This page honors the individuals and families whose stories, faith, and generosity helped build Christ the King Church—physically, spiritually, and financially.
Brian Libby:
This seems like a cruel joke. The idea of desecrating an authentic and wonderful design by Oregon's greatest-ever architect, Pietro Belluschi, in order to misguidedly try and cobble together a faux-historic replacement is a mistake of tragic proportions. In fact, it's not just a mistake. It's a great sin. That it would be committed by religious leaders makes this crisis all the more disappointing of a moral failure. I urge Christ the King not to commit this self-inflicted wound, and to instead see the light.
Stuart Emmons, FAIA (Fellow of the American Institute Architects, the groups highest membership honor):
I am appalled by the destruction proposed by the Christ the King Church. The Catholic Church has a history of supporting the Arts and Architecture for centuries. To defile this internationally significant piece of Pietro Belluschi architecture is just un-Christian, and makes the Christ the King Church parish look mean-spirited and ill informed. Don't do it!
Stephanie Brown:
Several years ago, I had the honor of authoring the guide booklet for a "Sacred Spaces of Pietro Belluschi" tour and photographing each of the churches featured on that tour. Having taught History of Architecture at the college level, I came to that project already well-acquainted with Belluschi's legacy, but largely through his residential work. Experiencing his religious architecture firsthand was something else entirely: I was especially struck by how seamlessly these buildings wove together architecture and art, light and shadow, color and texture, utilizing natural materials to create spaces that felt at once deeply human and accessible yet quietly otherworldly. We are extraordinarily fortunate in the Pacific Northwest to have such a remarkable collection of Belluschi churches still standing. It would be a profound loss to see Christ the King — with its handcrafted details and luminous Kepes Cross — altered beyond recognition or lost to renovation. And given that this parish serves a neighborhood with truly pressing needs, including food insecurity — it is hard to understand the wisdom in directing millions of dollars toward unnecessary cosmetic changes when so many living in the community this church was built to serve are in need.
Current parishioner:
I have been sick about this move since it was first mentioned. It puzzles me that our pastor has such power over the congregation that he can convince them of the "need" to change the church so drastically. He has already made so many changes that some might find it hard to think it is the same building. For some reason, I believe that he has had major changes in mind from the beginning but he had to groom the right followers to get it done. He is only going to be here for a few more years but, if any of us long time parishioners stay, we will be stuck with his abomination forever. I have seriously viewed this move since it was announced as more of a legacy move than a real, honest need. It just fits with his frequent reminders of his time at the Vatican with the popes and his meeting Mother Teresa. Why do we need to be reminded of that more than once let alone several times each year as part of his homilies? I hope that your efforts aren't too late to head this off.
In addition, I am getting tired of being told that the way that I have worshipped since childhood is wrong, I am 77, the way that I receive communion is wrong, the Latin music that is forced on us, the ostentatiousness, all of it. Why should I have to find another parish and leave the one that I have lived within five minutes of for 38 years when he is only here temporarily?
Thank you for anything that you are able to accomplish.
Past parishioner:
I am a former 32-year member of Christ the King Parish. My husband and I joined Christ the King because of the joy we felt from the parishioners and clergy the first time we attended Mass there. They were a family and welcomed everyone. Our children attended Christ the King school. I was a six-year school board member and then joined the school staff for 17 years. My husband was a sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, member of the pastoral council, trustee of the Chiossi Trust, parish center building committee member and member of the Knights of Columbus. Our grandchildren were baptized and received their First Eucharist there. Christ the King parish was truly our home where we were deeply involved.
And now, Msgr. Cihak has inaugurated a “beautification project.” But Christ the King Church is and always has been a beautiful place to worship. Entering, you can’t help but catch your breath when you see the beautiful stained glass cross that is simple, yet awe-inspiring. One immediately feels God’s presence. If this cross is removed and the church turned into a NW Romanesque style, it would be a travesty and loss to the integrity, beauty and history of Christ the King Church.
When the term “beautification” is used for the changes to be made, who is defining beauty? Why would someone feel that making a drastic change to an artist’s work is making it more beautiful? Architect Pietro Belluschi designed it for the parishioners in a true NW style. All churches do not need to look like the ones in Europe. They are beautiful where they are, as are other styles of churches. Christ the King now has calmness for worship and prayer. Some maintenance and updating may need to be done, but not a complete revision from the original artist’s work. The money that is projected to be spent is for superficial design and not true necessity. One million dollars will be taken from the Chiossi Trust for use in the “beautification.” This trust was established by a former parishioner with the stipulation that it only be used for needed maintenance of the existing structure. Beautification does not fit under maintenance. It is my prayer that Msgr. Cihak, his building committee and the Archdiocese all reconsider how this “beautification” project will destroy a truly beautiful piece of the history of our Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.
