Exterior Symbols at First Lutheran Church

THE CHURCH BUILDING

A church constructed to form the outline of a cross is called a "Cruciform" Church.  "The Church Has One Foundation, 'tis Jesus Christ the Lord" is the most fitting translation of the symbolism.  We may also quote St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:11 "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Our church building, being of modified gothic architecture, forms the outline of a Greek cross.  The Narthex, Nave, and Chancel denote the upright shaft, and the Transepts signify the cross beam (click here for an illustrative drawing).  The point where the two intersect is called the cross-over or crossing.

THE CROSS

Hundreds of different designs of the cross have been developed to express various doctrinal meanings and to fit special decorative requirements.  The several crosses which adorn the Chancel and Transept facades are of the Latin type, which is the most universally used symbol of the Christian Church.

The cross at the top of the Fleche is of a slender design which is in harmony with it's location.  These crosses, besides reminding us of the completed redemption, indicate that this building was erected and dedicated to the worship and service of God.

Greek crosses are so called because of their symmetrical form, all four arms being of equal length regardless of their artistic treatment.  They fit in admirable with all ornamental requirements.  They should not be confused with the badge of the Greek Orthodox Church, which is entirely different.

The Quatrefoil

Quatrefoils (four leaves) are seen between the upper and lower sacristy windows and at other places about the church.  They refer chiefly to the Four Gospels and the Four Evangelists.  Their meaning may be somewhat modified when used in connections with certain other insignia.

The Fleche

The New Century dictionary gives the English pronunciation as "flesh."  The slender shape of this spire suggests an arrow, which is what the French word means.  It is NOT a steeple, tower, nor a belfry.  Physically it is an important feature which distinguishes the church from secular buildings.

The fleche is placed at the cross-over, and is the highest and most conspicuous symbol of the church.  It denotes Heavenly Aspiration - the effort of man to communicate with God and God's love and grace to draw us to Him.  The cross at the top suggests "Glory to God in the Highest."  The medallions near the base are symbols of the Messianic promise and of the Blessed Trinity.

The Fleche has been used in this manner since the thirteenth century as evidence of the Christian Faith in the One True Triune God.