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Thirty abandoned churches from around the world
Independent of any religious creed, chances are most people have toured through a church or two in their travels. Many cities are designed around a central place of worship, while the buildings themselves often have historical significance (not to mention some of the most amazing architecture out there).
But what happens when people pack up and leave a town or a congregation grows and must move on to bigger and better things? This gallery of abandoned churches showcases churches that no longer serve their intended purpose. Most are of church exteriors, while others shows the state of things inside. The buildings are of various sizes, styles, denominations, and states of decay. Some are hollow shells of their former selves, while others have backdrops so miraculous its no wonder people worshiped there. They may be abandoned, but even as they crumble they are still awe-inspiring.
[Photo by Rick Harris, Flickr ]
Iceland
Cyprus
Arkansas, USA
Canada
Cuba
New Orleans, LA
Bodie, CA
United Kingdom
Scotland
France
Serbia
West Virginia
England
Italy
New Mexico
Canada
Louisiana
Texas
New Zealand
Alberta, CA
Nicaragua
Indiana
England
Spain
Kosovo
Canada
Indiana
Kansas
Illinois
Filed under: Photos
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 8)
Catherine Aug 8th 2011 11:05AM
Interesting article and beautiful photo of the church in Detroit. Unfortunately, the rest of the photos can't be accessed. :-(
Diane Aug 8th 2011 1:56PM
no trouble accessing photos. Some beautiful, some sad. One wishes that some of them had been rescued for other uses.
bev Aug 8th 2011 3:01PM
me too,, i couldnt even see what some of the church names were and where
located in certain countries
John Aug 8th 2011 3:20PM
The photos are hauntingly beautiful. I wish they'd go in and save some of the architectural detail like the stained glass windows before they fall into a pile of rubble. The carvings and pillars and stained glass are works of art that should be preserved if possible and not lost to rot and decay. And why aren't some of the building materials begin salvaged or recycled? We are such a throw away society.
David Aug 8th 2011 3:23PM
Huh? How do you know its Detroit? There is no mention of it unless you know the church personally..
The Guilded Scribe Aug 8th 2011 7:12PM
Rescued for other uses? I'm baffled. It's like, what to do with an old and worn Bible? Throw it away? I keep mine. Just tucked away. Is the Lord Poor? The Lord is rich in Everything! His real home is in heaven and in the consciousness of those who truly obey the first and second commandment anyway. Good thing the Lord Jesus Christ said, God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must do so in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. Guess that means all people have a spirit within them or need the right spirit imparted to recognize and understand Truth. As for the "Church" buildings, I would like to hold regular services in one of them....cleaned up of course.
--The Guilded Scribe
chris cash Aug 8th 2011 8:03PM
its a real shame with some of the churches ie england, they do not build churches like that anymore, today they resemble wharehouses (sp). When we visted savannah and charleston, they had marble floor"s and granite. In this day and time who can afford that.
Vickie Aug 14th 2011 6:27PM
my thoughts exactly!
PaulaRoz Aug 8th 2011 1:54PM
Better or worse? The First Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio has been reformed into a . . . . bar.
Greg Aug 8th 2011 2:54PM
There is a old church/synagogue that is now a nightclub [called Suite] in South Beach
cattworldorder Aug 8th 2011 1:54PM
It's sad how these churches are left abandoned. They can be used for housing. Or reinstitued by the church itself.
Joseph Aug 8th 2011 2:00PM
It seems so sad; some of these places perhaps should be made into historical landmarks. I once saw an abandoned church in NC that was being used to hang tobacco in. I thought that was sacreligious. Of course, buildings don't last forever, and neither do people, on this earth. Maybe these old buildings are pointing this out.
Gman Aug 8th 2011 3:53PM
The church is not god and god is not the church. How could doing anything to a building be sacreligious? It is just that, a building. Maybe you should try reading that bible instead if thumping it. You might actually learn something about the religion you supposedly practice.
Billie Aug 8th 2011 4:37PM
I agree with Joseph...I was just wondering why someone would reply to his statement so critically! We respect the house of God because it was built for worshippers to attend and wor ship God. Surely, we know that the the building is not God!...and only those who worship Him in spirit and and in truth would understand Joseph's concerns.
helen Aug 8th 2011 5:02PM
I agree with Joseph, too. To the one who made an opposing comment: How would like it if someone came into your house and used the floor instead of the bathroom.... would that be offensive to you?
I bet it would.
You need to read the Bible because the Apostle Paul clearly states how important the church is...
Coleman Wigger Aug 8th 2011 2:52PM
These are all so beautiful, i would love to see them in person. They should not be left to die.
Flannery Aug 8th 2011 2:03PM
The Church picture for Texas is actually in New Mexico. It is fifteen minutes from the Texas boarder. How funny!
sue smith Aug 8th 2011 8:05PM
not funny actually - both on the border...... and I am glad I don't live there anymore as I would feel so sad each time I viewed it......
Chuck Aug 8th 2011 2:04PM
I will take the one in France or Scotland. If the price is right.
knezrad Aug 8th 2011 5:58PM
It is worth pointing out that at least a fourth of these"abandoned" churches are from places where a government had an atheistic bent or a losing side in a clash of nationalities, politics or cultures had its support base often forcibly removed. This even applies to England and Scotland, though not as dramatically as say Kossovo, Cyprus, Nicaragua, and Spain. So it was not always intentional, this "abandonment."