steepled ell church
The steepled ell has a different design from other gable-end types. It utilizes larger design elements and bolder massing. The gables themselves are wide, and each section can be built as high as two stories. With this kind of configuration, the design consists of large geometric pieces. Even the trim boards are cut to emphasize the geometry: many are wide boards painted a color complementary to the wall, so that the trim outlines and frames entire sections. At the ell the tower may stand alone or be built partially into the wall. Vertically, the tower and lantern are about the same height as the gable on the facade, with the spire about one third the height of the tower and lantern combined. Steepled ells with high-style intentions often have boxed buttresses at the corners of the tower and along the nave, with surrounds about the doors and windows. Such designs imitate historical masonry construction. The steepled ell was not a heavily ornamented building. Decorative effects were limited to color (whether paint or in the cladding), some trim work, the tower, and the windows. For the latter, stained glass was often used in the gable ends. (Gottfried & Jennings, 1985)