Radically Retired

Not My Choice

Written by

Terry

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There’s been a tendency in the past several years here, for people to purchase abandoned churches at a low price, and convert them into homes.

This has never sat right with me – especially when the new owners don’t keep up the property.

My feature photo is one example.

This was once an original Lutheran church in our city. The last time I was in this church, it was many years ago for my father in law’s funeral.

When the new Lutheran Church was built, the congregation split and for a few years, both were operating but with very small congregations.

I don’t know what it is, but something inside of me wouldn’t allow me to have an abandoned church as my residence.

How about you?

Comments

16 responses to “Not My Choice”

  1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
    Edward Ortiz

    I agree with you, Terry. It should become a home for another church, or perhaps, if it’s a large church or cathedral, it could be converted into a theater, as they did in a nearby city.

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      We have one small old church that the city purchased for its historical value and turned it into a performing arts centre. That I don’t have an issue with because it’s kept up and cared for.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Edward Ortiz Avatar
        Edward Ortiz

        Absolutely, especially when the historical aspects of the building are protected.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Lana Avatar
    Lana

    I agree Terry. The worst thing over here is that some ancient churches have been taken over by lovers of Islam and sadly turned into mosques. Also, you may not be aware but there is a big scandal at the moment regarding St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most known places in London. They have been allowed to start holding nightclub evenings to assist in fund raising. This just reminds me, a petition in my inbox has come for me to sign against such a horrible thing. If this was when Jesus walked the earth he would be making another whip.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      I guess these issues aren’t unique to here, Lana. I didn’t know about St. Paul’s. I’m of two minds there. Would it be worse to have fundraisers such as these, or to let the place fall into disrepair?

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      1. Lana Avatar
        Lana

        They could host other well paying events if they really need to such as classical music concerts, not evenings which inevitably lead to what God condemns like inebriation and fornication. The nightclub involved also had convictions for heavy drug usage. The Church of England has fallen so it is not a surprise they are bringing in worldly crud to one of God’s houses. Its female leader is being called on to resign after a recent separate issue whereby she publicly gave a peace award to a Muslim man who it then turned out is lover of violence. Jesus did say there would be a great falling away in the end times. I am just so glad He is the solid rock to cling onto for hope and joy!

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  3. explorenewness Avatar
    explorenewness

    Interesting question. My thoughts go to just how enormous the renovation costs would be, as well as upkeep costs. That’s probably why so many can’t upkeep the properties. Did they even think of that? Or did they just see the cheap intial purchase price?

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      I’d guess it was the cheap initial price, but even just heating those places, along with renovating, and maintaining them would cost a pile of money with today’s prices.

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  4. Bernie Avatar
    Bernie

    I feel like I could easily convert and live in an old church. Perhaps it is different with memories inside it. The UC building in Ogema was slated to become a library and class center but sadly it didn’t happen so it is just empty and sad now. It is discouraging to see they still have wood in a window.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Sry for my delayed reply, Bernie. We were away in Melfort and area, visiting our kiddos and some friends. That’s too bad about the Ogema UC building. Is it old enough to have a place in the Deep South Pioneer Museum?

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      1. Bernie Avatar
        Bernie

        They already have one church so not sure they would want another one and both “streets” are quite full.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Terry Avatar
        Terry

        We haven’t been there for a few years, so it sounds like we’ll have to check it out again.

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      3. Bernie Avatar
        Bernie

        There is also a private museum in town (which is very well done) and the sports museum

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Terry Avatar
        Terry

        We’ve done and very much enjoyed the train ride and only the one museum, so thanks for the tips, Bernie. Pangman has a great museum too and I’m actually in a photo in the sports section. (You “might” be getting old if your photo is in a museum, lol)

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  5. Betty Avatar
    Betty

    No, I could never live in a converted church. However, my uncle did convert an old church in Michigan to what we called “the shack”. A pretty nice cottage. We did stay there (when I was young), and it didn’t bother me a bit. I still like “the shack”; although, it’s not in the family anymore. Perhaps a rural church carries a different vibe for me. And I did not have memories there, as I think that would make a big difference. Dan and I did look at a condo in a converted school once but decided it was too small. In St. Louis, many years ago, they converted the old City Hospital to homes. The homes were beautiful, but thinking of all the suffering that happened there, I could never live there either. Great topic and post, Terry! Got the gears turning in my head. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Thanks, Betty. I appreciate your comments and reasoning. Interesting about the converted school and hospital. Have a great day!

      Liked by 1 person

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