Some History Notes...

The Crest or Coat of Arms of Peace Lutheran Church
This design was planned and developed exclusively for
our congregation. It is seen on the corner stone and on a special banner.

The Stained Glass of Peace Lutheran Church

When planning the stained glass, the Reverend pastor, as well as the gentlemen of the building committee, were fully aware of the function of stained glass as a medium towards creating atmosphere and controlling prevailing light.

The rather unusual contemporary architecture demanded a complete departure from prevailing conventional standards of floral ornamentation. Consequently, an approach in design in use in Europe for churches of this type of architecture had to be adopted and has been brought to a successful conclusion as demonstrated in the beauty of the stained glass throughout the church, especially in the two large window where the design and color treatment highlights the symbol of the church in the form of a cross. more...

  -- The Cross-symbolizes Jesus Christ

  -- The triangle the Triune God

  -- The dove the peace of God

The Meaning Behind the Architecture of the Present Building

Peace Church Structure and Symbolism

The complete structure of this church is one of simple shapes and spaces.

The structural system and materials are simple and the basis for the functional design. The ground floor and balcony with administrative wing are reinforced concrete while the nave and basic church section are spanned with laminated wood trusses with plank ceiling insulated under a tile roof. The exterior stone is local Wisconsin Limestone with cast stone and aluminum sash and windows. Floors are of slate, rubber, asphalt tile, and ceramic tiles with stone, oak, and rubber trim. Ceilings are acoustic wood, and plaster, varying with room usage and acoustic conditions. Heating is a vacuum system, with ventilation provided in assembly areas and as necessary.

The exterior is symbolic and expressive in the shape and materials.
-- The stone exterior itself is symbolic of the martyrdom of our Lord.
-- The entranced façade has the large single cross symbolizing the unity of the Godhead, the Church, and the gable and apex the ascendance.
-- The two buttresses flanking the entrance represent the two fold nature of Our Lord, the oaken door the Forgiveness.
-- The glass designs are -
      Upper Left - Symbol of God
      Center - Jesus Christ
      Lower - The Holy Ghost
      Upper Right - His Holy Word
      Center - Resurrection
      Lower - The Seven Gifts

-- The carved stone panel in the entrance pylon over the entrance is the seal of Luther, the cross over a rose.
-- The stainless steel cross on the tower is of Jesus Christ; highest of the High,
-- The eight interwoven crosses behind are the Regeneration. Those eight crosses on the other side are of Completion or the eight beatitudes.
-- The chancel cross which is visible to the interior also symbolizes the entrance to heaven by way of the cross.

The interior with its furnishings and trim in oak symbolize - strength, eternity, force, virtue and forgiveness.
The leaded glass windows express their story and, here again, we see the two crosses of the church over the balcony and the chancel expressing to heaven by way of the cross.
The chancel screen has twelve leaded crosses for the months of the year and the twelve four-pointed stars represent the twelve apostles.
The ten laminated roof members are the Ten Commandments and the reeded organ grilles recall the passion symbol.
The furniture again recalls the oak symbolism, while the three stars on the pulpit the three elements in man, or, preferably, the three theological virtues.
The cross of the lectern is for passion, faith, redemption and atonement.
The chancel rail creates the spiritual separation

The structure design and plan were created and executed by Mr. Austin Lange of the firm of Lang & Raugland of Minneapolis, Minnesota. We of Peace Lutheran will always be grateful for the divine Guidance and Inspiration of almighty God who through Mr. Lange gave us such a beautiful church.