Pat Kirk:
As a 91-year-old former CTK parishioner and employee, I was profoundly saddened to read about the renovation plans for the Church. I was employed there as Parish Secretary for many years, during the time Mass was celebrated in the school gymnasium, and building a "new church" was a dream until the dream became a long-awaited reality.
I remember the many "Building Committee" meetings held to interview prospective architects, and the ultimate hiring of internationally known master architect Pietro Belluschi. To alter the interior design of this historic Church by painting over much of the wood, creating arches, and removing the cross of light above the altar (designed by Gyorgy Kepes) would be such a travesty - not a beautification but an uglification.
I would urge people to read about Pietro Belluschi, as well as Gyorgy Kepes, to more fully understand why there is such a great effort to preserve the Church as it is.
Trudi Schraner:
My childhood neighbor, we went to school together at Christ the King in the 1960’s, just relayed the news that the church my dad and brothers built will be destroyed and recommissioned as a “Fake” cathedral. It would be actually hilarious if it wasn‘t such a tragedy. Who knew the Archbishop and his underling priests’ egos were so great their desire and lust to satisfy their hunger for power, are just like us mere mortals.
LaSalle Catholic Preparatory High School is literally the property next door, yet the CTK priest’s lust is getting the best of them again, no need, just lust.
Wow, great examples of sinners, if you believe in that. What not to do for God or Jesus or your poor community, follow CTK. Whoever donated, are you really Christians/Catholics? Truly sad. You’re moving towards excommunication from the Catholic Church. Brava. Yours truly, Trudi Schraner
Community member:
I write to you from the small state of Vermont, where even in these picturesque backwaters, Pietro Belluschi’s work is known and admired by those who appreciate modern art and architecture. As Dean of Architecture and Planning at MIT, Belluschi also left a profound imprint on the East Coast. His marvelous Church of St. Gregory the Great in Rhode Island remains something of a pilgrimage site for architecture students, as it was when I was studying architecture in the 2000s as a young student in New York. Now, as a not-so-young marketing professional for a Boston-based architecture firm, I have witnessed too many great works of modern design perish through neglect, poor judgment, and outright malice. From all that I have seen of Christ the King Church, it is a particularly fine example of the centrally planned mid-century churches for which Belluschi was renowned. It would be a travesty to lose such an important work to unnecessary cosmetic alterations that would significantly and permanently disfigure this landmark. I humbly urge those in the Diocese to reconsider these plans and to recognize the architectural significance of this remarkable church.
Community member:
This renovation is a symptom of a larger problem in the Archdiocese of Portland, a problem embodied by Archbishop Sample and certain members of the clergy, like Monsignor Cihak. They want to take the church back to the 1940s, to a time when women in the church were seen and not heard, and when gay and trans people were in the closet because technically, "gay and trans people didn't exist." They dream of a time when the parish priest's authority, a top-down hierarchy, wasn't ever questioned. They want to return to the days when women wore veils in Mass and there were no girls on the altar. (Heaven forbid!) For the Archbishop and his ilk, Vatican II never happened.
It's in this context, in one of the most unchurched states, and liberal cities in the country that Monsignor Cihak thought he could just work with a few wealthy parishioners to push his renovation through with no resistance from parishioners. He did this with minimal, if any understanding of the parish's history, it's foundation. CTK is a parish built, literally, by the founding parish families, many, if not most of them blue-collar. There is a lot of history, pride and ownership embedded in the very bones of this parish.
In a time of declining church attendance why did he think this was a good idea?
In a time of declining numbers of school-aged children, he thinks it's a good time to start a high school, right next door to a well-established and highly regarded Catholic high school (La Salle)?
What kind of boneheaded nonsense is this?
Clearly, there is a very limited understanding of what it takes to run a school, let alone start one from scratch.
Read the room, fellas!
The word "Catholic" means, literally, universal. It is derived from the Greek word "katholikos" meaning "according to the whole," or "regarding the whole." The Catholic church, flawed as it is, is supposed to be a welcoming place. A big tent, if you will. Well, the Archbishop and Monsignor Cihak are small tent Catholics and they are only hurting this parish and the broader Catholic community in Portland.
