Methodist Church of Richmond

The Methodist Church of Richmond (currently known as St. John’s United Methodist Church) is a unique and
very distinctive building of architectural history in Richmond and Fort Bend County. Completed in 1922, the
church is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance under
Criterion C in the area of Architecture, as an excellent example of an intact Gothic Revival church. The red
brick church with terra cotta trim was built according to plans drawn by architect Carl N. Nelson and includes
thirty-two stained-glass windows. The church is home to the oldest established congregation in Richmond
(1839); the congregation has continuously occupied the property since 1910. The main church building is
designed primarily in the late Gothic Revival style, and is the only such example in the city of Richmond. The
architectural significance of this building is based upon the quality design of the 1922 sanctuary and the1929
Wessendorff Educational Building addition, which itself was expanded in 1955. The Wendt Hall addition
(2000), while outside of the period of significance, is a modern design compatible with the original design idea,
functional intent, aesthetics, and quality of the historic components of the church complex. The complex is
preserved in good condition, as faithful generations of congregation members have maintained the integrity of
the historic building over the years. The period of significance for this property begins in 1922, which is when
construction commenced on the sanctuary through 1955, when the Wessendorff Educational Building addition
was complete. Because the property derives its primary significance from its architectural distinction, it
satisfactorily meets Criterion Consideration A for Religious Properties.