Rebuilding the Church on a New Foundation

“Our congregation had spent much time reflecting on Liturgical Renewal and the impact it would have on our worship. The issue was resolved when we became aware of Dr. Robinson’s insights regarding space and worship. He demonstrated for us the clear link between liturgical meaning and architectural form. It can truly be said that the concepts presented in this book were the catalyst in our church renovation plans, and we are grateful to God for this visionary in our midst.”


—R. MICHAEL McKINLEY, Rector, St Thomas’ Anglican Church, St. Catharines, Ontario





“Rebuilding the Church on a New Foundation provides creative, imaginative and practical guidance for any community considering ‘how to’ shape its worship space appropriate to its mission and ministry. Out of his own experience as an architect for several churches Gerald Robinson has developed a challenging process for any congregation willing to consider seriously its purpose. I invite you to begin that journey.”


—TERENCE E. FINLAY, archbishop of Toronto





“I got such a thrill out of this book. It gave me a new way of looking at the space in my own house!”


—JANE JACOBS, urban advocate, author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities





“Robinson’s book has enlarged my understanding of worship by showing how church buildings can facilitate or constrain liturgy. His detailed analysis of churches in different traditions and countries, with its classification of forms and attitudes to worship, is an essential seminar for anyone preparing to brief an architect for building a new church, or for modifying an existing one.”


—LAWRENCE B. BROWN, professor of psychology, University of New South Wales, Australia