St. Thomas Church (Orange, Virginia) Explained

St. Thomas Church
Nocat:yes
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:February 17, 1976[1]
Designated Other1 Number:275-0008
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Location:119 Caroline St., Orange, Virginia
Coordinates:38.2436°N -78.1136°W
Built:-1834, 1853, 1912, 1928
Architect:Jefferson, Thomas
Builder:Phillips, William B.
Architecture:Jeffersonian
Added:December 6, 1976
Area:less than one acre
Refnum:76002115
Nrhp Type2:cp
Designated Nrhp Type2:January 21, 1999
Partof:Orange Commercial Historic District
Partof Refnum:98001651

St. Thomas Church is a historic Episcopal church located at Orange, Virginia, United States. It is a rectangular brick structure measuring 40 feet wide and 105 feet deep. The front facade features a recessed portico with two Doric columns flanked by two Doric pilasters. Atop the gable roof is a three-stage tower topped by an octagonal cupola. The original church building was built in 1833–1834, and measured approximately 40 feet wide and 65 feet deep. It was built by William B. Philips, a master mason employed by Thomas Jefferson during the construction of the University of Virginia. It was enlarged and improved in 1853, and enlarged again in 1912. In 1928, the rear addition was raised to a full two stories and a parish hall constructed. The original church is believed to have been based on the plans by Thomas Jefferson for Christ Church in Charlottesville, Virginia. That church was demolished in 1895.[2]

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. It is located in the Orange Commercial Historic District.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 5 June 2013.
  2. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: St. Thomas Church . Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission Staff. February 1976. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo