Award for Religious Arts
Stephen Lee, Stephen Lee Architects
Seattle, WA
Christ Our Hope Church in Seattle undertook a complete reconstruction of a previous baptismal font to allow for full immersion in a small worship space. The church occupies what was originally the Dining Room of a luxury hotel built in 1908. The building is now used for low-income housing. The new baptistry sits at the entrance to the space but still allows space for a coffin gurney in the event of a funeral. The seating next to the main is movable to provide more space during baptisms for the assembly to gather around.
The font comprises an infinity pool with a structure that is elevated 24” above the floor, derives from a number of considerations. The height ensures safety and decreases the likelihood of worshippers falling in. The rectangular plan reflects the shapes in the decorative ceiling above. The white stone ties in with the other liturgical elements — altar and ambo.
The sarcophagus shaped font signifies triumph over death. The steps inside represent entering into the death of Christ, being buried with Christ and rising to walk in the resurrected life of Christ (Romans 6:4). This is further reinforced by the contrasting black stone interior. Visitors, on entering the church, are immediately confronted by the Baptistry pool with all of its liturgical meaning and it’s continually flowing “living” water gently pouring over the sides.
Jury Comments
This font is simply detailed, elegant with its infinity edge. There’s a strong connection in this font between the imagery of a tomb and the sacrament of baptism that is biblical in its references. Very well scaled for the sanctuary it resides in.
Project Team Members
Stephen Lee, designer
Lambert Stoneworks, fabrication & installation
Dennis Deitzel, plumber
Project Consultants
Swenson Say Faget, structural engineers
