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Pennsylvania Mid-Century Modern Churches (page 1)

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Beth Sholom Congregation
Elkins Park, PA
The Beth Sholom Congregation synagogue was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and built between 1954-1959. Wright used ideas for this building from his unbuilt Steel Cathedral for a Million People which he designed in 1926. Beth Sholom uses Jewish symbolism extensively. Wright worked closely with Beth Sholom's Rabbi Mortimer J. Cohen on the design. There are numerous triangular forms suggesting the Star of David and the importance of the number three in the Jewish faith. Using concrete, steel, aluminum, and glass, Beth Sholom was meant to resemble Mt. Sinai. The suspended ceiling resembles a tent and the carpeting is sand-colored. The building's hexagonal structure was meant to imitate two joined hands, as Wright said: "when one enters a place of worship, he should feel as if he were resting in the very hands of God". The glass roof immediately proved impractical and was replaced with fiberglass panels. The main synagogue can seat over 1,000 people. [map]

Congregation Adath Jeshurun
Elkins Park, PA
Congregation Adath Jeshurun was built in 1964. [map]

Sts. Peter and Paul Parish
Beaver, PA
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish was built from 1970-1972. I don't know who the designer was. [map]

former Christ Chapel
Merion, PA		 Martin Luther King, Jr. Center
Philadelphia, PA
The Christ Chapel at the Episcopal Academy was built in 1960. It was designed by Vincent G. Kling and Associates. The Academy moved in 2008 and the property is now used by St. Joseph's University. In 2012, the Chapel was renamed the Cardinal John P. Foley Campus Commons. It is used for performances and other activities. [map]

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center was built in 1970 as an annex to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church. [map]

St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Williamsport, PA
St. Mark's Lutheran Church was dedicated in 1960. These photos are from 2012. The steeple has been missing since around 2022. For more, see this website. [map]