Richard Upjohn: The American Gothic Revival Movement

The construction of the first church occurred in the year 1698. The second construction was in 1790 after the “Great Fire” left the church wrought with damage. Lastly, the final reconstruction of the church took place in 1846 after the architect, Richard Upjohn, identified structural problems caused by exposure to harsh winter weather. Richard Upjohn was a highly regarded architect of his time recognized primarily for his integral participation in the American Gothic Revival movement. As one of his most innovative designs, Trinity Church set the standard for Gothic Revival architecture in the United States. Though Upjohn’s design appears to have similar characteristics to other churches today, the design was revolutionary for the time in that it pushed the simple church design. Architects and artists alike such as Richard Upjohn were committed to the exploration and expansion of Gothic Revival as an architectural movement in itself. Such explorations are apparent throughout the Trinity Church.