Church House

Church House, also known as the Barrow House, stands as an architectural gem in Columbia, Tennessee. This historic mansion, built around 1873, is a quintessential example of the Second Empire style, which was popular in the late nineteenth century. Its grandiose design, rich history, and prime location make it a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

The History of Church House

The origins of Church House are steeped in the history of Maury County. It is reputed that Maury County Sheriff Latta built the house, which was later purchased by Robert Church, a prominent banker and land speculator, around 1885. For about a century, the Church family called this magnificent mansion their home, passing it down through generations. Robert Church's grandson, Robert Church Barrow, eventually inherited the property, ensuring that the legacy of the family remained intertwined with the house.

The house was designed by Peter J. Williamson, an architect from Nashville, and its construction was noted in The Columbia Daily Herald on November 7, 1873. The mansion has witnessed the evolution of Columbia, standing as a testament to the city's rich history and the opulence of its past residents.

Architectural Marvel

Church House is an architectural masterpiece that epitomizes the Second Empire style. This style is characterized by its three-dimensional massing, profuse ornamentation, and the combination of attached and semi-detached dependencies. The mansion's façade is particularly striking, with its decorative elements and bay windows that emphasize the horizontal lines of the building, balancing the verticality of the tower and the mansard roof.

The house is three stories tall and three bays wide, resting on a cut and coursed stone foundation. The mansard roof, a hallmark of the Second Empire style, is covered with decorative slate shingles. The façade, laid in stretcher bond, features a projecting center bay with a tower that adds to the building's imposing presence. The entrance to the enclosed porch at the base of the tower is defined by a heavily ornamented round arch, inviting visitors into the grandeur within.

The east and west bays of the house are set back, with the former featuring a covered one-story porch with carved posts, spandrels, and a balustrade, while the latter boasts bay windows with round-head, one-over-one windows. These windows are found throughout the house, with those on the second story of the façade adorned with heavy hoods and an ornate sill in the center bay. The dormers on the story above the second have round and round-arched windows with unusually decorative lintels, adding to the house's charm.

Exploring the Grounds

As you explore the grounds of Church House, you'll notice the chimneys with flared tops above the east and west walls that frame the mansard roof, with a third chimney rising above the north wall. The cornice is adorned with bracket-like elements, a design that is repeated above the façade bay window and porch. The two-sectioned east elevation features a bay window unit that mirrors the one on the façade, located in the projecting rear bay.

The house also includes a single-story brick kitchen with a hip roof, attached to the eastern section of the north wall by a covered porch. A small, one-story frame wing projects from the northern end of the west elevation. While the kitchen appears to have been built in the nineteenth century, the frame wing is likely a more recent addition. Another section of the covered porch near the northwest corner connects a second one-story brick building with a hip roof to the house. This building, possibly originally a detached outbuilding, has served as servant's quarters for many years.

A Prestigious Neighborhood

Located three blocks west of the court square, Church House is situated in what was once a prestigious neighborhood. This area still contains a number of large, late-nineteenth-century houses, reflecting the wealth and prominence of Columbia's past residents. The mansion's location adds to its allure, providing visitors with a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the city's elite during the late 1800s.

Preservation and Renovation

Despite some modifications to the rear of the building to add a kitchen, the façade of Church House retains its original appearance, thanks to extensive renovations by the current owner. These efforts have preserved the mansion's historical integrity while ensuring that it remains a stunning example of Second Empire architecture.

In conclusion, Church House is not just a historic mansion; it is a symbol of Columbia's rich heritage and architectural grandeur. Its imposing presence, intricate design, and storied past make it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Columbia, Tennessee. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Church House promises to be a captivating journey through time.