Architect Listens, Designs Accordingly
Rev. Kurt Larson wasn’t at Risen Christ Lutheran in Davenport, when the church was built in 1990. But that doesn’t preclude his being in awe of its beautiful design, created by architect Gary Landhauser, a member of LCEF’s Architectural Advisory Committee. “The church began in 1985 in a temporary modular unit owned by the district,” Larson said, noting that it was replaced in 1990 by the present beautiful sanctuary and fellowship hall. The congregation has high praise for Landhauser’s plans and his willingness to listen to their expectations and design a structure to accommodate future growth. White on the outside, bright and cheery on the inside, the church beckons all to come inside. “He put a lot of thought into the design,” Larson said. “People enter and exit the church through the fellowship hall. So after the service they’re more likely to stick around and socialize.” The fellowship hall has a multipurpose design with enough room to accommodate a large gathering but be broken down into smaller units for classrooms when needed.
In 1995, Landhauser once again put his design skills to work and drew up plans for an education wing with Sunday school classrooms and a day care that is available for the entire community.
Since Larson came to the northwest Davenport church, he has worked closely with LCEF. A few years ago he and the church’s planning committee worked with LCEF Iowa District Vice President Carole White on a demographics study. Their goal was to strategize the ministry’s potential for growth. “There is a possibility of expansion at some point in the future, but no specific plans have even been considered,” Larson said. “We look forward to partnering with LCEF with whatever we do in the future,” he said. “LCEF has always been there when we needed their services. It’s a ministry-based organization with a focus on the work of the church, not just finances. Both Gary Landhauser and LCEF have been a blessing to our ministry.”
