Creating Places: An underrated church building

North Nashville's Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church ranks as a "hidden mini-gem" of sorts. Located on Herman Street between 21st and 24th avenues north, this modest religious structure is rarely seen except for those who live on the street or who attend services within its walls.

True, the mid-sized GMUMC is clearly no Christ Church Cathedral or Downtown Presbyterian Church. But compared to most churches designed and built today in the Nashville area, GMUMC's exterior design is quite handsome. A recent addition — contemporary in architectural aesthetic — respectfully modifies the traditional original building.

Any time Nashville loses an old-school church building (think Charlotte Avenue Church of Christ and the Masonic Lodge on West End Avenue), my appreciation elevates for those the city still has.