St Luke Missionary Baptist Church
CLIENT: ST LUKE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
TIME PERIOD: 2007
ROLE: ARCHITECT
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church has long served as a spiritual and cultural anchor for its congregation and neighborhood in North Little Rock. The design of its new worship space reflects this legacy while preparing the church to meet the needs of future generations. The project is envisioned as both a sacred sanctuary for worship and a community center for fellowship, outreach, and education. Its goal is to embody the values of faith, hospitality, and service that define the mission of St. Luke.
The Worship Center forms the heart of the project, designed to bring people together in an atmosphere of reverence and unity. Clear sightlines, intentional acoustics, and abundant natural light ensure that the spoken word and music carry with clarity and strength. The sanctuary is scaled to create intimacy within a larger gathering, reinforcing the collective nature of worship while honoring the individual’s experience of reflection and prayer.
Supporting spaces are organized to foster fellowship and learning. A central gathering hall connects worship to community life, acting as a hub for informal conversation, meals, and events. Classrooms and multipurpose rooms are designed with flexibility in mind, supporting children, youth, and adult ministries. Outdoor connections provide additional opportunities for gathering, reinforcing the church’s role as an open and welcoming presence in the neighborhood.
Materiality and form are guided by simplicity, authenticity, and durability. Brick, wood, and steel are employed to create a building that is warm, approachable, and lasting. The design emphasizes balance — honoring the traditions of Baptist worship while embracing a modern expression that feels both timeless and relevant. The new St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church will serve as a vessel for faith and community, a place where generations in Little Rock can gather to worship, learn, and grow together.
