Downtown Presbyterian Church, Nashville

Sitting at the corner of 5th Avenue and Church Street, the Downtown Presbyterian Church probably can't match the history of its two predecessors (both of which burned down), but has built an international reputation for some rather unique architecture; in fact, mostly due to its distinctive Egyptian Revival style, it earned a National Historic Landmark designation in 1993. The two other surviving sanctuaries with such architectural themes in the U.S. are the First Baptist Church of Essex, Connecticut, and the First Presbyterian Church (Sag Harbor), New York, also known as the Whalers' Church.

Designed by William Strickland, who also designed the Tennessee State Capitol, the Downtown Presbyterian Church features exterior design elements such as Egyptian-style lotus columns and a winged sun disk, while interior elements include stained glass windows, woodwork and perspective renderings of Egyptian scenes on the walls. Besides, the twin towers are reminiscent of similar ones at St. Stephen's in Philadelphia, where the architect lived before moving to Nashville.

Check the availability of tours, but also get to know the people. This church has a limited membership yet offers a Saturday meal program for the homeless and works with a non-profit to train the homeless in restaurant skills. What a pleasure to find a place where the people are just as impressive as the building!

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 9am–3pm; Sun: 11am–12pm