Yesterday was just another “normal” day at work… full of paperwork, phone calls, listening to other people talk about their broken air conditioners, flat tires, and Memorial Day weekend plans. I didn’t expect it to be any different, but then I get a call from Rebecca. Rebecca is not only an awesome person, but the daughter of one of Rex & Ruth Goode’s best friends (Reminder: Rex and Ruth Goode owned our home and he was the architect)  What a nice surprise! She called to ask a favor and to be honest I was sort of stunned…. not because she asked but because she asked ME! She is a member of the First United Methodist Church here in town and they wanted me to come down to the church and take a look at their choir recital hall to get my advice on how they could “spiff it up” and make it a little brighter and more up-to-date.

I realize this might seem weird as you read this (join the club, I’m not an interior designer) but I guess it makes sense because the architect who designed this beautiful and well-known church was no other than Rex Goode. She described the room as being “similar to my house” and she has been following our renovation progress and thought I could make a few suggestions. Basically I was thrilled and got excited about the chance to see the building and check out the space. Of course we got so wrapped up in conversation I forgot to take a picture, but it was pretty surreal. The room was warm and exactly as I would expect… full sheet, gorgeous block paneling on the walls in a warm honey color, limestone and wood supports, beautiful wood ceilings and the exact trim and style as my own home. It was freaky! It felt way too familiar. There were 3 cabinets against a wall that looked exactly like the cabinets that were built in my home… it was definitely a Goode House…. of worship. My mind immediately began to spin with ideas… all of which would take way more time and money than they have. So I tried to help by making a few suggestions based on what we did to our home. I hope it helped in some small way. It’s very strange to think about changing something that you know is a big deal. Whether it be my home or the church. There’s history there, and although changing things in your own home is pretty easy… its yours. Changing things in a church that belongs to everyone, is not. I can relate to their fears of should we paint the paneling?, should we tear out those cabinets?, should we paint the wood ceiling? As soon as you do.. someone gasps in horror. “HOW COULD YOU!” It’s a tough call.

After leaving the recital space, the church was open but hardly anyone there, so I took some time to enjoy the beautiful building and the architecture that has been so appreciated for generations and generations. A church designed by someone that means something to me… and by someone that has changed my way of living. I have to say it was a lovely way to end my day and it made me think about the sweet couple that put their heart and soul into (my home) the home they designed, built and lived in for the rest of their lives. I’m not a sentimental person but it was crashing over me.

I wondered around taking pictures. I’ve been in this church SO MANY times, watched friends get married, enjoyed meaningful sermons, and have loved it for as long as I can remember but I was seeing it so different today. I thought I’d share some of them with you. I realize Gothic arches are very common in church architecture but I was just taken with it. The attention to detail is incredible … even the bench legs form that beautiful equilateral arch.  Stunning.

Check out the sanctuary and those beautiful beamed ceilings.  All the wood work is breath taking and of course those light fixtures and stained glass leave you speechless.
Beautiful doors that have such a simple modern feel to them.  Even the amazing light pendants flaunt the Gothic arch.

There was no way I was leaving without taking some snaps of the stained glass windows by the Willett Studios of Philadelphia. I love the way the colors seem to melt into the wall next to it.

The outside is equally amazing with rows and rows of those incredible arches.

I wanted to just lay down on the the stone tile and just enjoy the incredible view.
It was so peaceful.  It was like I had the whole church to myself.

There was just something about this shot below with the beautiful blue sky… I don’t know…what can I say…. no need really.

So wow, thanks Rebecca.  Your call was a wonderful surprise and I thank you for thinking of me.  It made me think about WAY too much stuff … but I guess that’s never a bad thing.
I feel really lucky to live in a Rex Goode home and I’m sure every person who walks through those beautiful church doors feels the same (about the church, not my home – HA!).  They may not have known him but I feel certain they appreciate what he did.
Actually that seemed silly to just say… because most folks probably did know him as he was not just the architect but a life long church member.

I had watched this before but thought I’d share it.  Rex and Ruth were huge supporters of the Arts and sometimes the parallels of our lives freaks me out.. but also makes me happy.
After their passing they were celebrated for all they were and all they did so if you’re interested… here’s a time lapsed drawing of the couple made by Sue Bard who is an artist and Executive Director for the Southeast Texas Arts Council.   ( just click the graphic) Enjoy.