12 of the most beautiful churches in America...

[Michie]

• 
  
  The Washington National Cathedral.
  

Medieval labyrinths, intricate stained glass, even a sculpture of Darth Vader-- There's no question that America's churches are just as intriguing as their European counterparts. And not just in grandeur--the stories behind these architectural masterpieces are downright biblical.



12 of the most beautiful churches in America...

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

Some of these are absolutely gorgeous. They're very traditional looking, for the most part, which I suppose could be a good or bad thing depending on how much you like the Medieval aesthetic. The Washington Cathedral has the only interior that I would really describe as kind of awkward, though. The building is gorgeous, which is why it feels really odd to string up 21st century plastic banners in it that look like they would be more at place in a stadium sized mega-church with aluminum girders somewhere in Texas.

 

[Fantine]

I am always enthralled by the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis, and the organ is absolutely soaring. I attend church there occasionally when I go back to visit.

On the other hand, I chaperoned a HS choir trip that went to the Cathedral of St. Louis in New Orleans, and it was no great shakes, especially with all the tarot card readers parked right outside the door.

I've never been to any of the others.

 

[Genersis]

Just judging the exteriors of the churches listed; My two favourites are the Washington National Cathedral and St. Mary's Catholic Church, at High Hill.

 

[Angeldove97]

I've seen some nicer ones that were not listed.

St Patrick's in NYC is stunning! Newark NJ has the Sacred Heart Basilica is also something I highly recommend a Catholic visit.

St John the Divine- one they showed in the article- is stunning because of how HUGE it is but the two times I've been to it it's so empty and dark that it's not exactly inviting (it's more like an empty castle to me).

University of Notre Dame's church is also very beautiful!

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

Just judging the exteriors of the churches listed; My two favourites are the Washington National Cathedral and St. Mary's Catholic Church, at High Hill.

I'll agree with you on the Washington National Cathedral. St. Mary's at High Hill was gorgeous on the inside, but the exterior was kind of bland. But, hey, when it comes to architectural design, I'm sure we all have our preferences. My personal favorite was St. John the Divine, but that's probably just because I have an affinity for monumental architecture. I have to be able to physically fit a lesser building inside of a building before I consider that building complete.

I just can't wait until they build the Dyson Sphere of St. Dominic...

 

[Lilly Owl]

Beautiful.
One of my favorites in the list.

Thorncrown Chapel sits on top of 100 tons of local stones, allowing it to blend almost entirely into its natural surroundings.
(Whit Slemmons)

 

[Dylan Michael]

I love the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. (Plus the name is awesome)
360° panorama
Cathedral of the Madeleine

I've never been, but the Basilica of Our Lady of Sorrows in Chicago is beautiful.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

Washington Heights Greek Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon:

New Britain, CT Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

But my observation is, the most beautiful, powefully spiritual places often are not the giant mammoth cathedrals of Christendom, but the small, charming, tight-community churches like mine. Our church building is quite small, yet I've never experienced anything so powerful as the worship we have there....this is our parish below: St. Peter's Serbian Orthodox Church in Fresno:

 

[WisdomTree]

Darth Vader for the win!

 

[Standing_Ultraviolet]

It doesn't really compete with any of these, but the most beautiful Church that I've ever been to personally is the Basilica of St. Lawrence, in Asheville (it's the only basilica in North Carolina, so it's kind of awesome).

 

[bbbbbbb]

There has been an interesting thread on General Theology on church architecture, which you might enjoy. You can go to it here - http://www.christianforums.com/t7482178-84/

 

[Tallguy88]

Beautiful.
One of my favorites in the list.

Thorncrown Chapel sits on top of 100 tons of local stones, allowing it to blend almost entirely into its natural surroundings.
(Whit Slemmons)

That's only a few hours from my house. I really need to go see their passion play. I hear it's amazing.