First Christian Church

Published July 31, 2018 | By OKC Foundation for Architecture

Even a near-decade before its dedication day, the distinctive eggshell-shaped dome of the First Christian Church prompted minister William "Bill" Alexander to dub it "the church of tomorrow."

But it almost never saw the light of day. One of a campus of buildings designed by architect Duane Conner in 1956, the unique concrete shape with cutout arches had been deemed of questionable structural integrity by consulting experts. However, in early 1955, a representative of the American Concrete Institute convinced Conner to proceed. The interior arrangement for the 2,000-seat sanctuary also was considered unusual at the time.

Although the First Christian Church congregation dates back to the 1889 Land Run, its first building (1894) was located at Third Street and Harvey Avenue. Two other locations were utilized before the church moved to its present structure, which cost $1.3 million and employed the specialized skills of 600 individuals.

The original campus is completed by a 130-foot-tall bell tower; a circular fine arts building, containing the colored-quartz-paneled Jewel Box Theater; and a four-story education building constructed of high-pressure, steam-cured concrete blocks.

Go here to read a detailed history about the planning and construction of this mid-century modern gem.

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1956-FirstChristianChurch-Dome

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1956-FirstChristianChurch-Sanctuary-Dome Superstructure

1956-FirstChristianChurch-Sanctuary Education and Jewel Box

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1977-FirstChristianChurch-Chapel Remodel-Pojezny

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