Tennessee is the buckle on the Bible Belt, so our church culture is pretty much a big deal. A majority of Nashvillians attend one church or another, calling a sanctuary home and a church community family. It’s a sweet thing, and part of what makes our state so dang friendly. Here are 7 breathtaking Nashville churches.

7. Downtown Presbyterian Church
Kathy Moore/Google
Formerly known as "First Presbyterian Church," this downtown location is a stunning display of historic architecture and religious pride. The first structure was built in 1832 after a fire, and the church had to be rebuilt again in 1848 after a second fire. The structure you see today dates back to the second rebuild. It's also one of the few examples of Egyptian Revival architecture in the entire United States making it one of the most famous churches in Nashville. The church was designed by William Strickland who also planned the Nashville capitol building.
6. St. Mary Of The Seven Sorrows
St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows, 330 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Churches of the World
Built in 1845, this stunning structure is now the oldest church in Nashville, also the location of the Diocese of Nashville. It was designed by Adolphus Heiman, who also built the Belmont Mansion, and was added to the National Registrar of Historic Places in 1970.
5. Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church
Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, 435 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, USA
Big Daddy Dave Blog
This is one of the old churches in Nashville that was used as a hospital for soldiers during the Civil War. This historic church located just outside Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee is a throwback to a most tumultuous time.

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4. First Baptist Church
Nashville First Baptist Church, 108 7th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
First Baptist News
This is one of the Nashville churches that is a fixture of the downtown landscape, the First Baptist Church has scored itself on our hearts with its stunning design and beautiful red exterior. This particular building was dedicated in 1886, and the church as well as its ever evolving community began its trek through the heart of American history in the 20th century.
3. McKendree Methodist Church
McKendree United Methodist Church, 523 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
Dana Lane - Flickr
This building was finished in 1910, after a series of predecessors destroyed by fire and the ravages of history on the town. In that same year, the famed Von Guerthler Art Glass Company added stained glass window making it one of the most beautiful of the Nashville churches.
2. West End United Methodist
West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Methodist Church Blog
Founded in 1869, this is one of the old churches in Nashville considered to be a piece of Music City artwork. It has a long entrenched reputation as a fixture of religious aptitude. Interesting fact? The church was first named, "West End Mission."
1. Church Of The Assumption
Viney Varughese/Google
Our jaws are on the floor - yours too? Built originally in 1858, the Church of the Assumption was actually crafted using the bricks from Holy Rosary Cathedral, one of the old churches in Nashville and its first of the Catholic denomination.

What do you think about these historic Nashville churches? Check out this insane chapel in Tennessee, too!

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Nashville Churches

Libby Monson | June 11, 2022

What are some of the most beautiful churches in Nashville?

Nashville is a treasure trove of stunningly beautiful churches. While the focus is usually on the old churches in Nashville, there is one relatively recent addition (as far as churches go) that incorporates historic architecture into a newly built house of worship. The Covenant Presbyterian Church features a dramatic eighty-foot-tall sanctuary and a soaring bell tower. Inside you'll find pews made of red oak and slate floors. This church is the first in Nashville to be built in the Neo-Gothic architectural style in half a century.

Are there any famous churches in Nashville?

People worship in many ways, and Nashville's good people are no different. For example, one of the most famous churches in Nashville is not a typical cathedral or sanctuary; it's an auditorium known as the "Mother Church of Country Music." The Ryman Auditorium is the original site of the Grand Ole Opry. Housed in what was once the Union Gospel Tabernacle, the Ryman is known as one of the premier performance halls in the country. You can sit in the wooden pews and worship in this sacred country music space. Tours are available if you are interested in learning about the history of this great venue.

Which Nashville church should I visit?

If you are looking for a truly unique experience, visit The Russell. The Russell is in one of the repurposed old churches in Nashville. The building is over 115 years old and is located in the heart of East Nashville. Much of the original character of the building has been preserved, like the stained glass windows. When you stay at the Russell, you are supporting a local nonprofit that helps those experiencing homelessness in Nashville.

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