Masonry Magazine August 1963 Page. 17
Christ Lutheran Church, Blaine, Minn.
An unusual curtain wall with the strength of a pure masonry wall, yet with controlled light transmission and aesthetic appeal, was designed for the Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine, Minnesota.
The wall alternates 4 x 12 rectangular glass blocks, installed vertically, with 12-inch by 2-inch solid concrete units. The glass blocks are 4 inches deep and the concrete units are 6 inches deep. The latter are set so they protrude 1-2 inches to the outside and ½ inch to the inside. According to architects, Adkins & Johnson, of St. Paul, the wall saved more than $800 over the cost of a standard window wall. The alternating solids and glass blocks give a proper atmosphere of subdued reverence for the church while the projecting masonry blocks give a changing play of shadows as the sun direction changes.
The building will serve as a temporary church for several years and then become part of an education building that is part of the church master plan due for completion in the next five to ten years.
Architect Lonnie Adkins commented that other types of walls were considered prior to the final decision. Tinted windows, for example, could give the equivalent light transmission, but would not create the desirable atmosphere of privacy or be as aesthetically pleasing, yet would cost more to build. They preferred not to erect a screen in front of a glass wall since it would not express the church function. As architect Adkins pointed out, "... to hide a church and hide its purpose is unthinkable."
The solid concrete blocks and glass blocks were laid in alternating "soldier" courses within a U-type frame anchored into the masonry between brick piers. Each bay contains 104 glass blocks and 104 concrete ones. There are a total of eleven bays.
HENRY
August, 1963
Close-up of the wall near the entrance to the church. Concrete units protrude 1 inch on the outside and 1/2 inches on the inside to give a changing pattern of light and shadow.
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