St. Andrew Lutheran Church presented a rare opportunity to create a dramatic new worship space for a congregation and establish a graceful gateway for a growing city. Nestled on the South side of the approach to Franklin, Tennessee, St. Andrew’s sanctuary has been a welcoming presence since 1982. The church’s growing ministry, growing membership and its physically obscure presence to passersby at this high-traffic location called for a building expansion incorporating a new nave, narthex and a columbarium.

To achieve the desired physical view and appearance that was currently lacking, exterior construction created a new masonry and stone entry tower element complete with an oversize steel cross atop its roof. This climbing, breezy entryway can be seen from all approaches.

The interior space is just as splendid, built to embrace a vintage Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ that soars to a height of 42 feet at its tallest point. Radial pattern seating creates a feeling of community in worship while the ancient Jerusalem Cross surrounds the altar platform in mosaic tiles. An additional mosaic at the baptismal font mimics the Jerusalem Cross and greets worshipers as they enter the nave, creating a line of sight from the vast St. Andrew cross to the baptismal font and the altar.

With the new building, the church now presents the presence and garners the attention their previous structure failed to provide. The new design allows them to accommodate new members and continue their various growing ministries.