It’s been a minute, but today, we’re back with : a series in which we dive into the history + architecture of Chattanooga’s iconic, historic, and just plain beautiful buildings. Inspiration for today’s Designing Chatt piece comes from one of you — reader Kevin G., who suggested that we explore some of Chattanooga’s old downtown churches.
First Methodist Church (now Old Stone Church Tower) While it’s no longer a full church, there still remains an old church steeple on Georgia Avenue that serves as a reminder of Chattanooga’s . Known by many as “Stone Church,” the now-historically marked church was one of the earliest stone buildings in Chattanooga. It also worked with city members to — — in 1886.
After growing in size for many years, First Methodist Church eventually joined Centenary Methodist Church to become what is now First-Centenary United Methodist Church. After merging in 1967, most of the stone church was demolished in 1977. At the remaining steeple is a : “ ” First Presbyterian Church According to its in 1840, First Presbyterian Church is Chattanooga’s oldest and first Christian church.
It was designed by notable New York architecture firm , whose other works include the original Penn Station, Columbia University’s library, New York City’s Brooklyn Museum, and even a renovation of the White House. ( ). The church’s grand columns are characteristic of the prestigious firm’s work, which was inspired + influenced by Roman and Greek .