Downtown Presbyterian Church
Downtown Presbyterian Church
Downtown Presbyterian Church
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Downtown Nashville
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4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
8
Very good
6
Average
0
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0
Terrible
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jer b
Bristol, CT1,752 contributions
Dec 2019
This church which was built in 1848, by William Strickland, designer of the state capitol, is unique. The front of the church has twin towers and they and the body of the church are done in an Egyptian Revival style that is very rare in the United States. It is probably the best remaining example of that style of architecture in this entire country. Even if you do not visit the church when it is open, it is worth a look see as it is just that unique. Should be a destination for any lover of architecture.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,479 contributions
Sept 2019
Located at 154 5th Avenue North in Nashville, Tennessee, at the corner of 5th Avenue and Church Street, the Downtown Presbyterian Church probably can't match the history of its two predecessors but it has built an international reputation for its unique architecture. In fact, because of its distinctive Egyptian Revival architecture, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993. The first church on this site burned down in 1832. President Andrew Jackson was a member and was presented with a ceremonial sword on the steps of the church after the Battle of New Orleans. The second church burned down in 1848, after future U.S. President James K. Polk was inaugurated as Governor of Tennessee. The current sanctuary, built in 1848, was designed in the unique Egyptian Revival style by William Strickland, who also designed the Tennessee State Capitol. Exterior design elements include Egyptian style lotus columns and a winged sun disk. Interior Egyptian style elements include stained glass windows, woodwork and renderings of Egyptian scenes on the sanctuary walls. The twin towers are reminiscent of the twin towers of St. Stephen's Church in Philadelphia, where Strickland lived before moving to Nashville. Downtown Presbyterian Church is one of few examples of Egyptian Revival architecture in the United States and may be the best surviving ecclesiastical example. Historically, it was seized by Federal forces and served as a military hospital during the Civil War, temporarily becoming Nashville's Union Hospital No. 8 with 206 beds. It also was used as a refuge for Nashville citizens from floods in the 1920s. Today, the church sponsors a Saturday meal program for the homeless and helps to train the homeless in restaurant skills. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Written 26 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary A
Nashville, TN17 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
Without a doubt, one of the most unique Protestant Churches you’ll ever step foot in. Very well done. Tremendous history. It initially seemed so bizarre to step into a Christian church and see what awaits you. I should have realized it just by the outside.
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pokysmom
30 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
If you are able to try to attend the Sunday Church service. The Egyptomania abounds and the church itself is beautiful but the people of the congregation outshine them all.
Written 16 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
internetrow
Tamarac, FL27 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
Although the church was closed for tours the day we showed up, we entered the office to see if we could try to see the sanctuary. We were somewhat surprised to find that the front office lady dropped what she was doing and escorted us up the stairs to the sanctuary, informing us along the way of the church's history. Then, while we were in the sanctuary, the minister appeared and joined our discussion. Yes, check the availability of the tours but 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 church where the people are just as impressive as the building!
Written 2 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MadisonGrog
Madison, WI331 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
As other mentioned, check on hours open. My group was able to get in during the First Saturday night gallery walk event in the evening.
If you are interested in early 20th century architecture, this place is a MUST VISIT! It is simply beautiful, if you can get inside to see the ornamentation.
Again, check the open time! Worth the visit and close to other downtown attractions.
If you are interested in early 20th century architecture, this place is a MUST VISIT! It is simply beautiful, if you can get inside to see the ornamentation.
Again, check the open time! Worth the visit and close to other downtown attractions.
Written 8 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron F
91 contributions
May 2016 • Friends
I had read about this church and asked about seeing it. Building is open to the public. It is a fine example of Egyptian Revival and you would think you were in an Egyptian Temple rather than a Presbyterian Church. If you are into architectural history, you will really enjoy it. Parking can be tough.
Written 28 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nabenom
967 contributions
Apr 2016 • Family
This is quite a little geographical oddity. The church is Egyptian themed with stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Nile. It has a long and pioneer history with Nashville back to the very first. It has been a hospital during the Civil War, a sanitarium and a place of refuge and worship for the city's elite. It really does have an amazing history and you're not gonna want to miss the architecture either.
Written 5 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greengirl68
Eden Prairie, MN747 contributions
Oct 2015 • Friends
The Downtown Presbyterian Church is built in the Egyptian Revival style by architect William Strickland, who also designed the Tennessee State Capitol. According to church literature, the church has been in existence since 1814. It has been rebuilt twice, the last time by Strickland in 1848.
The organ is also of note. It was installed in 1913 and renovated in 1972. It is an impressive piece.
The sanctuary is amazing and you will likely not see anything like it anywhere else. Pictures do not do it justice, but I will upload some, anyway. The stained glass windows are also unusual and gorgeous. The curved walnut pews are beautiful and inviting, even if they are not original.
If you're a fan of architecture, this is a definite must stop on your tour of Nashville. The tours are self-guided.
The organ is also of note. It was installed in 1913 and renovated in 1972. It is an impressive piece.
The sanctuary is amazing and you will likely not see anything like it anywhere else. Pictures do not do it justice, but I will upload some, anyway. The stained glass windows are also unusual and gorgeous. The curved walnut pews are beautiful and inviting, even if they are not original.
If you're a fan of architecture, this is a definite must stop on your tour of Nashville. The tours are self-guided.
Written 8 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ottofueler
Nashville, TN434 contributions
Feb 2017
This church is a design curiosity. It was my first view of a building with Egyptian Revival architecture. I enjoyed the colors, the shapes, and the history of the place. It's also fun to ring the 4000-lb bell. In all, it was an interesting visit.
Written 5 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to know if this Church is available for weddings?
Written 9 February 2019
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