Current parishioner:
I have been a member of the parish for 38 years and have grown to love the simplicity of this holy space. At no time have I ever found it lacking in the inspirational setting that we are being told about. This effort shows a total lack of true understanding of the purpose of a parish. Rather than desecrating this holy and beautiful place of worship, the pastor should be finding ways to inspire parishioners through works of mercy and support of the many needy of our area. Many of my relatives have been inspired by our church when they have visited and have been flabbergasted and perplexed when I mention this initiative. It is probably too late to put a stop to this misguided effort but there is always hope that the Lord will change some thinking before it is too late.
Current parishioner:
I am a long-time parishioner of CTK. I was confirmed there, my mom used to run the flower ministry, I used to help teach bible study to the elementary students + attended youth groups. I am wholly against the makeover and my parents are also appalled by the sheer amount of money being put into the church to not only just slap some white paint, but to also add an entire high school to CTK when La Salle is right next door. Msgr. Cihak personally sent a letter asking my parents to donate tens of thousands of dollars. I think it's terrible that we are throwing out the legacy of such a renowned architect and we should do things to help the church structurally or add buildings if capacity needs it. But to ruin the wood and careful choices of a midcentury modern project seems redundant and wasteful to me. I wish that money was refocused to paying church volunteers, beautifying church grounds, updating offices or the current school buildings, or even campaigns towards the lower income community surrounding our church.
Community member:
I'm an architect and would like to express my concern that inserting a romanesque decorative scheme into the interior of a rigorously modern building is unlikely to be visually successful. Monsignor Cihak is quoted as referencing several nearby churches with romanesque elements as justification for this change, but all of these churches are designed in a historic style throughout. Their beauty comes from their overall cohesiveness. I urge the parish to consider the integrity and elegance of Belluschi's modern design and work with that rather than against it.
Past parishioner:
I grew up at Christ the King and attended the school for multiple years. I was an altar server and my family was heavily involved in the community. I remember Helping Hands, the Fun Fest, and many other great memories of my childhood at the parish. I oppose the changes and do not think this is a responsible way to allocate money, especially when neighboring St. John the Baptist Catholic School just closed its doors.
Past parishioner:
CTK was my parish from childhood through my college years, and I always liked its unique design compared to the typical Romanesque or Gothic churches. Destroying the original interior would be like torching a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Milwaukie is not Vatican City, and there are many other better uses for nearly $5 million- it's telling that only 25% of the CTK families contributed to the capital campaign.
Local Architect:
As a retired Portland architect with family and design roots in the earlier era of Belluschi’s church work, I strongly urge the current parish leadership to redirect their current building “beautification” efforts. That Belluschi returned to Portland after retiring from a nationally recognized design career and was asked by local architects to collaborate on several church projects, including Christ the King, indicate the widely-recognized significance of his church designs in Oregon. Rather than paint over the rich woodwork in the sanctuary with stylistic flourishes completely unrelated to the original design, the parish would do a much greater service to the already beautiful building by restoring the existing finishes where needed, thereby preserving the regional character and liturgical significance of the original church design.
Past parishioner:
I grew up attending Christ the King church, was baptized and received my first communion there. My family attended daily mass for many years when I was a small child. As a lover of history, architecture, art, and a firm believer in social justice over ostentatious displays of wealth, I was also horrified to learn about this ridiculous proposal to renovate CTK. I wanted to express my deep appreciation for the summary on your website explaining the many reasons to oppose to renovation, both artistic/historical and dare I say political. The Krepes altar cross and the beautiful natural wood were my favorite things about the church, and I truly cant imagine the arrogance it would take to willingly paint over it. The community surrounding CTK, as you mentioned, deserve service, not yet another visual reminder that there is so much wealth in the world - just not for them. There are far better and more Christian ways to spend the proposed $6.5 mill and I applaud your work to oppose this plan. I hope you are successful.
Community member:
I am so sad to hear about this. CTK parish has a beautiful church that is peaceful and prayerful as well as reflective of our Pacific Northwest. I was unaware of the history of its construction. At a time of shrinking budgets and real needs, it is distressing to hear about 6million dollars being spent to indulge a few people’s idea of “beauty”. The church is beautiful as it is and the planned improvements seem terribly disrespectful. As a Milwaukie Catholic, I am truly sorry to hear this news.
