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Go to Steeple of Light - Facts & Figures ORIGINAL CONCEPTION, 1940 — "Steeple of Light" conceived as part of Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for Community's "Church-of-the-Future," after church's former structure on the corner of Forest and Linwood burned to the ground, Halloween night, 1939. (See History of Community Christian Church.)
FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT, 1940-1941 — On his birthday, June 8, 1940, Wright wrote notes on architectural renderings for Community Christian Church's new building, concerning "searchlights piercing the perforated masonry roof ... sky-beams ... electric beams...." On August 8, 1941 drawings showed sectional view of eight so-called "floodlights" — 1000 watts each. In descriptions of the project in process at the time (1941), The Kansas City Star interprets the forthcoming "steeple of light" as shining forth with "8,000 candlepower."
DALE ELDRED, 1990 — To mark its Centennial Celebration in 1990, Community approached Dale Eldred regarding the possibility of fulfilling Frank Lloyd Wright's vision. On November 13, 1990, Community's General Board unanimously approved an agreement with Dale Eldred, "subject to successful test." Initial tests with various available lights were inconclusive and not satisfactorily successful, although Dale stated with absolute confidence: "I'm sure the technology is out there!" (Tragically, Dale Eldred died in a fall in his studio in the West Bottoms on July 26, 1993.)
RENEWED INTEREST, DECEMBER 1993-SPRING 1994 — An interested group of Community members commenced its support of the fulfillment of Dale Eldred's design for Frank Lloyd Wright's vision for the "Steeple of Light." Roberta Lord, Dale's wife and artistic collaborator, was approached regarding the possibility of implementing Dale's design for realizing Frank Lloyd Wright's vision. Consultation with Community's General Board followed. A successful test occurred in March 3, 1994. Further inquiries were made with other potential donors and overall contributions were secured.
MAY-JUNE 1994 — Bid-lettings with potential searchlight manufacturers. Final unanimous approval by General Board given on June 14, 1994. Morris Mashburn of TeK Lighting Corporation of Brentwood, Tennessee, contracted to make the lights.
JULY-NOVEMBER 1994 — Roberta Lord commenced preparatory work with installation crew of artists who had worked on previous projects with Dale Eldred. Electrical Contractors Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri, contracted to do requisite electrical wiring for "steeple of light" hookup.
DECEMBER 1994 — Lights were delivered on Tuesday, December 6, 1994 and installed later the following weekend, December 9 and December 10. Extraordinary "light-up" tests occurred on Friday, December 9 (one light) and Saturday, December 10 (all four lights).
DECEMBER 15, 1994 — "Light-up" and Dedication Service with 400+ in attendance in sanctuary and an equal number (and more!) outside, along Main Street, 46th Street, in Mill Creek Park, and around J.C. Nichols fountain. Faye Smith, Moderator of the Congregation; Rev. Robert Lee Hill, Pastor. Community Christian Church Vision Statement for the 21st Century: Worship God ◊ Grow Disciples ◊ Serve the World |
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