Gothic Revival architecture at its finest

ELLIS COUNTY – There is never a loss of something new to discover in Ellis County.

A few weeks ago as I was driving in the area in the early morning on assignment, I found myself in Milford.

Actually I was in Milford’s quaint little downtown area located on Highway 77, one mile off I-35 and just 20 miles from the county seat of Waxahachie.

And by accident, I just happened to look down a road to my left. I took a second look because I had glimpsed the most amazing old church rising in the distance.

Since Easter is only weeks away, I decided what better time to talk churches with an eye toward a few of the historical beauties in the county.

The church that actually drew me in had a Texas Historical Commission Official Historical Medallion designation on its front door and was erected in 1907.

After some historical digging I discovered the church is called Saint James A.M.E. Church and was organized by the Reverend Joshua Goins, Sr., in 1883.

Before the 1907 build with its Gothic Revival style twin towers, gabled façade, and Romanesque style rounded windows, the church was held in a private home – and then moved to the Odd Fellows’ Hall before finding its new home, which still stands today.

Saint James A.M.E. Church was Milford’s oldest African-American church and building.

It is worth a drive to see. Stunning and, the closer in proximity you get to the old structure the better –  because at least for me, the structure demands to be recognized.

Head north just 20 miles and you will find in Waxahachie the Central Presbyterian Church, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Central Presbyterian Church is located on College Street, and was founded in 1853 when a Reverend B. Malloy organized the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

In 1905, when the two national Presbyterian denominations came together, so did the local congregation in Waxahachie – becoming the name still used today; Central Presbyterian Church.

The current building was first used in 1919 for Easter. 

It is another Gothic Revival building with Asian brick trimmed in white stone.

Inside, the pipe organ steals the show – it is an Austin Opus 809, and is still in working condition.

Stay tuned next week and every weekend until Easter as I take readers to two local Ellis County historical churches every week, which are in my opinion “must sees.”