Yesterday was just another “normal” day at work… full of paperwork, phone calls, listening to other people talk about their broken air conditioners, flat tires, and Memorial Day weekend plans. I didn’t expect it to be any different, but then I get a call from Rebecca. Rebecca is not only an awesome person, but the daughter of one of Rex & Ruth Goode’s best friends (Reminder: Rex and Ruth Goode owned our home and he was the architect) What a nice surprise! She called to ask a favor and to be honest I was sort of stunned…. not because she asked but because she asked ME! She is a member of the First United Methodist Church here in town and they wanted me to come down to the church and take a look at their choir recital hall to get my advice on how they could “spiff it up” and make it a little brighter and more up-to-date.
I realize this might seem weird as you read this (join the club, I’m not an interior designer) but I guess it makes sense because the architect who designed this beautiful and well-known church was no other than Rex Goode. She described the room as being “similar to my house” and she has been following our renovation progress and thought I could make a few suggestions. Basically I was thrilled and got excited about the chance to see the building and check out the space. Of course we got so wrapped up in conversation I forgot to take a picture, but it was pretty surreal. The room was warm and exactly as I would expect… full sheet, gorgeous block paneling on the walls in a warm honey color, limestone and wood supports, beautiful wood ceilings and the exact trim and style as my own home. It was freaky! It felt way too familiar. There were 3 cabinets against a wall that looked exactly like the cabinets that were built in my home… it was definitely a Goode House…. of worship. My mind immediately began to spin with ideas… all of which would take way more time and money than they have. So I tried to help by making a few suggestions based on what we did to our home. I hope it helped in some small way. It’s very strange to think about changing something that you know is a big deal. Whether it be my home or the church. There’s history there, and although changing things in your own home is pretty easy… its yours. Changing things in a church that belongs to everyone, is not. I can relate to their fears of should we paint the paneling?, should we tear out those cabinets?, should we paint the wood ceiling? As soon as you do.. someone gasps in horror. “HOW COULD YOU!” It’s a tough call.
After leaving the recital space, the church was open but hardly anyone there, so I took some time to enjoy the beautiful building and the architecture that has been so appreciated for generations and generations. A church designed by someone that means something to me… and by someone that has changed my way of living. I have to say it was a lovely way to end my day and it made me think about the sweet couple that put their heart and soul into (my home) the home they designed, built and lived in for the rest of their lives. I’m not a sentimental person but it was crashing over me.
I wondered around taking pictures. I’ve been in this church SO MANY times, watched friends get married, enjoyed meaningful sermons, and have loved it for as long as I can remember but I was seeing it so different today. I thought I’d share some of them with you. I realize Gothic arches are very common in church architecture but I was just taken with it. The attention to detail is incredible … even the bench legs form that beautiful equilateral arch. Stunning.
Check out the sanctuary and those beautiful beamed ceilings. All the wood work is breath taking and of course those light fixtures and stained glass leave you speechless.
Beautiful doors that have such a simple modern feel to them. Even the amazing light pendants flaunt the Gothic arch.
There was no way I was leaving without taking some snaps of the stained glass windows by the Willett Studios of Philadelphia. I love the way the colors seem to melt into the wall next to it.
The outside is equally amazing with rows and rows of those incredible arches.
I wanted to just lay down on the the stone tile and just enjoy the incredible view.
It was so peaceful. It was like I had the whole church to myself.
There was just something about this shot below with the beautiful blue sky… I don’t know…what can I say…. no need really.
So wow, thanks Rebecca. Your call was a wonderful surprise and I thank you for thinking of me. It made me think about WAY too much stuff … but I guess that’s never a bad thing.
I feel really lucky to live in a Rex Goode home and I’m sure every person who walks through those beautiful church doors feels the same (about the church, not my home – HA!). They may not have known him but I feel certain they appreciate what he did.
Actually that seemed silly to just say… because most folks probably did know him as he was not just the architect but a life long church member.
I had watched this before but thought I’d share it. Rex and Ruth were huge supporters of the Arts and sometimes the parallels of our lives freaks me out.. but also makes me happy.
After their passing they were celebrated for all they were and all they did so if you’re interested… here’s a time lapsed drawing of the couple made by Sue Bard who is an artist and Executive Director for the Southeast Texas Arts Council. ( just click the graphic) Enjoy.
OMG….. literally ! it is beautiful and your photos are great stacey
My amateur photography skills don’t do it justice… but thank you. It’s such a pretty place and I was practically there by myself so I was so at ease… I left feeling really happy. I guess church is suppose to do that, isn’t it. HA! Thank you for looking.
wow, what an awesomely surreal experience! and it’s a lovely feather to put in your cap. maybe you have an additional career in your future! :)
First I need a cap! (or a cool umbrella) You’re so sweet, but I would never think that I know anything about design. I know what I like and that’s about it. I was very flattered and humbled by her invitation. It was just fun being there.
