Testimonials II
Additional Testimonials
Current parishioner:
My family are members at CTK, and the beauty of this building is second to none. As an architect, I’m deeply troubled by what feels like a growing disregard for its historical significance—both in its art cross by Gyorgy Kepes and in its architecture by renowned architect Pietro Belluschi. Covering an extraordinary wood structure with “ticky-tacky” faux architectural relief isn’t an improvement; it’s a disservice. In time, I believe it will be seen as a catastrophic mistake—and a costly misuse of donor funds. CTK has something truly special, and our responsibility is to preserve it—not erase it. The families who supported the original design and construction had a clear vision, and it was not NW Romanesque. Of course, architecture can and should evolve to meet the needs of the time, including thoughtful modifications and additions that better serve the congregation. But the proposed aesthetic changes do not beautify the building; they diminish it, and they deserve to be reconsidered. My hope is simple: that the committee and the architect may not fully understand what makes this building historically significant—and that, with that significance clearly in view, they will be willing to revisit decisions that would permanently compromise its beauty.
Community member:
I am an architect, northwest architectural history professor at University of Oregon, and on many occasions attended mass in this church during high school at La Salle. It is part of my fundamental architectural memories that pointed my life towards architecture. Belluschi is the most significant modern architect of our region, and has served as a role model for most of my life, with multiple classes and trips around the region to see his churches and other buildings, the proposed modifications to this building are wrong. Architectural significance aside, I would rather see this building torn down than distastefully marred to look like something that it is not. Historically, this type of approach does not yield an environment of authenticity and the amount of resources being proposed are wasted on what one would expect to see in Las Vegas. This is a cultural aberration. If the desire is a place of worship vastly different from the existing building, it should be respectfully taken down, ideally the wood salvaged to serve other communities, and a new building built. This budget would allow for that, which would mean overall new facilities and not having to inherit problems of historic buildings of this era, as well as not disfiguring something significant. Either shift to respectfully updating what’s there or dismantle it with dignity and start anew.
Community member:
I have had the opportunity over the years to not only listen to music being played and sung in this church but to play and sing myself. As a child I attended Christ the King school and LaSalle where services and celebrations were held in this sacred space and as an adult, have played music for weddings and funerals. I am keenly aware of the wonderful acoustics, as purposefully designed by the architect, to have sound beautifully reverberate throughout the entire room and often, without the need for amplification. This planned renovation of turning a famed architect's intent into a medieval glow up replete with pillars and white walls, seems unnecessary and excessive, more of a vanity project that even our Heavenly Father, might deem unnecessary and excessive.
Alumnus and current parent of Christ the King students:
As an alumnus and a parent of two children currently attending Christ the King, I strongly oppose the proposed project. The plan allocates $5 million toward building a new church while dedicating only $500,000 to upgrade the school into a K-12 program. This is deeply concerning. Our current gymnasium is in very poor condition, and it receives no meaningful attention. Additionally, despite having a brand-new lunchroom, the school still does not provide freshly prepared, school-made meals for students. This unbalanced approach will negatively impact the quality of education and the student experience for years to come. When parents voiced these concerns , the response was essentially that the project would move forward regardless. As a result, I am aware of multiple families who have already decided to leave CTK after this school year. I urge the leadership to reconsider these priorities and focus first on strengthening the core educational environment for our children.
Past parishioner:
My children attended CTK school, and we were parishioners for many years. I remember the community as unpretentious, authentic, and welcoming, and the parish was a warm place to worship. The current plans for renovating the church are not only unnecessary but also seem overly extravagant and lack genuine value. The proposed designs are gaudy and meretricious, cold and pretentious, failing to complement the building's existing exterior aesthetic. It is unclear who at Christ the King Catholic Church truly needs these renovations. Is this project merely the vision of a single individual? The allocation of funds for such elaborate changes raises questions about whether this is a responsible use of parish resources. Two nearby parishes, St. Peter's and St. Anne's, are in genuine need of upgrades to their facilities. Prioritizing modest improvements for these communities would be a more meaningful and equitable use of resources. It is discouraging to me, with all that is happening in our world and in our neighborhoods right now, that this is what a pastor is preoccupied with. "We have very little, so we have nothing to be preoccupied with. The more you have the more you are occupied, the less you give. But the less you have, the more free you are." -Mother Teresa
Parish family:
This church is more than just a building to me — it’s where I grew up. From kindergarten through 8th grade, it was a place that helped shape who I am today. Generations of my family have dedicated their time, energy, and love to this community. We’ve put in our blood, sweat, and tears to support it in any way we could, because it has always been a place that meant so much to us. Seeing what is happening now is incredibly heartbreaking. This church represents memories, values, and a sense of community that cannot be replaced. It has been a home not just for my family, but for so many others over the years. I truly hope we can come together to preserve something that has had such a meaningful impact on so many lives. Saving this church means preserving a legacy, a community, and a place that has brought people together for generations.
