I find church architecture to be fascinating, especially as a form of theological expression. The layout, ornamentation, and general architectural style of a church all say something about the church's theology. I'm glad the textbook addressed the rise of neo-Gothic architecture for the Methodist church (158-161). West End UMC, where I attend, was built during that revival and it helps to explain why the church looks the way it does. It grandeur has been a point of pride for the congregation from the 1930s on. In our recent capital campaign, the beauty of the sanctuary was linked with creating spiritual experiences with people (much like Conover articulated, 161).
Prior to the neo-Gothic movement, what architectural style did Methodists typically follow? What were their thoughts on ornamentation (stained glass windows, etc.)? Did Wesley have anything to say about church buildings, or would that have been too much of try to start a new denomination?
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