St. John's Episcopal Church, historic church in Keokuk, Iowa, United States
St. John's Episcopal Church is a Gothic Revival church in Dubuque, Iowa, built with limestone from the region. The building has a cross shape, tall narrow windows with stained glass from the Tiffany studio, and a corner tower with battlements that make the structure distinctive from various angles.
The parish was founded in 1845 after missionary work began in the area in 1834. Construction of the current church started in 1874, was delayed due to quicksand at the site, and took place under plans by New York architect Henry Martyn Congdon between 1877 and 1889.
The church is named after the apostle John and reflects beliefs that were important to the people of its era through its design. The red doors symbolize Christian martyrs, while the wooden beams beneath the ceiling are shaped like a boat, representing safety and faith that visitors notice when they enter.
The church is centrally located on Main Street and is easily accessible on foot. The entrance is recessed into the wall, making it easy to find, and visitors can observe the facade and interior details at leisure without special arrangements.
Five large windows from the Tiffany studio adorn the interior and were given as a gift by local supporters who also helped finance the church. The windows catch the light and cast colored patterns on the stone walls, especially when the sun hits them from different angles.
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