Douglas Ellington, architect of First Baptist Church, blended Beaux-Arts training with modern innovation. The church exemplifies classical architectural principles adapted to contemporary needs, as described by Thomas Gordon Smith.
The church’s most notable feature is its central tiled dome, inspired by Brunelleschi’s Duomo in Florence. Ellington’s design uses steel ribs in a similar dual-dome concept, demonstrating his ability to combine classical rules with modern techniques.
Another striking feature is the two-story columned entrance portico, which showcases Ellington’s fusion of classical and Art Deco styles. The six chamfered columns have stylized capitals and an unusual entablature with terracotta inserts. The oversized frieze features the church’s name in Roman lettering, flanked by marble Greek crosses. A slightly gabled brick cornice replaces the traditional pediment.
Interior decorations feature ecclesiastical and nature-inspired motifs, such as abstracted palm leaves, reflecting Ellington’s appreciation for the natural world and enhancing the building’s character.