Community member:
While I attend St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, I am a local Architect and I support the preservation of the original Belluschi design. I echo the sentiments of my fellow practitioners (Bill Tripp and Brian Libby foremost among them) with regards to the historic architectural importance, the regional place-based success of the Belluschi design and the falsity of materiality in the proposed design, but I would also add that the Catholic Church, throughout its long life, has subsumed and should continue to subsume art and by extension larger cultural artifacts within itself. This has allowed both the artistic and spiritual imagination of congregations to flourish. Pope Benedict XVI (then Cardinal Ratzinger) in The Spirt of the Liturgy enjoins us to create architecture in which "both the fidelity to the gift already bestowed and the dynamism of going forward are given equal expression." By turning its back on new forms of artistic expression, the Catholic Church risks becoming static and sanitized. Worse yet, it may appear stale to those who are most in need of its living dynamism. If the Church can subsume an ancient pagan typology such as the basilican form without corruption then surely it can do the same with a Modernist one. Especially one so highly regarded as the Pietro Belluschi design for Christ the King.
Community member:
I sincerely disagree with the planned Beautification Plans
for CTK’s church. This is a personal affront to the many that invested and supported the CTK church and its purpose over the last half century. It feels like it is being done to assuage the current pastor’s ego and is out of alignment with the needs of the church and community. In addition, it is a poor use of limited resources - the sparse design of the church was intentional and slapping Romanesque styles onto what is intended to beautifully simple is just misguided thinking and disrespectful to its founders and designers.
And, I would add, the plan to add grades 9-12 to CTK is equally misguided and a waste of limited resources when there is a well-respected and high-functioning catholic high school literally within 100 yards of the CTK site. Instead of building walls between the two schools and Romanesque features to its church to isolate itself, parish leadership should put their efforts into meaningful and win-win partnership opportunities for the two schools but I’m afraid the current pastor’s self-centeredness clouds his judgement and that of those that look up to him in that leadership role. In a time that the world needs to find unity, this leadership is focused on divisiveness that serves the minority that the pastor seeks to influence. I certainly question these decisions but more directly question the true intentions of those making these decisions. A rooted and humble leader would honor the simplicity and focus their efforts on a more important agenda that truly serves its parishioners.
Community member:
It's wrong to call this project a "renovation" and "beautification" as it is anything but that. These changes would essentially destroy a Belluschi treasure. It's a terrible shame that the church leaders do not recognize what a treasure this church is. Further, I'm appalled to learn that the architect isn't even based in the Pacific NW and presumably has no ties to this region. Please do not allow this heartbreaking destruction to happen.
Community member:
This proposal to "Romanesque" the church is just as "convincing" and ill-conceived as Trump's gilded makeover of the White House. Gold is more representative of American ideals; Romanesque is closer to the gate to heaven. Wow! I encourage people to watch this presentation by Anthony Belluschi which deals with Pietro Belluschi's religious architecture and the religious beliefs that are imbued in that architecture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLKVSV9aS5M I'm pretty sure the Pope would be appalled.
Community member:
I'm an architect and this proposed interior renovation completely disregards the original design of the building. They are proposing an interior that conforms with classic catholic architecture in a postmodern PNW building. There are plenty of examples of catholic churches with modern interiors. Examples: https://www.archdaily.com/984046/sacred-modernity-an-exploration-of-the-modernist-movement-in-mid-century-holy-architecture If this renovation happens the exterior and interior of the building will be in total contrast and will feel weird on top of the disregard for the historic importance of the building.
Community member:
I agree with this petition. The original is a historic building by a famous NW architect and the cross by famous artist and beloved by the parish that created it. It seems like routine maintenance and restoration would be both more appropriate and cheaper than the tacky "NW Romanesque style", which will not age well, and would allow for needed neighborhood outreach in these extremely difficult times. Thank you for considering.
Community member:
I attended Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, RI, a Benedictine monastery school whose church was also designed by the marvelous Pietro Belluschi. The spiritual and revelatory experiences I felt while worshipping in that space were unrivaled. It hurts me greatly to hear of the unwarranted attack on the beautiful and poignant design of Christ the King Church. I pray that your parish leadership can come to appreciate the spiritual significance of the space, the sacrifice of its original patrons, and the importance of architectural complexities as found in John’s gospel: “my Father’s house has many rooms”.
Community member:
This is a vanity project that puts the likes of the few over the efforts of the many. Don't we as a church have better things to do with limited funds then use them to alienate a good portion of the local catholic faithful when the metro-area, the nation, and the world abound with a lack of help for the needy.
