see also..... Columbarium,  Church Exterior,  Church Interior,  Stained Glass

The Architecture of the Church of the Heavenly Rest is technically Anglicized Spanish Gothic.

However, the building assimilates the best elements of English, Spanish, Norman and Romanesque gothic.  The architecture of the church borrows styles from the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th century gothic styles.  The original gothic style of architecture came to Britain with the French (the Normans) after the English defeat by the Normans at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 a.d.

Gothic architecture is characterized by a "vertical" as opposed to a "horizontal" emphasis. By this is meant that the eye, when viewing Gothic architecture tends to be forced upward rather than across or down. This is reminiscent of humanity looking upward toward the heavens in an attitude of prayer which made this style of architecture so popular for churches.

Also, you will note that the inside of the church is arched in the middle, seen as symbolic of praying hands. The ceilings in gothic architecture are very high, the tracery very intricate and complex. 

These churches are typically made of stone and wood and have a "fortress-like" feel about them, symbolic of the protection afforded by our Creator of his children. The wood and stone is intricately carved, called "tracery". The churches typically have spires which shoot up into the heavens. They have a very majestic, calming and dignified "feel".  The ceilings of English Gothic churches often look like the inside of a boat which is turned upside down. Legend has it that this style came about as symbolizing the early Christians who would hide under boats when being pursued by the Romans during the Christian persecution of the early church. Because it looks like the inside of a boat, the area of the church where we worship is referred to as the "Nave", from whence we get our word navy.

The Washington Cathedral in Washington D.C. (click here), is an Anglican Church, and is another example of this distinctive style of Gothic architecture.