Brockway Union Church

The Brockway Union Church was dedicated in 1890. The church was so called because the community was represented by several denominations such as Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Congregational, and Plymouth Brethren, and it was to be used by all. The builders of the Church were Robert Vail and Robert Young, sons of two of the original settlers in Brockway. A corner of the lot granted to Solomon Vail was designated on which to build a church (and a schoolhouse). The Sunday school room was built from 1952 to 1957 at the instigation of Susie Vail. At present, the women hold a group called the United Church Women (UCW).

This church is a fine example of later Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Symmetry and proportion play important roles in Baptist church architecture from this time. When this building was constructed, the wing located on the left side of the church was not added, and the structure was more balanced. The wing was constructed beginning in 1952. Over the years this structure has maintained the vast majority of its original architecturally significant and defining features, such as the unique corner pilasters located on the corners of the building on the front façade and the sides of the steeple. Each pilaster has two pieces of trim that are sloped, resembling early examples of English gothic architecture. Another character defining element of this building is the amount of detailing around the top of the tower, directly below the belfry. The architecture of the steeple, with its four –sides, cylindrical steeple, and ornate weathervane also set this structure apart from other churches that served Baptist congregations in the late nineteenth century.

Features in sets of three, representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are also defining elements among Protestant churches from this era. The front façade on the gable end is broken into three bays, each containing a gothic curved window. The length of the tower and steeple is broken into three distinctive bays - the centrally placed doorway, the gothic window above it, and the belfry/steeple. Prior to the addition to the left side of the church, each side of the building had three gothic windows. The architectural design of the addition blends into the main building.

Information provided by The Village of Harvey Station website.