A church is not a building.  The building is simply the place where the church comes together.  Yet, Dove of Peace inhabits a building unlike any other.  The building was designed by famed Western architect Kirby Lockhard, a long time creative presence in Tucson and at the University of Arizona.

Our building says several important things about us.

The ultra-modern design is actually a meditation on southwestern mission architecture, and the interior of the sanctuary reflects the design concerns of the ancient synagogue, the early Christian community, and the Reformation.  Our archtiecture expresses the creative tension here at Dove of Peace– a strong desire to engage the modern world, rooted in a commitment to Christianity's foundations.  Some commmunities talk about "heritage" or "tradition."  Dove of Peace speaks instead of our "identity," which means our faithfulness to early Christianity and the historic Reformation, not a narrow imitation of them.

Our building and grounds are embedded in the landscape.  Like Tucson and Pima County, Dove's membership is mostly transplanted citizens.  Most of us were drawn here because of the beauty of the "green desert" and the climate.  Our congregation seeks to preserve the environment and live in harmony with it.   Our building says we know that we are PART of creation, not a dominating or destructive force.

The central image of Dove of Peace is the descending Dove, an image we borrow from the New Testament story of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.  The interior worship space at Dove of Peace sits under the wings of a descending dove.  Although this symbol has multiple layers of significance, one of its deepest meanings is that God comes down to be on earth with his people. This is not a symbol of escapism or apocalypse.  It is a symbol of God's determination to be present and active in the world he created.  Dove of Peace understands itself to be part of God's intentional presence on earth and in this community, actively at work to bring healing, mercy, gladness, justice, and peace.

Learn more by visiting the other pages in this section, or by contacting us.