Past parishioner:
I am firmly against altering a beautiful church and completely changing its style to conform with NW Romanesque. This church has a wonderful history. It’s beautiful and full of history. The colorful cross is iconic. Why spend millions to erase the good memories people have of a beloved institution. I remember Fr. Buxman and Fr. Weber pictured at the top. Great memories as an alter server. I attended weddings and funerals, baptisms and school masses. Why erase something that isn't broken. People want a real church, presided over by a priest who is there to be the shepherd for the community. You don’t get a flock to attend mass by wasteful spending and erasing the past. You will just lose more parishioners who will move on to more accepting parishes.
Christ the King graduate and past altar server:
I attended Christ The King as a child and remember moving into the “New Church”. It meant no more mass or serving mass as an altar boy in the gym. I remember the first time seeing this mosaic as that child. Vividly. It took my breath away. Literally. So many days I served and attended mass before schools and on weekends with family. Seeing that mosaic gave me such joy, familiarity, solace and comfort every time. I needed all of that during those years. As a child it kept me looking, asking questions in my head. Yes. It did that. Please don’t tear out future generations chance at having the same thing.
Christ the King graduate and longtime parishioner:
This church is a gem as it is, the result of much, much hard work, planning and generous donations back in the 1970's.. and as mentioned below is the work of world-renowned architect Pietro Belluschi. I received the sacrament of marriage here, attended funerals of family members and friends, and my oldest child was baptized here as well. The natural finish on the wooden ceiling, beams and columns help to reflect the Spirit of God present here in sacred natural beauty. What could come closer to the essence of God than such a beautifully designed and created space.
Thank you for all your time and effort for this important cause to preserve this holy, beautiful church building.
Past parishioner:
I lived in Clackamas in the early 1980s - went to LaSalle HS. My mom was the choir director at CTK from 1981-1984. Those who worshipped together there did so in a beautiful space - that brought love and calm to the community. Our dearest friend (rest in peace) Helen Feltz, was a matron in that community and gave many hours to adding to the cross on the wall. Why redesign such a unique space to look like many other churches already in place in Portland? Destroying this CTK space will alienate the community....ending the parish as it is now. What a shame. Why not spend that money on reviving the community, hosting events to celebrate the kids and school community, hosting concerts, feeding the poor....anything would be better than pouring money into destroying a beautiful space. I pray that the community prevails in stopping the destruction of a beloved space.
Past parishioner:
My mother was the choir director for years, and worked closely with parish leadership, including Fr. Weber on the design of the church. It would be a shame to see the proposed changes go into effect.
Parents of children who graduated from Christ the King:
We are both disheartened about the plans that the current leadership has to change the authentic aesthetic and humble beauty that originally made us choose that parish for our family. We will continue to pray that enough signatures are collected for this cause.
Third generation Legacy family graduate of Christ the King:
I'd like to sign the petition to preserve the Pietro Belluschi church as well. The original woodwork means a lot to me and my family, and I much prefer the unique and beautiful stained glass crucifix to the concept they're proposing in the renovation.
Retired teacher at our school:
Prayers for all your efforts to preserve CTK church. In some ways you are gathering those who have scattered as you collect signatures of support. I am inspired by the courage of those who have much to lose.
Christ the King graduate whose parents were parishioners and whose funerals were in our church:
I am in full support to STOP any renovations of our historic church - Christ the King Church.
Parishioner of over 50 years:
As someone who saw this church built as a legacy for my generation, it breaks my heart to see its original design altered. My family has deep roots here, with three generations of our names etched into the new parish center bricks.
The architect designed this space to reflect our community, not to mimic a traditional cathedral. Instead of a 'cosmetic upheaval,' I would love to see our funds used for practical improvements that serve everyone, like ADA accessibility, improved bathrooms, and necessary roof repairs.
