"Architecture is frozen music." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
In celebration of this lovely spring Easter weekend, I wanted to share with you some photos of my favorite churches here in Chattanooga. Since I've spent the better part of the last ten years designing and restoring historic buildings, I have a real love of old architecture and it seemed fitting to showcase the wealth of beautiful churches we have here on this Holy weekend.
Many of these buildings are still being used for their original intentions, some have been repurposed for other uses, all are magnificent.
This is Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on E 8th St. downtown. I go to church here. The church was built in the mid 1800's and underwent a total restoration in the 90's. More improvements are being done on the church basement.
This is the gorgeous detail around the entrance of the church. Those doors are about 12' tall and weigh a ton!
On the National Register!
This next group of photos are of the church's interior. Even more spectacular in person!
Enormous stained glass windows are said to be Tiffany.
Intricate detail highlighted by gold leaf - breathtaking!
This stone church is nestled in the St. Elmo neighborhood
Below are exterior and interior photos of Second Presbyterian downtown
May be hard to read- building is circa 1800
Inside Second Presbyterian
Lookout Mountain Presbyterian
St. Elmo Presbyterian
This is St. Elmo United Methodist. This church suffered a fire in August of 2009. Parishoners are committed to rebuilding this church, which was originally constructed in the 1920's.
This brick church is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain. It too fell victim to a fire, but has since been purchased and is now being renovated as a single family home. I have been inside this church before any renovations were done. The volume of the ceilings and the amount of light the comes into the space make it remarkable.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter Holiday!
