casteel, on Flickr (view from the Balcony, showing the Klais organ)


DSC_0349x by David Casteel, on Flickr (detail of support structure)


DSC_0347 by David Casteel, on Flickr (greater detail, showing some of the pins)


DSC_0337 by David Casteel, on Flickr (view of the Sanctuary the day of the First Services, gathering)


Klais_0025a by David Casteel, on Flickr (the Main Organ and principal window)


DSC_3102 by David Casteel, on Flickr (Antiphonal Organ, in the Gallery)


DSC_3112 by David Casteel, on Flickr (detail of the Antiphonal Organ, showing the Fanfare Trumpet pipes)

Link to Part 2: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-686538-1.html#12017957

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Inspirational design for sure
Beautifully photographed
Thanks

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

You're welcome! I appreciate your coming and nice comments.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

This is a lovely set, but your second one wins the gold star, David!

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Hi, Mike! So happy you liked it, and the other as well. Thank you very much.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Again . . . .

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Thanks, Jay. Happy you liked it.

Sylvias Loc: North Yorkshire England

Excellent set and narrative David.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

Thanks, Sylvias! I note you also viewed Part 2.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

For modern architecture this is really impressive.