Faith Healer Oral Roberts and Mid-Century Modern.

Oral Roberts / Photographer: Francis Miller, 1962
[ Image via LIFE photo archives / ©LIFE ]
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An uncommon mid-century modern perspective of a powerful and controversial religious leader of the twentieth century including the 1960s space age architecture of the highly ranked university bearing his name, American evangelist Oral Roberts (1918–2009). Yes, these are themes not typically brought in nearby proximity, much less in direct intersection, and it is all the more reason I find myself deeply fascinated with the subject, in addition to my own personal connection with some of these spaces.

I have broken this photo essay into two main sections—first, a series of four images by LIFE Magazine photographer Francis Miller shot for a 1962 feature; second, a collection of both historic and contemporary photographs of the mid-century futuristic design of Oral Roberts University located in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the United States. ORU was founded by Mr. Roberts in 1963 and officially opened its doors two years later in 1965. Architects Stanfield, Imel & Walton of Tulsa designed the original 1963 master plan for the campus but most of the highly sculptural buildings were designed by another Tulsa architect Frank Wallace. (Follow the name link to see Mr. Wallace’s masterful modern home up for auction this past October).

ORU’s concrete buildings are fashioned with gold anodized aluminum and black accents. The reflection of the sun creates striking golden light pattern plays across the grass and nearby structures. The overall environ and time machine ambiance are other worldly.

The university remains a top tourist destination in the state of Oklahoma. Continue scrolling to see many more photographs…

Oral Roberts / Photographer: Francis Miller, 1962
[ Image via LIFE photo archives / ©LIFE ]

Oral Roberts / Photographer: Francis Miller, 1962
[ Image via LIFE photo archives / ©LIFE ]

Oral Roberts / Photographer: Francis Miller, 1962
[ Image via LIFE photo archives / ©LIFE ]

John D. Messick Learning Resources Center (LRC) – ORU
Photographer: Beryl Ford, c. 1960s

[ Image courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society ]

John D. Messick Learning Resources Center (LRC) + Prayer Tower – ORU
Photographer: Beryl Ford, c. 1960s

[ Image courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society ]

John D. Messick Learning Resources Center (LRC) – ORU
Photographer: Beryl Ford, c. 1960s

[ Image courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society ]

Oral Roberts University / Photographer: Beryl Ford, c. 1960s

[ Image courtesy of the Beryl Ford Collection/Rotary Club of Tulsa, Tulsa City-County Library and Tulsa Historical Society ]

Prayer Tower

Rising 200 feet above the ORU campus, the Prayer Tower stands at the center of campus and serves as the ORU Visitors’ Center. Its location signifies the central importance of prayer to all members of the ORU community. The Tower is constructed in such a way that a cross can be seen from every side. From the ground, the observation deck resembles the Crown of Thorns.

[ Image courtesy of MoveModern ]

Claudius/EMR Dorms

[ Image courtesy of MoveModern ]

Quad Towers Complex

The Quad Towers Complex consists of two nine-story towers and two twelve-story towers each shaped to represent the Star of David. Frances Cardone Hall, Susie Vinson Hall, Wesley Luehring Hall and Michael Cardone Hall are connected by a common lobby, study lounge and reception desk.

[ Image courtesy of MoveModern ]

Howard Auditorium

This golden geodesic-domed fine arts building symbolizes the wholeness of man. It is used for theatrical productions, campus movies, seminars and classes. It houses a 1,000-seat auditorium, a spacious lobby, dressing rooms, ticket offices, set shop, conference rooms and sound booths.

[ Image courtesy of MoveModern ]

Christ’s Chapel

Christ’s Chapel was constructed in a drape-like fashion to symbolize Oral Roberts’ tent revivals. Its walls represent the Christian’s shield of faith, and the pointed arches supporting the structure indicate hands joined in prayer. The main sanctuary doors are made of solid pine, weighing one ton each. The main sanctuary can seat 3,500 people.

[ Image courtesy of MoveModern ]

John D. Messick Learning Resources Center (LRC)

The John D. Messick Learning Resources Center (LRC), completed in 1965, encompasses four and one-half acres of floor space and houses the library, bookstore, cafes, administration offices, classrooms, electronic media, laboratories and conference rooms. The pillars that grace the building represent those in King Solomon’s temple. The front porch skylight is an abstracted dove. The fountain, composed of two triangles, represents the triune nature of God pouring into the triune nature of man, and its flame and water symbolize the Holy Spirit. Water falls from twelve openings, representing the twelve apostles and evangelism.

[ Image courtesy of MoveModern ]
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See/learn more:
LIFE with Oral Roberts / LIFE Magazine, 1962
Oral Roberts University / MoveModern
Oral Roberts University / Modern Tulsa
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