According to the Houstonia Mag, the city of Houston is a city with a huge religious population. In 2016, it tallied that 80% of the people residing in the city had a religion. Because of this, it is a city with plenty of stunning churches where people can worship.
This list looks at some of the most beautiful churches in Houston and the surrounding area.
South Main Baptist Church
4100 Main St.
South Main Baptist Church facade with its fountain open. Image: South Main Baptist Church Page
According to Chron, the South Main Baptist Church won the 2020 Good Brick Award from Preservation Houston. On the church page, it says that it completed its first sanctuary in 1930 and received a full renovation in 2017. The facility includes a sanctuary, a chapel, a fellowship hall, and a lawn with an outdoor chapel. Apart from its beautiful facilities, it also features stained-glass windows that depict the life of Jesus Christ.
Christ Church Cathedral
1117 Texas Ave.
Christ Church Cathedral pastor talks to the congregation. Image: Christ Church Cathedral, Houston Facebook Page
The Christ Church Cathedral is the oldest church in the city, serving at its original location since 1839. Because of its age, the church has undergone plenty of renovations and had a rededication on September 17, 1995, by Bishop Claude E. Payne.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
5501 Main St.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church continues to stand and serve Houston.
Image: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
The Chron article says that Alfred C. Finn is the architect who designed the church. He is the same architect responsible for the San Jacinto Monument and other notable American buildings. On its website, it says that the church sanctuary was completed in 1930, with the first worship service held on Nov. 2 of the same year.
First Methodist Houston
1320 Main St.
First Methodist stands as the oldest Methodist Church serving Houston. Image: First Methodist Houston
On the church page, it says that it is the oldest Methodist church in Houston. Finished in 1844, it is the first brick church in Texas. However, the church’s first sanctuary would collapse in 1864, and it would take almost two decades to establish a new brick church with an English gothic design.
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
500 Clay St.
Skyscrapers surround the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church facade. Image: Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Downtown Houston Facebook page
Apart from its architectural beauty, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history tied to the present-day Fourth Ward. The church page says that it features a semi-circle structure, art glass windows, and hand-made pews that are still used today. Following a Gothic design, the church also has pointed arch windows nationally recognized for their beauty.
Lakewood Church
3700 Southwest Fwy.
Lakewood Church pastor preaches to Lakewood congregation. Image: Lakewood Church Facebook page
According to Travel Triangle, it is one of, if not the largest, churches in Houston. Today, the church stands in a former basketball stadium, complete with an altar, a wide stage, screens, and an extensive seating structure. It is a church that is a sight for tourists coming to the city.
Trinity Episcopal Church
1015 Holman St.
Trinity Episcopal Church stands as one of the oldest churches in Houston. Image: Trinity Episcopal Church
Also known as the ‘Heart of Midtown,’ the Trinity Episcopal Church says it has been a part of the city since the 1890s. The church started as a wooden structure, but it would then build into a structure that has since become an architectural landmark for the city.
St. John Church
1100 Bagby St.
St. John’s Church surrounded by greeneries and skyscrapers at Sam Houston Park. Image: The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park Page
According to OYO, St. John’s Church is a locally built church with a 19th-century Gothic design. The structure features Gothic revival-style windows, doors, and handcrafted cypress board pews. Apart from all this, it is also a church that is surrounded by greeneries at Sam Houston Park.
Houston’s First Baptist Church
7401 Katy Fwy.
People go inside Houston’s First Baptist Church. Image: Houston's First Baptist Church - The Loop Facebook Page
In the same article, Oyo said that Houston’s First Baptist Church – Downtown campus has an architectural design that caters to the younger demographic. Inside the church are an assembly hall, a reception center, office spaces, and several classrooms.
City Life Church
7120 Grand Blvd.
People meet outside the City Life Houston Church. Image: City Life Houston Facebook Page
Oyo also said that the City Life Church is a ‘vibrant, multi-ethnic congregation that is Christ-centered, Spirit-led, and socially progressive.’ Apart from that, the church is said to have a welcoming ambiance open for all visitors.
Hope City
2700 West Sam Houston Pkwy.
People worshipping at Hope City Church Houston. Image: Hope City Facebook Page
According to Travel Triangle, Hope City is among the the most visited Houston churches today. The church has since become a multi-location church serving Houston, Katy, The Woodlands, and more.
St. John’s Downtown
2019 Crawford St.
St. John’s Downtown Houston congregation celebrates the new year 2023. Image: St. John’s Downtown Houston Facebook Page
According to the St. John’s Downtown Church page, it is a church that has been serving the Downtown community since 1992. Today, it continues to be a church that serves people of all social and economic backgrounds. Also, it is a church that is said to tear down the walls of classism, sexism, and racism.
St Martin's Episcopal Church
717 Sage Rd.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church members listen to Rev. Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr. for a book signing. Image: St. Martin's Episcopal Church Facebook Page
According to the Jackson & Ryan Architects Page, the church is a Gothic design-inspired church complete with a parish hall, a full banquet kitchen, a central plant, and even a wedding and day chapel. The church's design is highly acclaimed with several awards, such as the 2005 Craftsmanship Award, Masonry and 2005 International Excellence in Masonry, Best in Show/People's Choice, and Masons Contractors Association of America, among others.
Bethany Christian Church
3223 Westheimer Rd.
Bethany Christian Church calls for people to join the church. Image: Bethany Christian Church
According to the Bethany Christian Church website, it is an institution that puts importance on ‘building authentic relationships.’ Apart from the church, it is also the home of the Bethany Christian School and BCC Music Houston.
Salem Lutheran Church
22601 Lutheran Church R., Tomball, Texas
Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church has about 100 acres serving Tomball. Image: Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church Facebook Page
On the church page of the Salem Lutheran Church, it said that the current worship center of the church was built after the original church sanctuary burned down in 1995. According to the RH Architects page, it is a church that has since expanded to almost 100 acres, complete with its community center and outdoor recreation facilities. It also has its school that serves children up to the eighth grade.
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