The Suburban Church: Modernism and Community in Postwar America by Gretchen Buggeln (review)

Gretchen Buggeln is an American Studies scholar who teaches in Christ College at Valparaiso University. She has broad interest in the relationship between the Christian faith and material world, with a special interest in religious space. The Suburban Church conveys research into church building projects of three significant Midwestern architects: Edward D. Dart, Edward A. Sövik, and Charles E. Stade. Buggeln is especially interested in discovering the socio-cultural influences that motivated building design choices for suburban faith communities in the postwar period. Seventy-five faith communities are examined in particular, the majority of whom are Protestant. The churches examined for Dart and Stade are located primarily in Illinois; most of the churches examined for Sövik are located in Minnesota. At least eighty interviews were conducted by the author between 2005 and 2013, including several with Sövik. One hundred and thirty-nine black and white photographs are spread through the various chapters.

Buggeln’s analysis is primarily descriptive and is accomplished in eight chapters. Chapter one provides an overview of several important movements at work in the background during the post-war period. Mention is made of the dramatic building boom of the mid-twentieth century, fueled by the growth and development of suburbs around major urban centers, yielding numerous new church buildings. She notes the influence of proponents of modernist design in denominational agencies and among architects (especially through ecumenical activities), favored (in part) for the rapid construction that could be achieved on a minimal budget. Chapter two provides an introduction to the three architects featured in Buggeln’s research. A brief biographical sketch of each architect is provided conveying the faith background, architectural education, and establishment of each architect in relation to church design. Significant buildings and design awards for each architect, such as St. Procopius Abbey, Lisle, Illinois, by Dart, are also noted.

Chapter three outlines the process congregations pursued as they imagined, planned, and constructed new church buildings. The role of the building committee is described. Frequently a sense of mission (desire for evangelism in the emerging suburb) fostered an urgency to build. Education of the building committee is examined with visual and written artifacts. Chapter four provides a brief history of “A-frame” design, a particularly popular building style for Protestants from the 1950s to mid-1960s. The A-frame was especially appealing to smaller congregations with limited funds. Buggeln demonstrates how quickly some modernist styles rose and fell in popularity. Chapter five provides a deeper examination of the primary worship space. The gradual shift from axial to central plans for worship is traced in historical context. The metaphor of “family of faith” grew in prominence as an organizing principle for planning. A desire to build quickly, to remain flexible, and to relate to the contemporary culture influenced design choices. Catholic and Protestant examples of modernist design from Dart, Stade, and Sövik are featured, with attention to the inclusion of symbol and beauty.

Chapter six features the rationale and process used for designing buildings to accommodate education and fellowship. Suburban congregations prioritized education and fellowship for both members and the surrounding community. Models of design from contemporary schools and recreational facilities were used by churches in seeking relevancy, efficiency, and frugality. Chapter seven provides a case study of planning for religious life in the suburb of Park Forest, Illinois (as a new suburb of Chicago). Resident surveys, ecumenical co-operation, and optimism characterized the location and density of buildings for worship. Seven Christian and Jewish faith communities are examined. The author investigates connections/contrasts in building projects and social critiques of suburban spirituality. Chapter eight provides a concluding commentary on the legacy of postwar suburban design. Changes in social and religious behavior from the late 1960s forward are highlighted and related to the impetus behind the development of suburban churches. Racial...