Gothic Revival Church, USA

This location is a Gothic Revival style Roman Catholic church, constructed in the 1840s. It has lain abandoned for over twenty years. I visited this location in 2018, when I travelled across several states in eastern USA. A photographic journey in search of decay and beauty.

Some history and information about this gothic revival church

It is the oldest surviving example of the several hundred churches designed and built by a world-renowned American ecclesiastical architect. Substantial renovation work was undertaken at the end of the nineteenth century. However, most of the original features remain intact. For the local community, the building remains a beautiful and cherished part of the urban landscape. Over two decades of graffiti plaster the walls, but seemingly even this flagrant vandalism fails to dull the charm of this building.

Inside the church, the nave is two stories tall with a balcony level above the triple entrance vestibule. The central aisle is lined with ornate columns. The columns support dramatic, pointed Gothic arches. Six skylights illuminate the church, which can be seen through the collapsing ceiling above the main chamber. Light also pours in from the lancet windows flanking the nave. At the far end of the church, is the sanctuary. There are three beautiful stained-glass windows above the tall marble altar. Both date to the end of the nineteenth century.

As well as being architecturally stunning, this historic building has links to two Catholic saints. However, that has not saved it and it is currently in very poor condition, requiring millions of dollars to renovate.

The future of this abandoned American church

The church passed ownership from the city’s diocese some years ago. Subsequently a local non-profit wellness group purchased the church. They purchased the site to level the church and build a new facility.

A preservation order saved it, but the church has been living on a knife edge for the last ten years, alternating between preservation order protection and demolition grant. Local preservationists then appeal the demolition order and the cycle begins anew. The future remains uncertain for this grand building.