The Presbyterian Cathedral

If you’ve ever driven around Midtown Memphis, you’ve probably noticed the great Gothic cathedral set directly across from the Kroger at Evergreen and Union. The stone church is a sight to behold…another world and time represented by its architectural beauty and its command of the midtown skyline. If you’ve found yourself especially lucky, you’ve heard the church’s hourly bells peal out a hymn as you’ve toted your grocery bags to the car. Idlewild stands as a beacon of Presbyterian tradition and early Christian architecture amid a bustling metropolis; an anchor of faith and service in the middle of a city where life’s harshest elements can often be experienced. 

A Nod to the Past

Idlewild’s Presbyterian is one of the oldest congregations in Memphis. Founded in 1891, the urban church grew quickly through the beginning of the twentieth century, leading to an expansion and creation of a new church home in 1921. The stone Gothic Cathedral was finished in 1928, while its bell tower was incomplete until 1982 when bells weighing a total of 27,000 pounds were finally installed. 

The architecture of Idlewild isn’t entirely unique to the historic neighborhood where the church resides. The distinct districts of Midtown Memphis reflect a surge of residents that made their way “east” from downtown Memphis in the 1920s and 30s, and landmarks such as Rhodes College, just north of Idlewild Pres, were built in the same popular Gothic style during the 20s. Even homes in the north midtown area feature stone cut from the same Arkansas quarry that provided rock for the walls of Rhodes. The grandeur of Idlewild Presbyterian is unique, however. While Rhodes College sets on wooded acreage and behind a good deal of guarded gates and fencing, Idlewild Presbyterian stands boldly on a large street corner on one of the busiest corridors of Memphis traffic. Its castle-like architecture offers a pause of beauty and worship in what is otherwise, some of the most chaotic bustle of the city, and as an anchor of faith and tradition, its congregation continues to grow and thrive in midtown with a roster of over 1,400 members.

A Look Towards the Future

Idlewild has always been a progressive church, and its mission to minister to the underserved of the city has remained core to its beliefs and practices. In the 1940s, Idlewild partnered with Bethel Presbyterian Churches to form the Bethel Day Nursery, providing daily childcare for working African American mothers, and in the 50s, the church began an athletic program to foster Christian community for the youth of the city. Most notably, Idlewild became one of the Midsouth’s first integrated church services during the Civil Rights Movement. In the 70s, the congregation helped found MIFA (Metropolitan Interfaith Association), providing home deliveries of food and other care-related services to tens of thousands of Memphians every year since 1968. 

The church continues to serve. Intentionally built in an area of the city where the homeless and underserved are always close at hand, the congregants of Idlewild regularly provide help for the needy. Compassion and Justice remain integral to their belief system. They also nurture the community through annual outreach events like a festive Trunk or Treat every October, Athletic leagues, and an active daycare program. 

Idlewild Presbyterian is a gem, both aesthetically and ministerially to the city of Memphis. Next time you drive by the Gothic “Cathedral of Presbyterianism” on Union Ave, maybe whisper a little word of thanks for a faith tradition that has so richly served our city. 

Photo via Idlewild Presbyterian Church Website