Pictured Above: Interior of Zion Lutheran Sanctuary, Photo by Stephanie Brown.
Free Event for Zion Lutheran's 75th Anniversary
On Saturday May 3, 2025, Zion Lutheran Church will be observing the 75th Anniversary of their Pietro Belluschi designed house of worship. Restore Oregon supporters and the general public are invited to their presentation and celebration of Zion's appreciation for their special sanctuary. This is a unique opportunity for one and all to experience the inspiration of a Belluschi sacred space, as Belluschi himself said " ... space that is more than a shelter, space that gives a hint of other more satisfying purposes."
Zion Lutheran Church is a Portland Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In May of 1950, Zion opened its doors as the first modern style church in Portland and seven thousand attended the event. Even in 1964, the church was still unique and a twelve foot high photo of it was exhibited to the World's Fair in Belgium.
The presentations on May 3 include remarks from Pastor Jim Pressnell and Brian Fleener, an architect congregant, about the congregations' appreciation for the building and its beauty; and an overview from Tony Belluschi about his father's love of church architecture and his ability to convince the Zion congregation to look to the future by embracing the elegant simplicity of Mid-Century Modern designs while still maintaining their traditional symbols.
Acoustics in Belluschi designed churches and music venues are highly praised, including at Alice Tully Hall at The Juilliard School. For this celebration, in addition to remarks, attendees will be treated to an organ recital by longtime Zion organist Floy Berentsen.
There is no fee for this event, it is provided courtesy of the Zion Lutheran congregation. Please join in sharing the joy and history of this significant spiritual space and its importance to Portland.
- Welcome: Pastor Jim Pressnell
- Organ recital: Floy Berentsen
- “Pietro Belluschi and the Importance of Sacred Space”: Anthony Belluschi
- “What Zion’s Sacred Space has Meant to Our Worshipping Congregation”: Brian Fleener
- Reception in Fellowship Hall with a display of original blueprints and other memorabilia.