Lifelong parishioner, baptized at Christ the King by Fr, Ted Weber in 1964:
I was part of the first class to be Confirmed in the new church. It was a very profound and awe-inspiring feeling to experience the Holy Spirit in such a beautiful space.
Two of my sisters were married there. We buried our dad, mom, brother, my husband, brother-in-law, mother-in-law as well as many other friends from this blessed and holy church.
I see no reason for renovations to such a sacred, traditional and holy space. Frankly, it is truly such a beautiful and special place that it is hard to not see the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit in every fiber of it.
Virtual lifelong parishioner:
Besides the sacrament of Baptism, all of my sacraments have taken place at CTK. I went to school there. I sent my child there. My grandma, sister and mom had their funeral Masses there. It represents my childhood and adulthood. It’s my home. I don’t want anyone to take that away from me. CTK is beautiful and warm. Instead of trying to change it into something it’s not, we should use that money for the poor. Spending all of that money on a, “beautification,” project is vain and sinful.
Past parishioner:
This was my parish for much of my childhood. That beautiful, glowing glass cross mural came to symbolize the beauty and simplicity of the gospel to me. So many of my memories include standing before that cross. Joy filled memories, sorrowful memories, family memories. It does not need to be "fixed" or "improved". It's actually offensive to me to think there are Christian people who think it's a good idea to spend 6 million on a building when you are surrounded by so many needy people whose lives can be drastically improved with those funds.
Past parishioner:
I grew up going to CTK and looking at that beautiful cross every single Sunday. I have many happy memories there, and it would be a shame to lose such a hallmark of that church.
Past parishioner:
My husband and I were married under that beautiful cross. My daughters were baptized there, received reconciliation, First Holy Communion, confirmation through this amazing church. I raised my girls in the CTK community, they attended school there and then at La Salle. Every Sunday, school mass and holiday we looked up at that cross and knew we were in the Holy presence of God. It would be a shame to wipe out the history of CTK with the proposed changes.
Past parishioner:
Our children were baptized and attended Christ the King school. My husband worked on the lightning at the church and helped at the school as I did. We felt it was our home church. It was heartbreaking to leave Christ the King to attend a new Catholic Church.
Community member:
I grew up in St John the Baptist parish. Attended La Salle High School. Have attended mass and funerals at CTK. Please don't change it; its beauty and history should be preserved.
Christ the King Alumnus:
I am a Christ the King alum, and it would be a shame to see changes in the church that would no longer reflect its history and community. The altar cross is an image that always stands out in my mind and reminds me of my childhood at Christ the King.
Community member:
We had school masses (LaSalle HS) in this church in the 1980s. It is such a unique church…it should be worshipped, not replaced. Catholics do not celebrate luxuriously like mega churches. We celebrate humbly, like Jesus before us. Put some money into cleaning and sprucing , then use the rest to serve the community.
Community member:
The proposed renovations to the church to do not represent the community CTK serves. If CTK has 6 million to spend, spend it on something meaningful and beneficial to the community.
Past parishioner:
My family attended CTK parish well before I was born, and then I received Baptism-Confirmation as well as attended K-8th grade here. I am now a Registered Nurse within a Catholic Health Organization a few hours away, and I still stop by as much as possible. It feels like "home" to me, and particularly the unique light-up cross art is something that I have never found anywhere else. Spending $6+ million is a horrible use of resources, and Jesus would DEFINITELY not approve. Please listen to your parishioners, FIX THE ROOF and preserve this church.
Past parishioner:
One of the best chapters of my families life was spent at Christ the King. The dedication and love put into the interior of our chapel was felt by us. The Cross is stunning while not flamboyant. Made with love and is beautiful. It is a testament of past parishioners dedication to our Lord and King. Please do not destroy a much loved piece of art.
Past parishioner:
My parents went to this church. My siblings and I all went to Christ the king and Lasalle high school. My siblings and I received our sacraments there. Three of us were married there. My parents funeral’s were there. Christ the king Church has always been home to us. It’s a shame how so much has changed in the parish there. It’s just so sad.
Community member:
This makes me so sad! I know the Scrutton family and their stained glass work is superb and so meaningful! I pray that the cross remains! It is a testament to the faith of so many!!!
