Carpenter Gothic Churches

Fort Davis First Presbyterian Church (Jeff Davis County)

Bastrop Christian Church (Bastrop County)

First popularized on the east coast in the mid-19th century, the carpenter gothic architectural style is best represented in Texas by numerous timber-framed churches. Distinguished by their wood siding, pointed-arched windows, and often elaborate detailing around doorways, gables and steeples, they are commonly found in communities with dwindling populations and shrinking congregations.

Carpenter gothic churches require regular maintenance to ensure that their characteristic features are preserved. Deferred maintenance often leads to leaking roofs, deteriorating windows, and even structural failure, while insensitive “restoration” using vinyl siding, plastic windows, and non-historic roofing materials obscure original detail and diminish their historic character.

Congregations need preservation stewardship training that will allow them to develop cyclical maintenance plans and long-term goals for preservation. National Register listings will qualify churches to make use of the state historic tax credit. Greater education about the unique character of carpenter gothic architecture will increase public support for their preservation. Programs to support congregations and shared uses for historic sanctuaries long-term will help provide needed revenue to keep these structures in sound condition so that they can continue to serve as community anchors.