Early in the Twentieth Century, America's Prot­estant churches began a trend to­ward beauty and function in the design of their places of worship.

Among the notable examples of this move­ment toward grace in ecclesiastical structure is Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, completed in 1952.  Churchgoers are instinctively aware of the combination of dramatic simpli­city yet richness of design found in Gloria Dei. Designed by the C. H. Johnston firm of St. Paul, its architecture speaks to the soul the timeless message and inspiration of religious faith. The slim Georgian Colonial pattern creates an immediate feel­ing of warm reception. White wood paneling, blending with gold, green, and grey colors, gives interior continuity to the Early American design of the structure, with its bell spire in the Christopher Wren tradition.

The church occupies one of the highest sites in St. Paul, and the cross atop its spire, rising 130 feet above ground level, is reportedly one of the highest points on any of the city's buildings. The main entrance to the church, marked by four tall stone columns supporting the Georg­ian porch, faces west.

Inside, the narthex, extends across the front of the building. A point of interest in the northeast corner of the narthex is the cornerstone from the original Gloria Dei Church at Victoria and Hague Avenues. Doors opening to the sanctuary arc set with ruby red leaded glass in the shape of a cross.

Within is the nave, where the spiritual life of this Lutheran Church is shared by its congregation. Seven pillars on each side of the sanctuary help frame the unique stained glass aisle windows, and reach to the arched ceiling 36 feet overhead.

At the top of the pillars is a frieze with a golden inscription paying tribute to the Glory of God. White paneled lower walls and white pews trimmed with dark tops and arm rests are accented by deep red aisle carpeting. Approximately 1,000 people can be seated com­fortably when the nave, the balcony, and the chapel are filled. Great events have housed many more people with extra seating on chairs.

Seven steps lead from the nave upward into the deep chancel to reach the Italian marble al­tar with its striking Byzantine mural of Christ, painted by artist Sverre Hanssen of St. Paul.

Continuing the Colonial design is the simple "wine-glass" pedestal style of the pulpit, decor­ated with three emblems in wood carving.

At the left of the pulpit is the Chapel of the Good Shepherd, in the north wing of the church. Open daily for prayer and meditation, the chapel is convenient for small weddings, funerals, and other special services. It seats 100 persons.

The Fellowship Hall, Gathering Space, Gallery, Colonial Room, with accommodations for a variety of meetings for the congregation, along with many Sunday School rooms, a Choir Room and a fully equipped kitchen which can handle large banquets, round out the physical facilities at Gloria Dei.