Gorgeous!! When I visited New York in ’06, I kept thinking, “I wish they still made churches like this” after seeing Trinity Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral (<— Ummm, WOW). Gothic arches, crazy-high ceilings, minute stonework details and concentrated care in every corner. Of course, it's too costly and time-consuming these days, but so cool to see.
What a neat privilege you have to help them out! Our church just got it's first permanent building about 5 years ago, and it's such a special place (it's a church/school combo, so most of it has been portables). I know Rebecca and the congregation really appreciate your talent and thought into helping them with this :)
And agreed – the last photo is breathtaking!
Happy Memorial Day weekend to you!
Kristina
Nook & Sea
Going to New York is a trip (literally and figuratively). There was so much to see but I’m sure I looked like an idiot walking all over the city with my head up and my mouth wide open! The architecture was almost euphoric. You’re right… cool to see, but becoming pretty uncommon today. Thank you for checking these out and sharing the experience. It’s way more fun to share than to be excited on your own. :-)
What an enjoyable post to read, something to add to your personal story. And a beautiful church, thanks for the pics.
There’s so many stories in regard to this architect… he was so loved in the community and everywhere I go “we’re the couple that bought the Goode house”. It’s a privilege.
BEAUTIFUL photos…
Thank you, Carrie. I love the stained glass and those legs on the benches. It was fun taking them… I’m sure the people that were there thought I was crazy practically rolling around the place.
Wow, the photos that you took are amazing! I love the contrast between the overly colorful stained glass and wood beams. Those arches are killer and the church looks so serene.
I like your eye! I love those same features. I swear, it was serene… if I had laid down under that arch outside I would have fallen asleep. Thanks for letting me share, I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Yeah I can imagine! I’m happy to see a place of worship that also paid attention to the details and design. It was really refreshing to see. Thanks for sharing!
What gorgeous stained glass and such an amazing project!
Thank you for saying so. The members of the church are no doubt very proud to have it. I couldn’t quit snapping pictures. I’m happy you stopped by to take a look.
This is so fantastic, Stacey! Are there very many other Rex Goode projects in your area? Maybe you’ve already posted about them?
I love the photo of the stained glass “melting” onto the adjacent wall – really beautiful.
Thank you for looking… especially since you’re one of my fav bloggers when it comes to “getting out there” and seeing/sharing places. He did do many projects but I have never posted about them. I might have to do that. He was well loved.
That photo you mentioned was my favorite. It almost looks like water on the wall.
I had a lovely time.
What an incredible church. I am dying over the light fixtures – what is that, “mid-century gothic” :)? Why can’t I find cool stuff like that for my house (not exactly like that, but you know what I mean!)?
Hey Kelly… I almost missed this comment. Sorry. You’re hilarious. I don’t know maybe that could be the newest trend “mid-century gothic”… I’m diggin’ it. HA HA! Those lights were HUGE!!! Talk about make a statement in your house. (still laughing).
Stunning church and photos! What an amazing opportunity!
Stunning church and photos! What an incredible opportunity!
Beautiful! The photos are fantastic.
What an interesting experience for you… I’ll be curious to see the before and afters.
What year was the church built?
Thanks for peeking, Victoria. I loved taking them, it was fun. I hope I’m correct when I say the church was built around 1967-1968. I hope they are able to use some of my ideas… but really they weren’t anything they didn’t probably already think of. I think it was just about someone else’s eyes and opinions. They’ll do great with it. Rebecca said she’d send pictures. I hope she does.
Have a great weekend. Working in the bathroom, I presume? :-)
Stacey,
Thanks so very much for coming by our church to give us some ideas for sprucing up the chancel choir room. It is very much appreciated!! Your suggestions really helped us, and I will definitely share before and after pics. We — the choir — are planning on doing a couple of “work days” this summer to clean and freshen up our choir rehearsal room. You have inspired us to do some simple things that will give our room a new sparkle.
I am so glad that you were able to take some time to enjoy the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in downtown Beaumont, which was built in 1968. Affectionately referred to as the “Spire Church,” it was ” a new landmark for Beaumont, the 16 foot stainless steel cross, atop the 62-foot tapered spire, soars 78 feet above the sanctuary roof, for a total height of 147 feet. Sunlit by day, spotlighted by night, it becomes a beckoning sight from land, air and water approaches to downtown and to First Methodist Church.” from published history book– CORNERSTONES: A HISTORY OF BEAUMONT AND METHODISM.
Stacey, You took some great pictures! Thanks so much for sharing them. We have a great preacher, glorious vocal music of all genres with a fantastic pipe organ. I find our worship services to be be particularly inspiring and thought-provloking. It is a blessing to worship in such great architecture. All are invited and welcome to visit us on a Sunday morning.
Thanks again, Stacey, for taking the time to come out to help us out. I am so grateful!!!!!!