The oldest churches in Huntsville + a look into their history

First Presbyterian church in Huntsville—one of the oldest churches in Huntsville — All of Huntsville oldest churches are located in downtown + Twickenham. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

I’ve always loved how architecture tells a story, granting a glimpse into another time and culture. That’s why I set out to find the oldest churches in Huntsville.

Although many of these congregations met long before their buildings were standing, we have organized the list by the date construction concluded for each building. Read on to learn these unique stories.

1. Church of the Nativity – 1859

Church of the Nativity in Huntsville — Church of the Nativity. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Designed by the English architect Frank Wills in 1856, the Church of the Nativity officially opened in 1859. Its design mirrors the architecture of England’s Anglican churches and features a central courtyard surrounded by covered walkways.

During the Civil War, the church was ordered to be used as a stable. However, as the story goes, one of the soldiers stopped in his tracks when he entered the church and saw the words “Reverence My Sanctuary.” He reported this to his commanding officer and the church was left alone.

2. First Presbyterian – 1860

First Presbyterian Church Huntsville AL — First Presbyterian Church. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

First Presbyterian Church presents a unique juxtaposition—combining gothic old-world arches with the red brick so typical of the South.

The congregation began meeting in 1818 before the first building was constructed in 1822. The current structure traces its roots back to 1860, impressively remaining unscathed from the Civil War.

3. First United Methodist Church – 1874

First United Methodist Church in Huntsville AL — First United Methodist Church. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Overlooking Randolph Avenue, the First United Methodist church contrasts many other historic churches with its stark white walls, copper steeple and characteristic purple doors.

Unlike the First Presbyterian Church, it did not leave the Civil War years unblemished. The church housed troops during the war, and an unfortunate cooking fire destroyed much of the structure in 1864.

The rebuild was completed in 1874 and stands as a prime example of architecture from the Reconstruction period.

4. St. Mary of the Visitation – 1877

St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Parish in Huntsville AL — St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Parish. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

Known as the oldest church in North Alabama, St. Mary of the Visitation looms over Jefferson Street. Its architectural style has its roots in the Romanesque Revival, consisting of round arches, thick masonry walls and asymmetrical designs.

Construction first began on the church in 1861 but was halted due to the Civil War. The building was completed in 1877.

5. Temple B’nai Sholom – 1899

Temple B'nai Sholom in Huntsville AL — Temple B’nai Sholom. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

The Temple B’nai Sholom is the oldest continuously operated synagogue in Alabama. Although its facade differs from St. Mary’s, it’s also an emblematic example of the Romanesque Revival.

The congregation began in 1829 and thrived but later struggled to survive during the early-mid 1900s. Thankfully, the congregation was saved in the 1950s with the introduction of the Marshall Space Flight Center and the arrival of Jewish scientists and their families.

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