Jefferson Presbyterian Church

In 2008, Jefferson Presbyterian Church was struck by lighting and destroyed by fire. The congregation immediately dedicated themselves to rebuilding the church, determined that the new design should be simple and functional. The design integrates modern elements like aluminum crosses and Carrera marble tiles, and achieves LEED Gold certification for sustainability, all while paying homage to the original structure. 

Effortlessly blending contemporary design and historical preservation, this is a space of light, texture, and symbolism, created to foster community and spirituality. The central focus is the sanctuary’s ceiling and chancel wall, both clad in local Louisiana cypress. The cypress, installed in a variety of widths and placed on an acoustical liner, adds warmth while also improving the acoustics of the sacred space. 

The ceiling’s shape, evolving from the symbol of “Christ, the fish,” quickly became an inspirational metaphor for the rebuilding efforts. Working with a local craftsman, the texture and geometry of the fish continuously evolved and became abstracted throughout construction. After completion, the congregants shared their own individual interpretations of the fish-shaped ceiling, often relating the shape to other religious icons, including Noah’s Ark.

For the chancel, an aluminum Celtic cross from the original church was restored and placed as the central point of focus on the chancel. Surrounding the cross are small Carrera Marble hex tiles, which refract light and create a shimmering, fish-scale-like surface, completing the rich fish iconography.

Location 4450 Jefferson Highway, Jefferson Completed 2012 Size 3,000 sf