Second Presbyterian Church in Nashville holds dedication

Nashville, Tenn. – One young member, 8th grader Nate Goldsmith, had moved to another state before the new building opened. All he wanted for Christmas was a plane ticket to Nashville to see the new spaces — and he flew by himself. Pretty amazing when you think of all the other things he could have put on his list.

"We are so excited about the possibilities our new buildings give us for ministry, both within our congregation and in the wider Green Hills community," says the Rev. Jim Kitchens.

Firm principal Baird Dixon designed the building and Beth Chappell designed interiors. The exterior bears intentional resemblance to the church destroyed by fire a few years ago. The interiors take full advantage of new materials and modern styling. The sanctuary is reverent and calming, while other gathering spaces take on a more contemporary look.

"The new facilities are historically linked to the original church that was a beloved icon of the congregation and the surrounding neighborhood," Baird says.

"The steeple is an exact replica and in the same location as the original as is the steeple tower. Other links to our past are the high round windows, wood shutters on tall windows, white brick, and colonnade."

The new construction includes the Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Cafe, Peaceable Kingdom for kindergarten through sixth grade children, youth and prayer rooms, and children's church. The Christian Education Building, Activity Center, kitchen and church house were not damaged by the fire.

When it comes to sustainable building materials, the church group made intentional choices in keeping with its mission. Beth says these materials include bamboo flooring in the sanctuary, stained concrete floors in other gathering rooms, and energy-efficient windows.

Throughout the design and building process, Street Dixon Rick's architectural team listened with care and understanding to members' desires and hopes for a building that was spiritual, spacious, and warm and inviting.

"Of all the firms we interviewed, Street Dixon Rick understood the expression of reformed theology in architecture that was so very important to our church's design goals. This was captured masterfully in our new sanctuary," says Melissa Red, Chair of Vision Committee and Construction Oversight Committee.

"Architecturally, Street Dixon Rick was able to thread the needle in acknowledging our past and stepping boldly into our church's future. In so doing, they captured the essence of what Second Presbyterian is all about."

Architect as Translator: Capturing the heart and soul in form

For architect Baird Dixon, the Second Presbyterian church project was very personal. A member since 1984, he says he "married into" the church in 1982. "I felt drawn to this project. We interviewed along with several other talented architects and received the commission," he recalls.

"The former building was a beloved icon of the congregation and of the surrounding neighborhood. It was known as the 'wedding church' and many of Nashville's citizens from all walks of life still remind me they were married there in the 1940's or 1950's.

"It was quite an undertaking. I deeply loved the old buildings because I always felt they were beautifully proportioned and sat gently and respectfully on this piece of land," Baird says.

Baird points out several of these intentional links to the past:

More subtle details are also intentional historical reminders such as the plaster arch at the chancel and the round windows positioned high.

"We hope that both the congregation and the larger community will create new traditions that we haven't even imagined yet," Baird says. "This might naturally evolve over time as the community discovers our wonderful acoustics and new creative, spiritual spaces."

Expressing reformed theology through architectural concepts:

Focus on God above all. The sanctuary embodies a sense of reverence and invites spiritual renewal.

Simplicity of Space and Form. The church's tradition emphasizes the gathered community rather than exalting the space itself.

The approach to worship. The steeple tower becomes a figurative 'front door.' Worship space is central and all roads lead to the sanctuary. Every pathway to the sanctuary includes a "quiet down" transitional space.

Focus on community throughout the church. In the sanctuary, seating is a harmonious circle where one looks across and sees fellow members and guests. There are almost 400 seats, but only 11 rows, versus 21 rows in the old church.

An orientation to the outside world vs. an introspective focus. There are several entrances to the sanctuary. Clear glass and natural light provide views of trees and sky.

Trends were watched and evaluated in light of the overall design. For example, sustainability is a meaningful trend that makes sense, both in economic terms and in the sense of keeping with the church's mission. Natural materials such as bamboo flooring, which is a renewable resource, energy-efficient lighting, wood decking and artfully stained concrete floors, are just a few of these design elements.

Encouraging interaction between all generations by providing visual links between floor levels. Whether it's church, school or the movie theatre, youth are drawn to balconies. "We've been very happy to see them reclaim their space in the balcony in the sanctuary," Baird says. And then there's the very hip cafe, designed for the youth with crisp, slightly 'edgy' furnishings.

"It looks like a fun, upbeat urban coffee shop. The kids love it and they share the space so that it doubles as a before-church gathering spot for all ages," Baird says.

Visual links continue in the education spaces. "Many of the children who are now in their teens were raised in the 'Peaceable Kingdom,' where classrooms and halls had been lovingly painted with bright murals. We wanted to provide them with a sense of continuity by giving visual reminders of those years."

The new space features many creative components including a two-story mural on a curved wall that features windows where parents can peek in and check out the fun.

Welcoming community. "It was also very central to our mission to make room for the many community and non-profit organizations that use the space during the week. At last count, Second Presbyterian Church provided meeting space for more than 21 groups providing services to those in need. We included washers, dryers, Room in the Inn storage and other areas to make them welcome," Baird says.

Fun Facts
Approximately 28,000 square feet replaces and improves the sanctuary, fellowship hall, café, Peaceable Kingdom, educational classrooms, children's church, and prayer room.

Sanctuary seats 380.

The Celtic cross and other liturgical furnishings, including the pulpit, font and communion table, were handcrafted by church member Van Williams.

The amethyst window panes in the chancel of the sanctuary are hand-blown stained glass made in Germany. The amethyst panes appear to be textured because of seeded air bubbles in the glass. The glass panes from the previous sanctuary were actually a tinted glass from Czechoslovakia and the new amethyst glass is another intentional link to the previous sanctuary.