Past Parishioner:
We were parishioners of this parish for many years and all three of our children attended Christ the king Parish school from kindergarten through eighth grade. I find this sad and upsetting. This money could be used in so many better ways to improve the lives of people in need or within the community. This has been monsignor‘s wish since he came to CTK and started to change everything, and not for the better. Many left the school and parish.
Community member:
When I learned of this controversy, I started doing some background reading about the architect, and the sculptor of the stained glass Cross. What I found was truly surprising. Mr. Belluschi is one of the finest architects in American history, not as well known as Frank Lloyd Wright, but certainly worth his company. Additionally, Mr. Belluschi was mentored by no less an architect then AE Doyle, Portland’s finest. But beyond all the credentials, it is a beautiful, welcoming space. Every building goes through a period of time, where it seems behind the times and out of date. If one waits an additional 30 years, people will be grateful that it wasn’t changed. That certainly true at Christ the King. I got to know the leadership of the landmarks preservation commission in New York City many years ago. I got to see what happens when well meaning committees decide to make changes that seem important, but nonetheless will find out 50 years from now that it was a mistake and try to restore it to its original vision.
Community member:
I am a lifelong Catholic and member of another parish in the Portland Archdiocese. I pray that the Holy Spirit guides CTK's leadership to re-evaluate their plans and motivation for the expensive and unnecessary redesign of the church. It doesn't seem like something that is in the best interest of the parish community.
Community member:
Though I don't live in the area or attend the church, I would like to submit a plea for preserving this beautiful interior created by renowned artists. I attended Zion Lutheran Church by Providence Park, Portland, and marveled at the design of the church also done by Piertro Belluschi. Yes, the interior is brown, but it has beauty, character, and thought put into the design. The new design, while brighter, is normal and not full of character as the present interior which highlights the intent of the architect through the structure. I have never seen Christ the King Church in person, but the photos that I saw of the altar amaze me! What a gorgeous backdrop with the stained glass and the cross! It is mesmerizing to look at even in a photo! Please don't remove such a glorious art piece that does better and in such a beautiful way than most church interiors do in drawing your eye to the cross where Jesus sacrificed his life for us.
Past parishioner:
I was a longtime member of Christ the King Parish and contributed to the building of the church. I am saddened to hear about the planned changes to the interior of the beautiful sanctuary where I worshiped for years. Pietro Belluschi, a noted Oregonian, was a nationally recognized, award-winning architect and colleague of Frank Lloyd Wright. To carry out their plans is a sacrilege.
Current parishioner:
This "renovation" should be lead by a historic preservation consultant. SHPO should be involved in this.
Current parishioner:
I attended CTK for church and grade school. It is a beautiful church, and doesn’t need a renovation to be more beautiful. It is fitting for the community and welcoming.
Past parishioner:
I find this “renovation” to be blasphemous and hypocritical. Both my children attended CTK from kindergarten thru 8th grade and although I am no longer a member of this parish I always found the sanctuary a place of beauty and peace. The fact that the current parishioners would want to raise that kind of capital and squander it on such a gaudy remodel is not what Christ has taught our children. I very much hope that this ill designed plan is thwarted by a large outcry of people who have experienced the Sacraments within the walls of this beautiful structure.
Past parishioner:
The current church is beautiful and unique and should be preserved. Why are they spending an exorbitant amount of money on re-doing it, when those funds could, and should, be used to better serve the community, what a waste.
Community member:
It was an honor to have Belluschi design this beautiful church. It’s heartbreaking that the current leadership doesn’t see its significance. My parents were members here for many years. My father’s funeral was here 30 years ago and my youngest sister was married here. I wish you great support in your efforts to preserve this unique church building.
Community member:
I sincerely disagree with the planned Beautification Plans for CTK’s church. This is a personal affront to the many that invested and supported the CTK church and its purpose over the last half century. It feels like it is being done to assuage the current pastor’s ego and is out of alignment with the needs of the church and community. In addition, it is a poor use of limited resources - the sparse design of the church was intentional and slapping Romanesque styles onto what is intended to beautifully simple is just misguided thinking and disrespectful to its founders and designers.
And, I would add, the plan to add grades 9-12 to CTK is equally misguided and a waste of limited resources when there is a well-respected and high-functioning catholic high school literally within 100 yards of the CTK site. Instead of building walls between the two schools and Romanesque features to its church to isolate itself, parish leadership should put their efforts into meaningful and win-win partnership opportunities for the two schools but I’m afraid the current pastor’s self-centeredness clouds his judgement and that of those that look up to him in that leadership role. In a time that the world needs to find unity, this leadership is focused on divisiveness that serves the minority that the pastor seeks to influence. I certainly question these decisions but more directly question the true intentions of those making these decisions. A rooted and humble leader would honor the simplicity and focus their efforts on a more important agenda that truly serves its parishioners.
