700 Russell St., Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 730-7267
Tucked away in one of the most picturesque and historic neighborhoods in all of Nashville is beautiful Edgefield Church. Outside, the red brick is solid and stately. The red doors are arched and welcoming, and the gabled roofs are triangular and architectural, causing you to raise the eyes upward to the Heavens (as it is clearly meant to do). And then you step inside the doors…. and are transported back in time instantly. It is one of the loveliest Baptist Churches I’ve ever been to, and a fantastic example of historic preservation at its finest!
You can feel the age of this grand lady, with her deeply stained floors, pews, and doorways, with prayer nooks that allow for deep contemplation, and an open expanse that provides room to breathe. Beautiful details leap to your attention, such as an enormous organ, stunning stained glass, partitioned balconies, and soaring ceilings with graceful chandeliers.
First, a little bit of background: Edgefield Baptist Church was organized in 1867 when members of Nashville’s First Baptist Church wanted to create a new congregation on the East side, in what was at the time a suburb. The church on Russell Street was built in 1907 after years of fundraising, and an addition was added in 2007 for classrooms and other meeting spaces. In 2021 it joined with Trinity Church (whose members at the time were meeting in an elementary school auditorium a block from Vanderbilt University) and the newly merged congregation renamed their beautiful house of worship "Edgefield Church."
The architectural details are so worth exploring. The balustrades, pew configurations, upper balconies and pulpit stage are gently curved and enveloping. Inside and outside, the arches of the windows and doors are clear nods to its Gothic Revival style inspiration, but often have softened lines that make the look less severe. The artists who created the stained-glass windows were clearly among the best in their field (most likely Tiffany or someone inspired by their work). The colors of the glass are vibrant yet soothing, and visible in every part of the spacious room. I find the design of the church to be like a warm embrace: so pleasing to the eye in every way in its beauty and softness.
Thanks to the Special Collections Division of the Nashville Public Library which houses the Sacred Sites Project created by Historic Nashville, Inc. to document churches in Nashville of historic value, we know something of its architectural importance. Wheeler, Runge, and Dickey drew up the plans and began construction of the Gothic building in 1905, and it was ready for its first service in 1907. Since then, the church has been lovingly maintained and updated; for example, in 2021 the church was awarded a grant by the Metropolitan Historic Commission (MHC) to restore its stained-glass windows to their former glory. It has since garnered praise for its beautiful design, including an architectural award by the MHC. In 1977 the church was placed on the National Historic Register as a segment of the Historic Edgefield community, cementing its legacy as one of the city's buildings of significance.
I had the church to myself and was able to simply sit and enjoy the space uninterrupted. It was peaceful, welcoming and seemed just as open and inviting as the design of the space itself. Sanctuary is the word that came to mind: a shelter and refuge for mind and spirit amid the hustle and bustle of life in East Nashville.
Historic churches always win my heart, and Edgefield Church is one of the loveliest old churches that I’ve seen in Nashville. It is sites like these that remind us just how important historic preservation is to a city and its communities. They tell the stories of our past through glass and stone and propel us into the future, knowing from whence we came. The soul of a city resides in our historic places! Please consider joining or making donations to Historic Nashville, Inc., the Preservation Society of Nashville, or the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, to keep beauties such as this one around!
I’d like to thank Justin Turner, Director of Operations and Pastor Matt McCullough for welcoming me so warmly to the church on such short notice! It speaks volumes of the faith community that worships here.
Edgefield Church is located on the corner of South 7th Street and Russell Street, next to East Park in East Nashville. The congregation is dynamic and active with several outreach services, including the Hope Clinic for Women, Project Connect Nashville (which helps people in poverty and homelessness), and Servant Group International (which helps Muslims who are new to Middle Tennessee find work, learn English, and adjust to life in America).
Please visit the Edgefield Baptist Church website to learn more about their services and classes!
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