Victory Baptist Church (Wood River Baptist Church; Six Principle Baptist Church)

Victory Baptist Church (Wood River Baptist Church; Six Principle Baptist Church)

Victory Baptist Church (Wood River Baptist Church; Six Principle Baptist Church) John M. Miller

Victory Baptist Church (Wood River Baptist Church; Six Principle Baptist Church)

Before 1855 (probably late 1840s). 85 Nooseneck Hill Rd. (junction of Nooseneck Hill and Skunk Hill rds.)

As a sculptural display of elements common to Greek Revival building, this church is exceptional. Two doors with side lights deeply inset and enframed by flanking piers and heavy entablatures are framed by another deep entablature at the eaves, which is visually supported by corner piers. Typically, flushboarding in the end gable pediment, meant to suggest masonry, gives way to clapboarding on the wall elevations. The tiny pair of windows squeezed high above and between the entrances sets up a nice animation with the side lights, together providing eyes for what would otherwise be something of a clumsy blind giant. Paired windows under (or in) the entablature are more typical of domestic than ecclesiastical Greek Revival buildings. In fact, the entire elevation derives more from domestic than ecclesiastical architecture. The lack of belfry and the strong horizontals imposed by the heavy entablatures reinforce the sense of a blown-up house for worship.

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