Trinity Episcopal Church (Ottumwa, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Trinity Episcopal Church
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 204 E. 5th Street Ottumwa, Iowa |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1895 |
| Architect | Edward Hammatt |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| Part of | Fifth Street Bluff Historic District |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001606 |
| Added to NRHP | January 7, 1998 |
Trinity Episcopal Church is a beautiful old church located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States. It's a special place of worship for the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. This historic building is also part of the Fifth Street Bluff Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
History of Trinity Episcopal Church
When Was Trinity Episcopal Church Established?
The church community, also known as the parish, first started in 1857. This means people have been gathering here to worship for a very long time!
Building the Church: A Design by Edward Hammatt
The church building you see today was finished in 1895. It was designed by a talented architect named Edward Hammatt from Davenport, Iowa. He created a unique and lasting design for the church.
Architecture of Trinity Episcopal Church
What Style is Trinity Episcopal Church?
Trinity Episcopal Church is built in the Gothic Revival style. This style became popular in the 1800s and looks back to the grand churches of the Middle Ages. It often includes pointed arches, tall windows, and strong, solid walls.
Materials and Features of the Church Building
The church is made from limestone that has a special rough, textured look called "rusticated." This gives the building a strong and ancient feel.
On the west side of the church, there's a tall, three-story bell tower. This is where the church bells would have been housed. On the east side, you'll find the apse, which is a rounded or multi-sided part of the church, usually where the altar is located.
Because the church is built on the side of a hill, both the upper and lower floors have doors that open right onto the ground outside. This is a clever way the building uses the natural landscape.
Unique Design Elements
All around the church, you'll notice windows and doors shaped like pointed Gothic arches. These are a key feature of the Gothic Revival style. Also, between the windows on both sides of the building, there are strong supports called buttresses. These help to hold up the walls and give the church a very sturdy appearance.
Many people consider Trinity Episcopal Church an excellent example of church design from the late 1800s that uses the Gothic Revival style.
