Founded in 1829, Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville, Tennessee, is the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee. The Cathedral Choir at Christ Church has been recognized by the Nashville Scene for several years running as the "Best Church Music" in Nashville. Francis H. Kimball, a New York architect, designed Christ Church. The current Cathedral as you see it know, was built from 1887 to 1894 and is one of Tennessee’s finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. Hallmarks of the Victorian Gothic style are evident in the rich colors and textures of the stone work, the thickness of the walls, the overall heaviness of the building, and details such as the carved stone gargoyles of animals and birds. The fine cut Sewanee sandstone was a gift from the University of the South. The stunning interior includes a beautiful wooden altarpiece carved by Swiss emigrant Melchoir Thoni and stained glass windows by Tiffany Studios of New York. Although originally planned in 1890, the tower was not added until 1947, under the supervision of Nashville architect Russell Hart.