Eggbeater Jesus Church

  

The First Baptist Church building of Huntsville, Alabama has everything: art, architecture, history…and it’s even listed on Roadside America!

I had driven past this church for 20 years, thinking it a bizarre old building (but not old enough to be interesting), with a strange metallic bell tower, before I finally acquired an appreciation of it. First, an increased interest in mosaics drew me to the 43-ft high “Cosmic Christ” on the facade of the church (known locally as the “Eggbeater Jesus”). Then, I saw an article in the Huntsville Times that included interior photos of the magnificent space-themed stained glass windows which I previously had no idea were there. Lastly, a new-found interest in Mid-Century Modern architecture cinched this building as an architectural icon for me. I had to see the interior for myself!

I had never been to the annual Living Christmas Tree choral presentation so I decided to attend the informal daytime presentation especially for children for a chance to see the interior and photograph the windows with daylight streaming through them. I was able to explore, photograph, and enjoy an excellent show!

I was not at all disappointed upon seeing the huge faceted stained glass windows (although I was unable to see the recently added baptistry window, which was hidden by the Living Christmas Tree set). The current windows are exact duplicates of the originals (created by Gordon Smith of Smith Stained Glass Studios in Fort Worth, Texas), which were replaced during a 1997 renovation. I have never seen anything like them. They are gorgeous and, as usual, I could not capture the extent of the beauty in photos. Their design, with swirling colors and shapes, is intended to inspire the viewer and direct attention to the pulpit. They represent creation and the creative process: “The radiance near the center [of the south window] suggests the brilliant, intense light of God. Around it, like a river of fire, flows the creative flux. Distant bursts of light suggest the creation of galaxies in the far reaches of space. Unknown planets and stars emerge. A strong suggestion lingers of order evolving out of disorder as the will of God is imposed upon the matter of the universe.” What a perfect depiction for a church built in the Rocket City during the height of the Space Race! 

South window

Blocks of colored glass are encased by epoxy filler

North window

The mosaic was also created by Gordon Smith. He began it in 1966 and completed the installation (by hand and tweezers) of the 14 million pieces of Italian tile in 1973. The design expresses the Biblical theme of “Creation and Redemption” and gives the “impression of the process of creation, of order evolving out of disorder.” Christ stands in the midst of the seven churches, symbolized by lamp stands (which look like galaxies to me). A beam of light emanating from his mouth represents God’s Word. His hands are extended, inviting one to enter the church.

Some of the tessellae have fallen off

First Baptist Church has been serving the community for over two hundred years and is Alabama’s oldest missionary Baptist body. It began in 1809 as the West Fork of the Flint River Church when Alabama was still part of the Mississippi Territory. The current building/location (formerly a turnip patch) is the fifth used by the Church, while the fourth (the “Gothic Church” built in 1895) is still standing at Gallatin & Clinton Streets in downtown Huntsville. Plans for the current building began in 1957, the same year Sputnik 1 (the first artificial earth satellite) was launched.  The Sanctuary was completed in 1966. The unusual seven-arched roofline expands outward from the pulpit to the outer doors with the seven arches representing the seven churches in Revelation. The postmodern 229-ft freestanding steeple was added in 1987. It was fabricated by Campbellsville Industries, Inc. and is covered with a zinc alloy. According to the 1990 Guinness Book of World Records, it is the largest prefabricated steeple in the world. It houses a 48-bell carillon which chimes the hour, and the bells are pealed for special occasions. A 90-ft elevator provides access to a carillonneur's room below the bells. Now I really want to go up there!

The bell from the previous church building
sits outside the church doors