Southern Sanctuaries

French Huguenot Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

The southern United States is a region steeped in history, and its architectural landscape is a testament to its rich past. Among its most iconic structures are its historic churches which stand as both places of worship and cultural touchstones. Throughout time, these buildings have shaped the region’s identity, inspiring awe and devotion for centuries.

Here, churches are more than religious structures; they are works of art, reflecting the skills of craftsmen and the beliefs of their communities. Beyond their historical significance, these churches inspire contemporary architects and designers.

Jamestown Church in Virginia.

Nathan Brock, Principal of Georgia-based architecture firm Wiregrass Studio, Inc., placed a strong emphasis on historic rehabilitation early in his career, which included working with architect Peter Capone during the master planning, design and construction of The Cloister at Sea Island, among other projects.

Brock explains that historic buildings were erected with on-hand materials showcasing the environments surrounding them. In Florida, that might be coquina, a soft limestone of broken shells while closer to the Georgia coast, it’s old-growth heart pine. Their architecture, often influenced by European styles, was adapted to suit the Southern climate and cultural context. While there are countless significant churches throughout the South, there are several that are outstanding examples of faith and architecture.

EARLY AMERICAN COLONIAL SIMPLICITY

Most are familiar with historic Jamestown, Virginia, and know it as the first permanent English settlement in America. According to the writings of Captain John Smith, the first structure built within the original Jamestown fort in the Virginia colony was a simple, barn-like church. This humble building, Jamestown Church, served as the spiritual heart of the fledgling settlement, a place of worship and solace for the weary colonists. It was within these walls that the historic marriage between Pocahontas, a Powhatan princess, and John Rolfe took place.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine

Though the original church was ravaged by fire multiple times over the centuries, its legacy endured. The current church building, erected in 1907 by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, stands as a testament to the spirit of Jamestown. Visitors can still glimpse the foundations of the 1619 structure through glass panels on the floor, offering a tangible connection to the past. Today, the site remains a powerful symbol of the resilience and faith that defined the early settlers’ experience.

The church’s simple design, with its exposed wooden beams and unadorned interior, reflects the austere conditions of early colonial life. Yet it also speaks to the colonists’ deep-rooted faith and their hope for a better future in the New World.

Augustine Baptism Angels Saint Ambrose Stained Glass Cathedral of Saint Augustine

Architect Liane C.V. Brock of Wiregrass Studio, Inc. says early colonial churches like the Jamestown Church were a departure from the elaborate and highly decorated European Baroque architecture of the time. “What they focused on was classical proportion. It has little to do with ornament and materials and everything to do with size and shape and the relationship of the individual elements that make up a building. Early American sanctuary architecture exemplifies the beauty of proportion done well,” she says.

PICTURESQUE SPANISH SPLENDOR

St. Augustine, Florida boasts the oldest Roman Catholic parish in continuous existence in the United States. Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine was established on September 8, 1565, when Father López de Mendoza Grajales celebrated the first Mass. The parish has been a spiritual beacon for centuries.

Interior of Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

The original building was constructed by the Spanish crown and dedicated on December 8, 1797, but an 1887 fire left only the walls of the church standing. Architect James Renwick Jr., responsible for the Smithsonian Institution “castle” in Washington, D.C. and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, designed the post-fire Gothic revival interior. Later, in the 1960s, a renovation led by George Stickle and Associates removed the interior ceiling, exposing the rafters and giving the church a more open, Spanish-inspired look. The current Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine remains a magnificent example of Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture.

Its imposing exterior, with its sturdy walls and ornate bell tower, reflects the grandeur of the Spanish Colonial era. Inside, the cathedral is a vibrant and inspiring space, featuring a wooden ceiling adorned with hand-painted angels. These murals were added in 1965 and largely designed by muralist Hugo Ohlms. The cathedral also houses a trove of religious artifacts, including ornate altarpieces and stunning stained glass windows.

Beyond its historical and architectural significance, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine remains an active place of worship, drawing both locals and tourists alike. Its timeless beauty and rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural and spiritual heritage of the American South.

GOTHIC GRANDEUR IN THE HOSTESS CITY

One of Savannah’s most prominent church structures is The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a stunning example of High Victorian Gothic architecture. It stands as an example of religious devotion and architectural innovation. Designed by renowned architect Ephraim Francis Baldwin, the cathedral seamlessly blends French building traditions with the Gothic Revival style, evident in the cathedral’s soaring twin spires that pierce the Savannah skyline. The pointed arch windows and doorways further draw the eye towards heaven, a hallmark of Gothic Revival design.

Christ Church on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Christ Church

Inside, the cathedral’s interior is equally impressive. The vaulted ceilings create a sense of awe and reverence while the intricate stonework and stained glass windows add colorful beauty. In keeping with other French Gothic cathedrals, the hall is in the shape of a Latin cross, which is particularly striking and symbolic when viewed from above. For Steven Spandle, a Georgia native and the Founding Principal of the New York based firm Steven W. Spandle Architect, churches like St. John’s have sparked a lifelong inspiration for architecture and design. “The craftsmanship—the intricate millwork, the luminous stained glass—tells the story of the hands that built it,” Spandle says.

