Downtown Presbyterian Church.

The site of the Downtown Presbyterian Church is perfect. Located in the midst of a busy downtown area, the building blends in very well with its surroundings despite how differently it is used compared to most other buildings in the area. This contrast really adds to the experience of the church and I cannot think of a better place for it. There is a great deal of open space within the church that seems to dwarf human importance upon entering the main room. However, the size and openness of the room is also very peaceful. In the balcony, space has a different effect. From above the rest of the church, it is easier to appreciate the vast space surrounding me and to take everything in. Much of this peaceful atmosphere can certainly be attributed to light. The church has many stained glass windows on either side that not only dims the bright rays from the sun, but also brings more color to the room and adds a different perspective to the artwork at the front of the sanctuary. The sanctuary is ornately decorated, giving it a very different feel from what we are used to today. It was surprising to find such unique decoration, as it was not what I expected. The bright colors of the artwork is surprising, but makes the work very true to its time period. It gives a lighter, more informal feel to the church that, while it probably was not the intention of the Egyptian architects, made me much more comfortable in the sanctuary. The materials also have an enormous effect on the feel of the space. The wooden chairs in the balcony and pews on the floor add a sense of comfort, while the stained glass windows seem to slow time and put away the rush of the day. The regularity of the pews give the room a steady rhythm, making the room appear more formal, but without causing it to become boring. Arguably the most distinctive feature in the room is the organ. It is the center of the front wall and it demands attention, especially in the way light reflects from its pipes. Altogether, it was a really cool visit and I am glad we had the opportunity to spend some time exploring and observing the church.