Boston Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Tulsa is home to one of the finest Art Deco churches you'll find anywhere in the country. Rising 225 feet above downtown, the Boston Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church has been turning heads since it was completed in 1929. Every angle of the building is packed with bold geometric styling, intricate stonework, stained glass, and decorative details that make it look unlike just about any other church in America.

The landmark was designed by the architectural firm of Rush, Endacott & Rush, with famed Oklahoma architect Bruce Goff and artist Adah Robinson both playing important roles in its creation. From the towering spire topped with praying hands to the repeated prairie wildflower motifs worked throughout the building, nearly every detail was carefully designed to celebrate both faith and Oklahoma's landscape.

Even if architecture isn't normally your thing, this is one building that's hard not to admire. It's no surprise the church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and later designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999. For more information, see the Oklahoma Historical Society website. 08-17

UPDATE: Nearly a century after opening its doors, the church remains an active place of worship and one of Tulsa's most photographed landmarks. Free architectural tours are often available following Sunday services, giving visitors a chance to appreciate one of the country's greatest Art Deco masterpieces up close. 06-26

Trinity Episcopal Church
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

If Gothic architecture is your thing, it's hard to top Trinity Episcopal Church. Completed in 1926 after several years of construction, this impressive stone landmark has long been considered one of the finest examples of English Gothic architecture west of the Mississippi River. From its soaring tower and pointed arches to the intricate stonework, the church looks as though it could have been transported straight from England to downtown Tulsa.

Founded in 1903, Trinity is Tulsa's oldest Episcopal congregation, though the current building replaced an earlier church that stood on the same site. Step inside and you'll find vaulted ceilings, beautiful wood carvings, colorful stone flooring, and an impressive pipe organ that took decades to complete. The church is also known for its remarkable collection of stained-glass windows, including the thought-provoking "He Descended into Hell" window that has sparked discussion for generations.

Whether you're drawn by the architecture, the history, or simply an appreciation for beautiful old buildings, Trinity Episcopal Church is well worth a stop while exploring downtown Tulsa. 08-17

UPDATE: Nearly a century after its dedication, Trinity Episcopal Church remains an active parish and one of Tulsa's architectural gems, continuing to welcome worshippers and visitors alike. 06-26

First Methodist Church
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

One of downtown Tulsa's most impressive landmarks, First United Methodist Church has been serving the community since 1886, making it one of the city's oldest congregations. While the church traces its roots to a small frontier mission that once met under a brush arbor, the magnificent sandstone structure seen today wasn't completed until 1928 after several years of construction.

Designed by the Philadelphia architectural firm of Charles W. Bolton and Sons, the church is a striking example of Perpendicular Tudor Gothic architecture. Built with massive native Oklahoma sandstone walls accented by Indiana limestone, the cathedral earned the nickname "The Cathedral of the South" for its grand scale and elegant design. Inside, soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate Gothic details, and massive oak roof trusses create an inspiring space that has welcomed generations of worshippers. Be sure to take a closer look if you're exploring downtown Tulsa. 08-17

UPDATE: More than a century after construction began on the present building, First United Methodist Church continues to serve an active downtown congregation while preserving one of Tulsa's finest examples of Gothic architecture. 06-26

Church
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

The three soaring spires of Holy Family Cathedral make this one of the most recognizable landmarks in downtown Tulsa. Built between 1912 and 1914, the French Gothic cathedral was designed by architect A.F. Wasielewski and originally stood as the tallest building in the city. The three spires symbolize Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, while the central tower rises 251 feet above the streets below. Inside are 163 beautiful stained-glass windows, including several crafted from glass salvaged from the congregation's original 1899 church.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, Holy Family Cathedral continues to serve as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tulsa. Whether you're interested in architecture or simply enjoy exploring historic churches, it's well worth stopping by to admire one of Tulsa's most impressive Gothic landmarks. 08-17

UPDATE: Following severe storm damage in 2023, the cathedral underwent an extensive restoration that included replacing its aging roof with new copper and installing a newly fabricated cross atop the central spire. The work ensures this Tulsa landmark will remain part of the city's skyline for generations to come. 06-26

Sandusky Church
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Standing along historic Route 66 in Tulsa is Sandusky Avenue Christian Church, a striking modern church whose angular design makes it one of the more distinctive religious buildings along 11th Street. Its contemporary architecture is a sharp contrast to many of Tulsa's older Gothic and Art Deco churches, giving the building a unique look that catches the eye of anyone traveling the Mother Road.

Beyond its architecture, the church has long been active in serving the surrounding community. In addition to regular worship services, it operates a weekday food pantry and provides meeting space for community organizations and recovery groups. Its location along Route 66 has made it a familiar landmark for both local residents and travelers exploring Tulsa's collection of roadside architecture. 08-17

UPDATE: Sandusky Avenue Christian Church continues to serve the Tulsa community while maintaining its distinctive modern appearance along historic Route 66, where it remains a recognizable stop among the city's many architectural landmarks. 06-26