Modern Sacred Spaces: Christ Episcopal Church Tacoma

Docomomo US/WEWA celebrates Tour Day, a national event (promoted by Docomomo US) devoted to the appreciation of modern architecture in the U.S. The theme this year is Places of Worship.

Join Docomomo US/WEWA on October 18, 2025 for a talk + tour of Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma. Built in 1969-70 and designed by prominent Seattle architect Paul Thiry, this is one of the most architecturally striking modern buildings in the state.

The church describes its building as “a modern sanctuary standing in sharp contrast to the traditional rectangular, long-nave building that preceded it. Thiry’s admiration for Le Corbusier’s seminal chapel of Notre-Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, France, is reflected in multiple design and construction elements. The use of plain, poured concrete is its most startlingly modern element. Yet, for all its modernity, the profound simplicity of its interior reflects the solemnity and severity of early Romanesque Christian basilicas.”

WHEN: Saturday, October 18, 2025 (11 am to 12:30 pm)
Program includes a talk about the architecture and significance of this modern sacred space. We’ll tour the building after. Check-in at 11 am; program begins at 11:15 am.
WHERE: Christ Episcopal Church (310 North K Street, Tacoma, WA 98403); on-street parking
COST: Free for Docomomo US members; $5 non-members and general public.
(Note: Docomomo US/WEWA does not have membership; Docomomo US has paid membership.)

Advance registration is required. REGISTER through Brown Paper Tickets. 

Docomomo US/WEWA’s 2025 programs are partially funded by a 4Culture Preservation Sustained Support Grant.

Photo (this page): Interior – view of stained glass window (credit: Brannon Ellinwood)
Homepage photo: Church exterior (credit: Brannon Ellinwood)