Church Architecture in the Calumet-Laurium Settlement Area, Michigan: A Study of Ethno-Religious Forms, Regional Building Materials, Social History, and Preservation Issues

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Date

1996-12

Authors

Yarbrough, Edward B.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

As a thematic group, the church buildings of the Calumet-Laurium settlement area embody characteristics of regional architecture and symbolic roles as ethnic and denominational forms; their placement and use reflect the dynamic tension between conforming to the structures of humanism or to the example of Jesus Christ, a tension which pervaded nineteenth and twentieth century church doctrines. Although each church building uniquely reflects a combination of influences, they are tied to each other and to residential, commercial, and industrial forms as significant but endangered resources in the once urban landscape. As resources worthy of preservation, various methods for securing the future of church buildings are recommended. Effo11s to preserve church buildings should correspond to their significant interpretive value as embodiments of ethnic, denominational, and regional history. The use, design, location, setting, materials, workmanship, and associations, both historical and spiritual, substantiate the case for their preservation and interpretation.

Description

247 pages

Keywords

historic preservation, church, ethnic and denominational expression, church preservation, settlement areas

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