Community member:
I moved away from Portland as a child but come back every year to visit relatives. This is the church we have gone to while visiting since 1972 and have witnessed several family weddings and a few funeral services there. I have always loved this church for its warmth and welcoming feeling. I especially have always loved the beautiful stained-glass cross behind the altar, which my aunt Helen assisted with. Please leave this church the way it is, it is unique and special and one of a kind.
Community member:
CTK is perfect as it stands now, please listen and do the right thing!
Community member:
The proposed changes are completely foreign to the warm, natural environment befitting a northwest church. I would hate to see that beautiful wood covered or the cross artwork fondest. Why not refinish the woodwork and just 'spruce up' the current finishes?!
Community member:
Spending six million dollars on anything other than serving the community - especially in times like we’re in right now - makes you look selfish, tone death, irresponsible, and predatory.
Community member:
There is so much emphasis on the trappings of Catholic tradition- gold, marble, rituals etc. CTK has humble beginnings and serves a humble community. Jesus would not spend 6 million dollars on a renovation. He would use this money to help our neighbors in need.
Community Member:
Whose vanity project is this? Are there Medicis in Milwaukie? It's destructive, disrespectful, and wasteful. This is why people criticize the Church. Shame on all involved.
Community member:
The church is beautiful already, 6 million dollars can go so much farther for people that need it.
Community member:
If there are six million dollars available please don’t spend it remodeling a building that does not need remodeling. Use it to set up a program that will actually help people. We need housing, food and medical care, not remodeled buildings. Christ the King is a beautiful church the way it is.
Past parishioner:
After being CTK parish members for over 40 years we quit attending the church when many changes began to happen under current leadership. It breaks our hearts that our beloved parish has changed so much in the last few years.
Past parishioner:
My mom and I sang in the church choir for years. I like the architecture - it is a beautiful example of its style. The space is inviting and warm rather than the distant, formal Romanesque architecture proposed. I would prefer the money went into modernization of systems and endowing the preservation of the art and architecture that this unique church offers rather than a remodel into yet another mini Cathedral.
Community member:
If the church has six million dollars to spend, please use it to support the community not unnecessary remodeling. This church is historic and beautiful just as it is.
Community member:
I have a strong connection to this beautiful church. I watched it come together as a student at La Salle high school. My husband and I were married there while my home parish St. John the Apostle was being remodeled. Our two youngest children and my two grandchildren were baptized in this church. The beauty of the stained glass crucifix is so unique and the simple wooden interior reflects the beauty of Oregon and it’s natural resources.
Past parishioner:
The lights are staple to the church I remember when the church was built. The light's need to stay please and thank you.
Community member:
This news is extremely upsetting! I have spent many Easters at Christ of the King Church and it has always been such a beautiful and memorable setting. I am outraged to hear that these changes are potentially happening and I hope the good people of the church change their minds on this decision. I would think that the money could be better repurposed on solving the homeless crisis that is currently impacting the community. Isn't that what Christ would want? Do the right thing!
Community member:
Love this Church- please save it
Community member:
I have family members who worked hard on the construction of the church and it is devastating that the new leadership wants to modify it when the current design was created for and by the community members. What a waste of money.
Community member:
Keep the church as is. I feel me believe so much that the original state brings me closer to God.
Past parishioner:
As a past parishioner who spent 15 years at the parish and school, I find this renovation project to be completely out of touch with the foundation of this parish. This community is a hard-working, humble community. When something needs to get done to better the Church or school the parishioners and parents roll up their sleeves and invest their heart and hands. This renovation completely disregards those parishioners and parents who have worked tirelessly to maintain this beautiful Church.
Religious community:
I will send my ideas soon, but the planned travesty is beyond belief.
Community member:
We agree with this petition that it would be a shame to change the historic architectural beauty of the sanctuary designed by Pietro Belluschi.
Former parishioner:
Although I currently reside in Pennsylvania I have always enjoyed coming to my former parish. The beauty of the church inspires me to reflect on my faith and the wonderful people of the parish. The beautiful cross that on the wall behind the altar is such a huge part of the welcoming atmosphere of our church. In a time of turmoil, both within the country and the church I wonder why would something so inspiring to all who enter be changed. Therefore, with respect, I ask that the parish's beauty is kept as is. Thank you for your consideration to this matter.
