Harwell Hamilton Harris: The Design of St. Mary's
By Dr. Milton W. TalbotA Retrospective by the 1956-1961 Building Committee.
Several in the Church have asked about the wisdom of certain proposed additions and
changes to the church structure and decor with regard to the planning concepts that were
originally expressed when it was first designed. Of those first involved with the planning and
construction of the buildings none currently remain in the Parish. Several parishioners who
were close to the effort do still serve St. Mary's, and are generally aware of the concept
behind it but were not actually involved with the architect and privy to his thinking. For that
reason it seems that a reminiscence by those who remain would be helpful to future planning
in the Church. It is assumed (with great hope) that the parish will continue to respect the
concept that is embodied in the structure and keep future additions and changes in harmony
with that which already exists.
In 1952 the parish was housed in a small, but delightful building at the corner of Fifth
and Runnels. The building held about 60 people (when the choir was full), had a small 5 rank
electro-pneumatic organ and an elegantly carved rood beam. The adjacent former rectory
served as the Parish Hall and Sunday School. (See also the Parish History.)
Under the leadership of its Rector, the Reverend William D. Boyd, the Parish grew
rapidly during the 1950's and the entire facility was recognized as being too small and
inadequate. In consequence, Building and Fund Raising Committees were established and,
working in tandem, laid the ground work for the relocation of the Parish to a new site. The
architectural firm of Puckett and French was asked to design a suitable church to be built on
property acquired at the corner of Tenth and Goliad. Mr. William French understood the
desire of the Parish to be for a traditional building and ultimately presented a design based
on Spanish Mission architecture. Financial constraints limited the plan to the church itself,
without provision for Parish hall and Sunday School facilities which were to be later
additions. The design accommodated slightly over 100 people for services, was of brick
embellished with considerable cast stone work to comply with the Mission design envisioned
by the architect, including a dome.
When contracts were let for bids, it became immediately apparent that the cost of the
structure greatly exceeded the resources of the parish and the plan for the construction was
canceled.
The need, however, still existed. In 1956 a new building committee was appointed
consisting of Dr. Milton W. Talbot, Junior Warden, Chair, Mr. Dan M. Krausse, at that time
senior Vice President of Cosden Petroleum, Mr. E. B. (Mac) McCormick, an engineer with
Cosden, Mr. Michael Phelan, also with Cosden, and Mr. E. L. (Son) Powell, Senior Warden.
Fr. Boyd, as Rector, was also an integral part of this committee. Of these, Mr. Powell, Mr.
Phelan and Mr. McCormick have died, Mr. Krausse resides in Dallas, Fr. Boyd, currently
retired, in Redmond, Washington, and Dr. Talbot in Austin. It is significant that the
remaining members of this committee continue to feel a deep attachment to St. Mary's and
a great deal of pride and affection for the buildings created under their oversight.
In the committee's search for a new architect, Mr. Krausse submitted the name of Mr.
Frank Sherwood of Ft. Worth, a close friend, who had done considerable work for Cosden
and who had recently entered into partnership with Mr. Harwell Hamilton Harris. Mr. Harris,
a noted architect who had recently resigned as Professor and Chairman of the Department
of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin, was known to the committee through
his prize wining work in California and his recent design of the Pace Setter House at the
Texas State fair in Dallas.
Mr. Harris' credentials were impeccable, and the firm was contacted. In the initial letter
the committee stated the criteria which they had established: that the design should consider
that the services of the church were liturgical, that the traditional design of narthex, nave,
choir and chancel be observed, that the altar should be the focal point, that it should provide
for a parish hall (with kitchen), office space and Sunday school space for at least eight
classes separate from the use of the parish hall, that the nave accommodate at least two
hundred and that all of this be achieved at minimum cost. The committee explained to Mr.
Harris that it was aware that this would require the least expensive of materials and without
much of the usual architectural adornment associated with such buildings. The tentative
budget established by the Vestry was $165,000. The firm of Harris and Sherwood accepted
the commission and work was begun on the preliminary drawings. Also involved with the
initial design of the church were several young architects, recent graduates of the University
of Texas Department who served under Mr. Harris as draftsmen and interns. These included
Mr. David Barrow, currently practicing in Austin, and Mr. David George in Dallas, both of
whom now have significant architectural credits of their own.
Mr. Harris met several times with the committee in Big Spring and on two occasions
with members of the committee in Ft. Worth. During these conferences Mr. Harris
enunciated several concepts which he felt should be considered in the design:
That, given the sun-drenched brightness of West Texas, the complex should establish
a transition to a darker more contemplative atmosphere, so that entry to the church
would progress through a courtyard and terminate in the subdued light of the Nave with
a brightly lit altar claiming the focus of the journey from the street. He felt it important
that one not enter directly from the street but be forced to walk through an atmosphere
less harsh to permit time for composure and preparation for worship.
That (in response to the committee's questions) conventional American Church
design, i.e. those created to resemble regional or period styles such as Georgian,
Greek Revival, Mission, Gothic, Norman and the like would make achieving the first
precept difficult; that because of adherence to pre-established design principles,
expenditures would be necessary for non-functional appurtenances which had nothing
to do with the activities of the parish; that he preferred not to be constrained by pre-established forms but be permitted to design specifically for this parish's needs in the
environment in which it functioned.
That he proposed the use of concrete block and wood in order to achieve as much
space as possible within the constraints of available resources while permitting a
design that would embody the scale and organization of space necessary to the dignity
of the church's mission.
