On Christmas Eve the church was filled with candlelight, carols and the sound of a brass quartet. On Friday, members of Luther Memorial made their way past the soaring stone arches and ornamental windows to celebrate Twelfth Night Epiphany Eve, the 12th and final night of the Christmas season, with Holy Communion. A cheery reception would follow.
Gary Brown, retired director of campus planning for UW-Madison and a longtime member of Luther Memorial Church, is writing a comprehensive history of the 100-year-old church building at 1021 University Ave.
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The distinctive neo-Gothic style of Luther Memorial Church, designed to echo the cathedrals of Europe by early 20th-century Madison architects Claude and Starck, earned it landmark status many years ago.
Longtime church member Gary Brown and senior pastor Brad Pohlman walk through Madison's century-old Luther Memorial Church, where changes have been made through the years — including the addition of a red granite baptismal font, a brightening of the interior walls and better lighting to illuminate the distinctive ceiling.
The figure of Jesus behind the altar at Luther Memorial was designed by Thomas Gaytee, based on a sculpture by Bertel Thorvaldsen at a church in Copenhagen, Denmark. Thorvaldsen's original is "considered by some to be the most perfect statue of Christ in the world," said Gary Brown, who is writing a history of the Madison church and its architecture.
Though it resembles the wooden hull of a ship, the ceiling of the nave at Luther Memorial is built from steel covered with plaster. Senior pastor Brad Pohlman is at right.
Facing University Avenue across from UW-Madison's Lathrop Hall, the front entry doors of Luther Memorial echo the neo-Gothic architectural spirit of the century-old church.
Photos: Luther Memorial Church celebrates 100 years
Luther Memorial nave interior
Longtime church member Gary Brown and senior pastor Brad Pohlman walk through Madison's century-old Luther Memorial Church, where changes have been made through the years — including the addition of a red granite baptismal font, a brightening of the interior walls and better lighting to illuminate the distinctive ceiling.
Luther Memorial exterior
The distinctive neo-Gothic style of Luther Memorial Church, designed to echo the cathedrals of Europe by early 20th-century Madison architects Claude and Starck, earned it landmark status many years ago.
Interior of Luther Memorial with Gary Brown
Gary Brown, retired director of campus planning for UW-Madison and a longtime member of Luther Memorial Church, is writing a comprehensive history of the 100-year-old church building at 1021 University Ave.
Ceiling in nave of Luther Memorial
Though it resembles the wooden hull of a ship, the ceiling of the nave at Luther Memorial is built from steel covered with plaster. Senior pastor Brad Pohlman is at right.
Front entry doors at Luther Memorial
Facing University Avenue across from UW-Madison's Lathrop Hall, the front entry doors of Luther Memorial echo the neo-Gothic architectural spirit of the century-old church.
Statue of Christ
The figure of Jesus behind the altar at Luther Memorial was designed by Thomas Gaytee, based on a sculpture by Bertel Thorvaldsen at a church in Copenhagen, Denmark. Thorvaldsen's original is "considered by some to be the most perfect statue of Christ in the world," said Gary Brown, who is writing a history of the Madison church and its architecture.
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Interior of Luther Memorial Church in Madison, Wis. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
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A large array of stained glass windows at Luther Memorial Church in Madison, Wis. share wall behind Pastor Brad Pohlman Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
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A religious tapestry is displayed behind carvings at Luther Memorial Church in Madison, Wis. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
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The pipe organ of Luther Memorial Church in Madison, Wis. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
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For 100 years, Luther Memorial Church has maintained a presence along University Avenue in Madison, Wis. Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. JOHN HART, STATE JOURNAL
