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Exterior
| Interior | Stained
Glass | Pastors | History
The
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
Constructed in 1962, Gethsemane Lutheran Church was
built on 10 acres of land which had been previously
used as a cotton field. The new Gethsemane Lutheran Church serves as the
replacement for The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church at 16th and Congress
which is now a historical landmark and houses the Texas State Historical Commission. The architectural design of the church
is Gothic in concept and contemporary in design. Extensive stained glass
work enhances the incredible beauty and uniqueness of the entire church
while giving special focus to the sanctuary.
Interior
Sanctuary
The
sanctuary is to the right once you've come into the main
entrance. The padded pews angle slightly toward
the altar. The sanctuary has a very peaceful
atmosphere and is certainly a work of art bathed in the light of the stained glass, and is daily open for prayer and meditation.
Stained
Glass Windows
The stained glass windows in the sanctuary have a peaceful
calming affect as the sun shines through them. Beautiful colors
spray through-out the sanctuary as the light refracts through the
glass onto the walls and floors.
For more information about the story depicted in the stained glass
and the creator, click here.
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Pipe
Organ / Balcony Seating
On December 12, 1868, the first Swedish Lutheran liturgy was
held in Austin, Texas. After that worship, Swante Palm, a scholar
and later the Swedish vice-consul, was chosen as chairman. “We
love to sing our inspirational hymns and therefore I want to say that
we can easily secure a melodeon or small organ which some member of
the congregation can play. There are those among us willing to serve
as organist. It is our love of the old hymns that prompts me to mention
this matter. An organ may be obtained at a nominal price, if not by
actual gift.”
By November 1900, Gethsemane Lutheran’s organist, Swante Palm
was utilizing a small pipe organ purchased from the Hinner and Albertson
Co. of Peking, Illinois. In June 1951, a second pipe organ was purchased
from the Wicks Company of Highland, Illinois. In 1963, the organ was
rebuilt and expanded after being moved to the current church. A great
division of displayed pipe work was installed. In 1977, the instrument
was expanded along with upgraded action and a new blower. Dedicated
to the historical tradition of pipe organ music, in 1985, the congregation
approved a major expansion. This step involved the purchase of a three
manual Cassavant console, pipe work, the replacement of all wind-chests
and mechanical components, additional pipes bringing the total to
1,763, addition of a Ruck Positiv on the balcony railing. The Gethsemane
Memorial Pipe Organ consists of 38 ranks of pipe work. In 2002, a
zimblesterm was added to give the beautiful sounds of chimes for worship. |
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Main
Entrance Mosaics
There are 3 mosaics of Jesus above the entrance doors to the sanctuary. The 3 mosaics represent Jesus
helping, suffering, and then forgiving. These mosaics were on the exterior when the church was originally built. |
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Steffans'
Parlor
From the hall to your left just as you enter the main entrance
is a room with a comfortable home-like atmosphere where you can easily
feel relaxed and welcome. It's a nice place to gather or get away
for quiet, and small groups and weekly Bible studies meet here. |
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Multi-Purpose
Room, Kitchen & Cafeteria
The gym serves as a great inside recreation or event space
which transforms into a large cafeteria once all the tables have
been set out and the kitchen is opened. It's put to good use.
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Educational
& Childrens Hall
The educational wing includes several classrooms teeming with
fun and interesting things to look at, along with a nursery with plenty
of cribs to set the babies to sleep in. At the end of the hall there's
an exit out into the playgrounds and Children's Ministry building. |
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Updated
4/7/08
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