That the design should be adaptable to construction in phases in order to permit
further expansion and to accommodate the parish's uncertain resources.
That the design should be simple, should not demand the use of expensive attributes
such as stained glass, carved wood designs and expensive finishes. To this end, for
example, he proposed the use of stained concrete for all flooring in order to eliminate
the need for other types of applied floor covering.
That simple materials should be used honestly: the concrete block to remain concrete
block, the construction details, where exposed, remain exposed. He proposed that no
attempt be made to disguise the presence of these details, explaining that their
uniform acceptance throughout the structure would contribute to its uniqueness and
very significantly affect its cost.
The committee accepted these and several other parameters and authorized the
creation of preliminary drawings. These and a scale model of the proposed structures were
presented to the building committee and subsequently to the Parish in October, 1956. The
preliminary design which he submitted is essentially that which was subsequently built, with
the exception of a campanile, or bell tower, planned for the southeast corner of the present
nave, which was removed from consideration. It is to be noted that many in the Parish were
less than enthusiastic about the use of concrete block, as well as the fact that it did not really
look like a conventional Episcopal Church building. However, the building committee and
the vestry felt that the design requirements had been met and authorized the creation of
working drawings.
When these were received and let for bids it was found that the global cost for the
entire plant would be approximately $250,000. However, because of the segmental design
it was possible to build a portion of the plant with plans for later completion as funds became
available. Consequently, construction contracts were awarded to A. E. Suggs Construction
Company for the construction of the Sunday school buildings, the courtyard, offices and the
parish hall. It was felt that the parish hall building could serve as the main church until the
designed nave was constructed. It is our recollection that the contract for this portion of the
construction was for $129,382, well within the maximum budget at the time. The addition
of the organ, pews, church school furniture, library, and office equipment brought the total
to $152,755. The adjacent parking area was acquired through a 99 year, one dollar-per-year
lease from the Big Spring Independent School District.
The building was completed in late January, 1958, with the corner stone being laid on
February 17th, and the first service, the "Service for Opening a New Church" following the
form provided in the Book of Occasional Services, on Sunday, February 23rd. Fr. Boyd
served, upon the appointment of Bishop Quarterman, as the officiant.
In 1964 a new building fund was mounted during the rectorship of the Reverend
Donald N. Hungerford under the chairmanship of Mr. J. R. Anderson and construction of the
existing nave was authorized and construction begun, with the cost estimate of $145,000.
The final completion of the plant was as initially designed, with the exception of
certain landscaping recommendations which were, unfortunately, never utilized.
Those of us who were involved with this effort were, and have been, exceedingly
pleased with its outcome. The church has received recognition far beyond the parish
boundaries. We would note several features of the design which, we feel, have created the
ambiance for which the building is noted:
The effect of transition which Mr. Harris stated in his initial proposal has been
elegantly achieved. The dramatic effect of the darkened nave, illuminated by its
myriad small glass block fenestration permits an appreciation of the raised and lighted
altar in a way seldom obtained in more conventional design.
The simplicity of the design is deceiving. The entirety of the plan is homogeneous in
that each part fits aesthetically with the other and thus defies piecemeal refinement.
It was Mr. Harris' concept that it should remain so; that additions be in keeping with
the precept that the beauty of the building is maintained through its use of space and
light rather than through its materials and that ornament finishes or construction
utilizing materials not in keeping with the original be avoided. For example, painting
over the interior block could convert an unusual use of this material to a conventional,
warehouse effect and cheapen the whole.
The current fenestration of clear glass enables the outside to be brought into the
interior in a way that enhances the interior space. It was Mr. Harris' intent that this
aspect of the design be kept. He therefore recommended against the use of curtains,
shades, stained glass or other impediments to this effect. Exceptions being in the
offices and school rooms where light control could be needed but would not effect the
spatial characteristics of these areas.
We would note that several areas of the plan were not completed: specifically a
wooden screen covering the ductwork in the nave which was cut from the construction
because of cost, and a narthex screen intended to repeat, in a simpler, way that of the organ
casement. This was eliminated for liturgical reasons because it was desired to place the
baptistery in the narthex where it currently rests and the presence of a narthex screen between
the congregation and the performance of the Rite of Baptism was not acceptable.
Those of us who have had the privilege of returning at intervals to St. Mary's would
like to compliment the several Junior Wardens and building committees who have had to
make changes, to update painting and other refinements in keeping attuned to the unusual
restrictions that the design places upon those efforts. Especially the use of stucco on the
exterior to solve the problem of failing mortar was done in a way that we feel Mr. Harris
would approve. He often used this material in much the way in which it has been used at St.
Mary's.
We would note also that, unlike so many "contemporary" churches built during the
1950's and which have become dated by the architectural fads in vogue at the time, St.
Mary's remains fresh and as timeless as the first century basilica from which the basic
elements of its design derive. We realize that voices such as ours from the past are not
necessarily welcome if they speak toward a status quo and the unthinking preservation of
outmoded usage and we hope this will not be taken in that light. It is our intent only to
provide insight into the remarkable work that a remarkable architect has provided for the
enjoyment and worship of the parishioners of St. Mary's.
Milton W. Talbot
Dan M. Krausse
Fr. William D. Boyd
April 17,1995
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Fr. Jim Liggett
P.O. Box 2949; Big Spring, TX 79721
(432) 267-8201 (phone)
URL: http://www.stmarysbst.org/talbot.htm
stmarys@stmarysbst.org
This page last updated on August 8, 1996