When it comes to works of architectural wonder, churches have to be some of the most beautiful buildings in existence. Not just any churches though, but country churches.
There’s something about a country church that makes it have more character than some of the most elaborate city cathedrals. There’s a great sense of beauty to them as well, and the U.S. is home to its fair share of stunning country churches.
If you love looking at stunning works of art, you don’t have to look any further than right here. We’ve put together a list of some of the most mesmerizing country churches in the U.S., complete with some gorgeous photographs.
Go ahead and click the button below to get started. Who knows, by the end of this list you may want to pack up your car and go visit some of these charming country churches to see them with your own eyes.
1. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church-Greensboro, Alabama
This lovely little brick church was established in 1830. According to its website, the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the third oldest Episcopal Church in the entire state of Alabama.
The beautiful church also has some important ties to the state’s history. It marks the site were Rev. Nicholas H. Cobbs was elected to serve as the first Bishop of Alabama.
2. St. Mary’s Catholic Church-High Hill, Texas
Texas is known for its stunning country churches, particularly its world-renowned “Painted Churches.” The Painted Churches of Texas: Echoes of the Homeland describes these churches, saying they may look like a simple country church on the outside, but on the inside, “you’ll encounter not a simple wooden interior but an unexpected profusion of color.”
One of the most famous Painted Churches in Texas is the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill. Just as described, St. Mary’s looks like your typical red brick country church on the outside. But when you step inside, you’ll find ornate, colorful ceilings and sparkling stained glass windows. Talk about a work of art!
3. Monte Casino Chapel-Crestview Hills, Kentucky
There’s nothing elaborate about this quaint country church, but that’s what makes it so beautiful. Affectionately referred to as the “Tiny Church,” this miniature place of worship was built in 1878, according to Roadside America.
44 years after it was built, Ripley’s Believe it or Not named the Tiny Church as the “Smallest Church in the World.” But that didn’t save the church from destruction. After the monks who originally built the church left the area, it became subject to vandalism.
Thomas More College came to the Tiny Church’s rescue, and its been a treasured part of the campus since 1965.
4. St. John The Baptist Catholic Church-La Grange, Texas
Another one of the Painted Churches in Texas, the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in La Grange is also one of the most breathtaking. It’s the definition of a “little white church” on the outside, but there’s no absence of color on the inside.
The focal point of the church’s interior is its elaborate altar. Adorned with bright colors and shimmering gold detail, the altar will leave you admiring it in awe for minutes on end.
5. Christ Church Episcopal-Rugby, Tennessee
At first glance, the Christ Church Episcopal in the community of Rugby, Tennessee looks more like a gingerbread house than a place of worship. But that’s obviously not the case, and the church’s unique exterior makes it stand out from any other church we’ve ever seen.
There’s also a lot of history to this charming little building. The church’s website states that it’s been an active parish since it was first established in 1880. It is a treasured part of Rugby, and whenever you search for the community online, pictures of the church are often the first things that come up.
6. The First Presbyterian Church-New Cumberland, West Virginia
The word “beautiful” comes far from doing justice to The First Presbyterian Church in New Cumberland, West Virginia. Like many of the churches on this list, The First Presbyterian has a rich history behind it. The church itself was established in 1851, but the building wasn’t constructed until 1888.
Laurel Hollow Park elaborates further on the history of the church, and shows that the current structure is exactly the way it looked in a 1908 postcard. If you happen to be in West Virginia any time in the future, you’ll surely want to stop by and admire this magnificent building.
7. Thorncrown Chapel-Eureka Springs, Arkansas
When you walk into the Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, you’ll feel like you’re walking straight into the woods. Out of al of the churches on this list, the Thorncrown is the newest. It’s website states that it was built in 1980, and opened later that same year.
Architect E. Fay Jones, designed the building, which has since won a number of awards for its architectural design. It’s no wonder why, as the wooden structure ascends 48 feet into the sky above. 425 windows let in endless rays of natural light and scenery, making those who attend feel truly one with nature.
Six million people have visited Thorncrown Chapel since it was built, and after seeing the photo of it above, you’ll want to plan a visit there as well.
There are so many gorgeous country churches out there, so it was a challenge to narrow this list down to only seven. Which of the churches on this list do you like the design of the most? Let us know in the comments, and share some photos of your local country churches! We’d love to see them!