His firm, known for its classical approach to residential architecture, has worked on prominent projects including the White House and Camp David. He sees ecclesiastical architecture as a unique intersection between the applied and building arts, where every detail contributes to the church’s beauty and functionality. “These religious structures are places of worship as well as history, community and culture,” he notes, emphasizing their lasting influence.

A ST. SIMONS SANCTUARY

Christ Church, Frederica traces its history to 1736, when Reverend Charles Wesley, a Church of England priest and chaplain to James Oglethorpe, ministered to the early settlers of St. Simons Island. Wesley and his brother John would later become key figures in the founding of Methodism. The first church was built in 1820, serving the community until it was partially destroyed during the 1860s. In 1884, Reverend Anson Green Phelps Dodge, Jr. oversaw the construction of the present structure in memory of his wife, Ellen.

The church was designed as a cruciform church, meaning the floor plan is in the shape of a cross. Constructed of wood, it features a trussed Gothic roof and steeple, similar to other nearby places of worship. Nathan Brock says his firm continues to be inspired by Christ Church because of its thoughtful and intentional details. He specifically points to the informal but engaging garden setting, the beautifully detailed brick walls, the lych-gate, the exposed rafter tails and the unpainted heart pine.

Christ Church stands out for more than its historical significance. As Spandle observes, “It’s a beautiful regional interpretation of the Gothic style and a true experience to visit.” Situated within a tranquil atmosphere framed by the moss-draped oaks and cedar trees, the architectural design is “certainly in harmony with the surrounding landscape,” says Spandle. He describes the church’s stained glass windows as, “a remarkable collection of artwork from various periods and makers—a must-see for anyone interested in ecclesiastical art.”

Today, Christ Church stands not only as a historical landmark but also as an active Episcopal congregation on St. Simons Island. Its serene setting formed by native live oaks, holly and cedar trees continues to attract visitors, including former U.S. Presidents Calvin Coolidge, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, all of whom have worshiped there.

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE, CONTEMPORARY STYLE

In recent years, preservation champions have given former sanctuaries new life, the most successful of which accommodate new uses while maintaining the essence of the original architecture. This is perhaps most evident in New Orleans where churches in need of renovation have been turned into private residences, hotels, restaurants and even yoga studios.

Marigny Opera House in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Similarly, the Marigny Opera House, a Romanesque church built in 1853, retains its original stained glass windows, pastel-colored floors and Moorish-inspired arches, which exude an understated grandeur. Today, it serves as a nonprofit performing arts venue, hosting ballet, opera and concerts. The venue’s evocative atmosphere has drawn iconic artists like Depeche Mode, for the filming of the video “Heaven,” and Solange Knowles, who selected it as her wedding venue.

Located in the heart of Mid-City New Orleans, Vessel invites diners to “eat, drink and congregate” within the walls of a beautifully restored circa-1914 church in which architectural elements have been preserved and maintained. Take for example the ceiling of the 100-year-old Lutheran church which was modeled after a ship’s hull. Wooden beams draw attention to the ceiling while enveloping guests in a warm setting. Lancet windows, typical of Gothic architecture, provide a striking background for glass spirit shelves, and dim lighting creates a moody atmosphere.

Supperland in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The adaptive reuse of churches is not just a trend but a powerful example of how historic spaces can be reimagined while preserving their integrity. One of Atlanta’s most beloved hotspots, The Tabernacle, a former Baptist church built in 1910, was repurposed in the 1990s into a premier live music venue for the 1996 Olympic games. Retaining its original stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings, intricate woodwork and original pipe organ it has become a dramatic backdrop for countless iconic artists and spectacular private events. Its transformation highlights how historic architecture can blend seamlessly with modern entertainment, cultivating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and electrifying. Home to over 200 events a year, it is consistently ranked one of the top music venues in the country.

In Charlotte, North Carolina, Supperland has transformed a 1948 church into a whimsical dining destination, blending Southern hospitality with playful design elements such as vibrant wallpaper, chandeliers and pew-style seating. Below, a cozy speakeasy offers a curated “Spirit Experience” of cocktails and small bites, nodding to the building’s roots. Every detail, from the repurposed architecture to the inventive, seasonally-inspired menu, contributes to an ambiance that feels both reverent and lively.

“It is wonderful to see beautiful, historic gems rehabilitated for a new use,” says Liane Brock. Her partner, Nathan, agrees. “To attend an event or service at one of these churches, or just to visit them, elevates your spirit and inspires you. As designers, we want to create environments that can do that in our daily lives.”

The Tabernacle in Atlanta, Georgia.

These restored and repurposed spaces represent the intersection of history and contemporary style, proving that former sanctuaries can continue to serve as places of inspiration, celebration and creativity.