Bethel Methodist Church Bell Tower - Labadie, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 31.111 W 090° 52.782
15S E 684847 N 4265478
Smallest tower, but still operational
Waymark Code: WMY0ZB
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 03/30/2018
Views: 0
County of church: Franklin County
Location of church: MO-T & Laretto Ridge Drive, 3 miles SW of Labadie
Church built: 1868
Architect: Unknown
"A
small arched window is above the main entrance and was originally glazed. The
gable roof fascia includes a wood crown molding at each side. The open bell
tower is wood frame and with very simple detail. The main entrance doors
provide the only access to the interior. The pair of solid wood doors have
raised applied mouldings and are fitted with the original lockset.
"The Bethel Church is located in Franklin County, on Missouri Highway
T, 1½ miles west of the village of Labadie. The red brick building, covered
by a slate roof, rests on a quarried limestone block foundation. The exterior
of the building remains in excellent condition and reflects a simplicity of
the environment and the congregation at its time of origin. Constructed in
1868 in the Greek Revival style, the one-story building is rectangular in plan
(37' 9" wide X 59' 6" long X 21' 9" high exterior dimensions). Its height
extends to 33' at the peak of the gable roof. There is a balcony over the
narthex and ushers' room. Despite its small scale, the Bethel Church conveys
the strict formalism of its Greek Revival design. Although the setting has
been somewhat compromised by recent development, the Bethel Church retains
integrity of design, materials, workmanship, association, and location." ~ NRHP Nomination Form