Charles Babcock (architect)

Charles Babcock (March 23, 1829 – August 27, 1913) was an American architect, academic, Episcopal priest and founding member of the American Institute of Architects.

He was born in Ballston Spa, New York. After being educated at Union College in 1847, he served as an apprentice of Richard Upjohn while he designed Trinity Church in Manhattan. Remaining with the firm for five years, he became a partner and later married Upjohn's daughter. From 1858 to 1862 he taught in St. Stephen's college, Annandale, New York. His interest in Gothic Revival architecture led him to study for the ministry, and after his training he became the priest and rector of an Episcopal church in Arden, New York.

He was elected the first Professor of Architecture at Cornell University on September 18, 1871, essentially founding the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. While at Cornell, he continued to serve as a minister, and authored two textbooks, Elementary Architecture (1876) and Vaults (1884), and designed several important campus buildings, including Sage Hall, Franklin Hall (later renamed Olive Tjaden Hall), and Sage Chapel. He was a professor until 1897, when he became Professor Emeritus, and served in that position until his death.

He designed Christ Church in Sparkill, New York. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.

Charles Babcock died in Ithaca, New York at the age of 84.