Christ the King Church

11709 SE Fuller Rd., Milwaukie, Oregon. 97222

Significance:

Christ the King Church (CTK) is an exceptional example of a Northwest modernist ecclesiastical

house of worship designed by noted Portland architect Pietro Belluschi and built in 1980. The

sanctuary, with capacity for 650 parishioners, features a soaring pyramid roof with a large

octagonal oculus skylight and exposed wood framing reflective of PNW timber rich ecosystem.

Belluschi's design exemplifies his visionary design hallmarks—including openness, light, and

striking geometry—creating a sacred and private space for worship. It is almost certainly eligible

for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

During his career Pietro Belluschi designed over 42 churches and synagogues in the United

States, including the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco, included as

part of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage. For his lifetime of work, Belluschi received

both the National Medal of Art and the American Institute of Architecture Gold Medal.

CTK not only represents the work of a world renowned Oregon architect; the church itself rose

as a labor of love from parishioners, who not only contributed financially but also volunteered

considerable labour towards its construction. These efforts included carpentry and interior

finishing as well as the installation of an Altar Cross designed by noted Hungarian-born artist

György Kepes. The Kepes Cross consists of hundreds of colored glass pieces which shine

behind the altar. Kepes works can be found worldwide, including at the Museum of Modern Art

in New York and the Tate in London.

Challenge:

A new CTK $6.5 million capital campaign includes plans to essentially replace and erase the

original Belluschi sanctuary interior with a Romanesque style design that paints over much of

the exposed woodwork, while installing numerous decorative arches featuring liturgical art, as

well as removing the Kepes Cross. The church describes the project as "a cosmetic interior

renovation that works within the existing footprint while significantly improving the sacred

environment"—a characterization that understates the scope and irreversibility of the

transformation.

While the capital campaign's plans address programmatic needs—including church school

expansion—the primary investment targets interior design.

Community Voices:

While numerous architectural practitioners and historians from a wide geographic area have

weighed in support of preserving Belluschi and Kepes work, the most impassioned responses

come from longtime CTK parishioners:

This church is more than just a building to me — it’s where I grew up. From kindergarten

through 8th grade, it was a place that helped shape who I am today. Generations of my

family have dedicated their time, energy, and love to this community. We’ve put in our

Christ the King Church - Watch List Draft Monday Revised Sept 21, 2026 - for review

blood, sweat, and tears to support it in any way we could, because it has always been a

place that meant so much to us. Seeing what is happening now is incredibly

heartbreaking. This church represents memories, values, and a sense of community that

cannot be replaced. It has been a home not just for my family, but for so many others

over the years. I truly hope we can come together to preserve something that has had

such a meaningful impact on so many lives. Saving this church means preserving a

legacy, a community, and a place that has brought people together for generations.

Visit preservectk.org for more testimonials.

Preferred Outcome:

Retain the original Belluschi sanctuary interior while engaging architectural and liturgical design

professionals to identify creative solutions addressing the church's programmatic

needs—including expanded educational space—without fundamentally diminishing the original

design or removing the Kepes Cross.

Timing:

Urgent. Planned "improvements" are scheduled to begin as soon as Fall 2026.

Property Owner:

Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon

Decision Maker:

Monsignor Cihak, S.T.D., pastor

Action Needed:

Sign the petition at preservectk.org

Write to the Archdiocese at archbishop@archdpdx.org urging them to recognize the

More Information:

Committee to Preserve Christ the King Church: https://preservectk.org

Oregon Artswatch July 9, 2026: https://www.orartswatch.org/at-a-pietro-belluschi-designed-

church-an-architectural-schism/?fsp_sid=23770

The Oregonian: https://www.oregonlive.com/living/2026/06/modern-milwaukie-church-is-getting-

a-controversial-romanesque-style-makeover.html

Pietro Belluschi Bio: https://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/belluschi_pietro_1899_1994_/

György Kepes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/György_Kepes