WESTERVELT - A rural church famed for its acoustics and designed by a noted Illinois architect was named this month to the National Register of Historic Places.

Westervelt Christian Church, located in rural Shelby County, was designed by Charles Harris and built in 1921. The neoclassical design includes columns, plinths and other architectural details for which Harris was famous.

"He apparently built several buildings, including churches," said June McCain, who is a member of the Shelby County Historical Society and Westervelt Christian Church. "He appeared to have one basic design for churches and that was adjusted to what the size of the congregation was and what they could afford."

Harris also built churches in Bethany, Moweaqua and Assumption. He was a professor of architecture at the University of Illinois and designed buildings there and for Millikin University. McCain said church members became interested in placing their building on the National Register of Historic Places because of the acoustics that benefited many speakers and musicians in days before public address systems.

"Of course, then we found out that what was inside the building didn't matter at all," she said. "It was the outside of the building that matters to the National Register."

The National Register board recognized the Westervelt Christian Church for its historical integrity. The building has received only minor alterations over the years and still looks as architect Harris intended. The designation protects the building's historical value for remodeling or restoration work.

"It's good to be able to mark these buildings and protect them," said Shelby County Historical Society member Bob Hayden.

McCain learned Monday the building had achieved historic status.

"We submitted the application in September of last year," she said. "It's nice to know that it was successful."

Sharon Mosley can be reached at sharonhrnews@;yahoo.com.