Boston Avenue Methodist Church - Your Art History Reference Guide!

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Boston Avenue Methodist Church

Boston Avenue Methodist Church, located in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma completed in 1929, is considered by many to be the finest Art Deco church in the United States.

The design of the building is credited to two individuals: Adah Robinson and Bruce Goff. Adah was an art teacher at Central High School in Tulsa and sketched the original ideas for the church. Bruce Goff, one of her students, then took the sketches and came up with the design for the church. Officially, the architecture firm credited is Rush, Endacott and Rush where Goff apprenticed.

There is still some debate over who was more responsible for the building. The church credits Adah with the design of this building, while Goff experts maintain that it is clearly his design.

The building has soaring straight lines pointing upwards. At the top of the tower, is a stylized sculpture that represents two hands raised upward in prayer.

Above the entry doors of the church are terra cotta statues representing spiritual life, religious education, and worship. Over other doors are terra cotta statues of important Methodists.

In 1993 murals were installed on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the congregation. They were designed by Chicago artist Angelo Gherardi who continued the Art Deco design to be consistent with the building's interior and exterior design.

Last updated: 08-27-2005 16:02:09
Last updated: 01-04-2007 01:18:57
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