Community member:
The Belluschi design is impressive, timeless and serene. The design sets a mood of calm and peace needed in a place of worship.
Community member:
It is important to respect and maintain the original concept and look of the design by Pietro Belluschi for this church. The simple beauty of his work for churches across the United States is very special and requires preservation, especially in Oregon where so much of his architectural work was built.
Community member:
Even though I am not a member of the community where this church resides, it is important to me for it to be saved because supporting all communities benefits humanity as a whole, especially places such as this church building which benefits for all walks of life. Besides saving community buildings (which all church's are), saving architectural heritage adds to the beauty of our neighborhoods as well as making sure we keep history alive. Why keep history alive? Because without it we simply repeat our mistakes and can't move forward. This building's positive energy should be retained.
Community member:
The Portsmouth Abbey was also designed by Pietro Belluschi. He chose to collaborate with George Nakashima, woodworker on interior furnishing because they both had roots in the NW and appreciation of PNW design and architecture. George was born in Spokane, WA and his family lived in the PNW, he attended U of W to study Forestry and architecture. They were also connected at M.I.T. Good background about Pietro and Nakashima - https://portsmouthabbeymonastery.org/abbey-church
Community member:
I am an admirer of Pietro Belluschi and his work. I guess you could call me a preservationist in that I don't believe in "modernizing" his work but rather in preserving the gems of previous generations. Fashion comes and goes. Regret comes later. I have contributed to the restitution of the Hollywood Theater which was "modernized" only to need to be restored in later years. But it's impossible to completely do so and very expensive. Just leave it as the original and spend money on maintenance. Future generations will thank you if you rather that blame you for their loss in coming years.
Community member:
Please save this Belluschi designed church. With the attention being given to preserve this design, I hope will bring attention to what a gem you have.
Community member:
My wife and her family all attended Christ the King Church, so many memories! It would be a travesty to make these horrendous changes to such a well designed church! Our family's opinion may not amount to much, but we pray that more thought is put toward any renovation.
Community member:
I have visited Christ the King many times and have always admired the beauty of the church and the peace and calm felt there through the wood and cross. I believe it is not for outsiders to come in and decide what beauty is but when parishioners give their blood sweat and tears to build it.
Community member:
The congregation needs reflection not ostentation.
Community member:
Waste of money that could be spent more wisely instead of on defiling an already beautiful church. Churches are historically built from materials indigenous to the area and not made so parishioners can pretend they're in Rome.
Community member:
I grew up in this church community and seeing this modest, vernacular PNW church being disrespected is painful. Not only to the history of the people and architecture, but that church money is being used for makeup instead of following what they preach and helping others. Especially in this time when so many are in need of help.
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:
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.
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.
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 it's 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?
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:
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:
I am personally offended that parish leadership would undertake such an unnecessary project and destroy the interior of this magnificent church by thinking "Northwest Romanesque" is even remotely complimentary to Belluschi’s beautiful architecture.
Church neighbor:
As a neighborhood member, I greatly appreciate and support your efforts.
While I am Mennonite (previous generations Amish), the ties to service, community, and action are very similar with your views. I have always appreciated the very natural, humble and yet so intentional nature of the church design - it has given me hope in more than just Jesuits = ).
but truly, thank you. I understand there are many interpretations of how we honor God in our daily life, but i the fiscal stewardship along w/ the Romanesque design is quite shocking, and greater increases the divide between Christians and the casuals/nonbelievers.
Past parishioner:
The existing church is very beautiful. I did not always think so, but since young adulthood, it’s beautiful light, natural wood plus the stunning stained glass cross makes one’s time at CTK Church peaceful, reflective and restoring.
Community member:
This is a spiritual masterpiece-please maintain it!
Past parishioner:
I went to CTK church for many years and my sister was also married in that church. Please don't change this church. It needs to be preserved and kept as it has been for years. God won't be happy with the change!!! You are messing with one of his homes.
Community member:
Pietro Belluschi's quiet, contemplative modernism is a wonderful setting for mass. I hope the parish will reconsider plans to radically transform it, and instead explore options to make more sensitive updates that meet their needs while respecting the original design of an important architect.
Community member:
Honor community, honor architectural heritage.
Past parishioner:
I no longer belong, to Christ the King, but I joined the church community in 2017 and it means so much to me in my journey of faith.
