Architectural Typology of Churches

Schoolhouse

Schoolhouse churches are frame churches that look like one-room schoolhouses. Typically these churches are older, some were build during the 19th Century, and they are generally rural or restricted to settlments and hamlets. In a few places some of these churches doubled as schoolhouses during the week. The usual style is rectangular and the interior plan uses a double row of pews to define a cruciform aisle pattern. The pulpit is centered at the head of the main aisle. At the ends of the crossing aisle pews may be placed at a right angle to the primary congregational pews and constitute what is sometimes called an "Amen Corner." Often inspired by Calvinist theology, schoolhouse churches are generally plain within and without and are often occupied by denominations such as Primitive Baptists, Congregational Methodists, and older Church of Christ congregations.

Modern

These churches are mostly a product of the renewal of liturgical architecture which influenced both Protestant and Catholic church design in the post-World War II period. Although few in number across in the Franklin County area, these churches are dramatic in their visual effect. Most notable are the First Baptist Church of Winchester, Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church in Winchester, and Cowan Fellowship Church. A few others could be considered semi-modern.

Traditional

In this area, traditional churches are generally rectangular in plan and have a steep roof pitch of 8/12 to 12/12 or greater. While some of these churches are of frame construction, many of them are of some type of masonry construction. If a steeple is present, it is usually tall and supported by a substantial bell house.

Courthouse

These churches look like courthouses of the 1875-1925 era in American municipal construction. Typically urban in context, these churches are often located in the core area of a city in association with public buildings such as the courthouses, post office, city hall or bank. Presbyterian, Baptist, and Methodist churches sometimes exhibit this style, and on occasion Episcopal and Lutheran churches.

Utility

These churches generally have a low roof pitch: 6/12 or less; the roof pitch is typically less than 4/12. They are often of concrete block construction but occasionally frame or vinyl siding is employed. Steeples, if present, tend to be of the "spike" type--a thin pyramid whose height is many times greater than its base. In the 1990's a number of new utility churches were constructed in the Franklin County area by various independent evangelical denominations. The type of construction used allows for the greatest amount of floor space in relation to cost.

Storefront

These churches are located in buildings not originally churches. "Storefront" churches may include converted stores but also gas stations, warehouses, and decomissioned public buildings. On occasion even barns and residences are converted into churches. Storefront churches are typically short-lived. The store or other structure is used as a temporary meeting place in order to organize a congregation, raise funds, and build a permanent structure.

Gothic

This design is represented in only a few types in the county: the Episcopal churches of the University of the South and in the St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church in the Alto community. Some Methodist and Presbyterian churches also use this architectural style.