National Register Listing

Gethsemane Lutheran Church

200 W. Anderson Ln., Austin, TX
The 1962 Gethsemane Lutheran Church, in Austin, Travis County, Texas, was constructed to meet the changing needs of the state's oldest Swedish Lutheran congregation. Designed by Austin architect Eugene Wukasch, the church is nominated to the National Register under Criterion C, in the area of Architecture, at the local level of significance, as an excellent example of postwar New Formalist church design, and as a representation of how the Lutheran Church in Texas redefined itself at mid-century. Changes in both congregational demographics and church leadership led Texas Lutherans to diminish the traditional ethnic division between Swedes and Germans, and instead focus on "the family of God" both in design and liturgy. As Lutheranism grew at an astronomical rate in the 1950s, modem design reduced complicated iconography to accessible elements and Lutherans used architecture to attract new members and expand its base. Wukasch, a practicing Lutheran, designed at least 47 churches between 1948 and 1978, 37 of them for Lutheran congregations. He enjoyed popularity and regional recognition from these commissions, and Gethsemane is one of his best designs from this period. The church is also nominated under criterion C in the area of Art, at the local level of significance, for the building's prominent stained glass by French master Gabriel Loire. Known as dalle de verre, Lorre's art glass style features hand-made glass tiles (dalles) broken or cut into pieces and set in a load-bearing concrete frame. Loire was one of the pioneers of the medium and his Paris studio was foremost in dalle de verre production in the 1950s and 1960s. While Loire's contemporary approach to stained glass design could be found throughout Europe at mid-century, it was less common in the United States, and his work in Gethsemane was his first project in Texas. Criterion Consideration A applies because the church is a religious facility, but is nominated for the significance of its design characteristics. Because the church was designed in 1961, and its construction was completed in 1962, the building need not meet Criterion Consideration G.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Art

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture art Lutheran denomination churches religion
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
Texas random facts
Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.