From Round to Square - an Altered Altar

The original altar in MPLC's sanctuary was round, heavy, and HARD to move. Constructed on a wooden form covered with mastic and marble chips, the altar was and is the focal point of the worship space, serving both as the place of preaching and the celebration of Holy Communion. In regular use, the uneven surface of the first altar was known to snag clothing that brushed against it (causing some consternation for the pastors whose stoles would get damaged by it).

Original altar, carpet, and kneeler cushions at MPLC (undated photo)

After the construction of a new narthex and 14,000-square foot subterranean education wing in 1996-1997, it was time to address the altar. Carl Sandquist, liturgical consultant, provided the design. MPLC Member Tim Kluessendorf was asked to take on the building project.

Tim writes, “The altar is constructed mainly of solid oak, with the top and sides made of rift-sawn oak veneered MDF for stability. The altar was delivered to the church where it was reassembled, stained, and finished” by MPLC members Harold Solberg and Russ Fergus.  

Tim adds, “One interesting anecdote is that when building the altar, I never had to remake a part - no mistakes. As a woodworker with about 50 years of experience, I can assure you that is very unusual. Divine intervention?”

The current altar in the sanctuary of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church. (6.20.25)

Liturgical weaver Sally Nielsen created paraments that are inset on each side of the altar and are changed for each season of the church year. The paraments integrated the themes of the colorful tapestries that once hung on the sanctuary walls before the grand pipe organ was installed in 2006. Those wall tapestries now hang on the wall in the center of the education wing.

Sandquist also designed a heavy processional cross, candleholders, missal stand, and the paschal candle stand, which were then built by Harold Solberg. Harold later used his wood-turning skills to create vessels for gluten free wafers and regular communion wafers, which are kept on the altar.

"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us

    and prosper for us the work of our hands—

    O prosper the work of our hands!" (Psalm 90:17)