Architecture

The church’s architecture is a contemporary expression of an ancient basilican form, first used by the Romans, and later adopted by the earliest Christians, reflecting both the Community of Jesus’s ecumenical vision, and its monastic identity. Its shape and design beautifully accommodates the worship that takes place within it – both the daily celebration of Eucharist, and the Liturgy of the Hours. The strong longitudinal layout, the columns and arches flanking the central path, the central roof trusses, and the apse that envelopes and displays the altar, all underscore the altar’s significance, and give directional movement to the sanctuary. Antiphonal seating allows for chanting the psalmody. The unique placement of the organ chambers in the side aisles allows the organ to speak throughout the church.

Nine other buildings encircle the monastic center. A common or green organizes gathering and movement like a New England town common. The Church, Chapter House and Bell Tower are constructed of Minnesota limestone, evoking permanence and the sands of Cape Cod. Support buildings are white New England clapboard and shingle.

William Rawn and Doug Johnston served as Architects for the church and the overall architectural master plan for the Community of Jesus. William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc. of Boston, has developed an international reputation for a broad range of major cultural, university, and civic buildings that celebrate community and the essential qualities of place. The firm has won seven national American Institute of Architects Honor Awards in the past eleven years, and fifty-six city, state, and regional AIA Awards.