Community member:
As a member of the PNW design community, I am devastated to see this blatant disregard of the historic design excellence that Pietro Belluschi imbued into the Christ the King Church. Belluschi is one of, if not the most, beloved architects of our region and people travel regionally, nationally, and internationally to see his works in person. The gift that the Christ the King Church has in residing in this building has been either forgotten or disregarded with these proposed changes, and that gift will be lost if the church chooses to move forward. There will be a loss of the sense of place and purpose that a Belluschi building provides, and the community perception of the church will be forever tarnished.
Community member:
The original church is a work of art and should be preserved. Please don't paint over the wood like an old dresser.
Current parishioner:
Former K-8 CTK student
Community member:
I have visited the church and it is an astounding piece of midcentury modern architecture from Tony Belluschi. It would be completely upsetting and downright disgusting for his legacy and a great work of the Pacific Northwest to be painted over with this nonsense.
Community member:
The present church atmosphere is beautiful and calming. It invites quiet. The pictures of the proposed changes are loud and garish. They shout “look at me”. Plus, there are so many needs in the parish that could be met with this amount of money. It doesn’t reflect well on the parish to do unnecessary modifications like this.
Past parishioner:
I grew up attending CTK church. I looked at each piece of the light cross during every mass I attended. This unique art piece should be retained. "Pacific Northwest Romanesque" is the modern farmhouse of church design. Roman churches aren't covered in white paint. Don't be bamboozled by design trends that are already outdated and will ruin this unique PNW structure in the process.
Community member:
It seems they plan to change the look of this building into something it was not designed to be. Mr. Belluschi would turn over in his grave.
Past parishioner:
This is the church and community myself and my children grew up in. It’s a beautiful church just the way it is. The money could go to so many more useful things.
Community member:
I have enjoyed this stunning church for the 16 years I’ve lived in Portland. I was shocked to learn that it is not protected. Church leaders, if you desire such a makeover and have such deep pockets I beg you to buy elsewhere and leave this building for people who see its beauty.
Community member:
The building is a wonderful tribute to worship as is. Spending that kind of money to make it a worse version of other churches while removing some beautiful and significant architecture is a poor way to honor the history of the space and its larger significance to Oregon's history.
Community member:
I don't understand the reasons behind this "renovation" or "Beautification" -- the idea to spend unnecessary millions and destroy a priceless, historic masterpiece of architecture?
Architectural Heritage Center:
The Architectural Heritage Center empowers people to discover and preserve Portland’s historic and culturally significant places. The beautiful interior of Christ the King Church represents the work of one of country's most significant architectural voices and beautifully represents the merger of faith, design, art and architecture. Perhaps even more importantly, the interior of the church is indelibly connected to hundreds of formative memories and experiences for families and members of the parish. This is the space where families gathered to baptize new members of their families, celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and create a community that is bigger than just one person. Dismantling the interior dismantles an important piece of community history and squanders the beautifully designed house of worship that could be a major asset to the parish for years to come.
Community member:
A church designed by the world renowned architect, Pietro Belluschi, is a cultural treasure whose value extends far beyond the borders of its parish. It sounds like the church leaders don't know what they have: a home that is almost certainly eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. And in addition to the travesty of garishly mucking up a masterpiece, one has to question the values and priorities of church leadership. Why in the world would you spend this huge amount of money when a lesser amount could be spent on restoration (assuming some wear and tear needs addressing) and use the rest to support your parishioners??
Granddaughter of Pietro Belluschi:
I think the design as-is stands the test of time and with a simple mid-century modesty and beauty. Couldn't this money be spent on the parishioners and people in need? Additionally, I don't think the Arches and painting over natural wood is stylish - it sounds gaudy and a step backwards. Pietro Belluschi was my grandfather, and his designs were thoughtful, peaceful and thought out. I do not think they should spend any money changing the style and should save this for better plans that will impact the lives of the parishioners.
Restore Oregon: Saving Historic Places
Restore Oregon is in support of the preservation of the Pietro Belluschi designed Christ the King church.
Brockamp and Jaeger. INC.
I work for the company that originally built this church and would like to see it remain the glorious structure that it is. Thank you
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