writing a novel – another look at old churches
As I write my novel, I am amazed at how many instances of abandoned churches I have encountered in my life. I have come to think that I live at a time that will be remembered for a great turnover in our churches. With the need for energy efficiency and financial stability, congregations are actively seeking the ideal ‘place’.
I understand why this should be so. But I still love the idealized rural church of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Earlier this month, we took a drive to Saint Martins. Near Garnett Settlement, we saw yet another re-purposed church.
This one was abandoned a few years ago, after there were only four parishioners to keep it going. It was sold and has been turned into a country treasures gift store called the ‘Old Fangled Steeple’.
The church still has almost all of its stained glass windows intact.
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For some beautiful images of abandoned churches, have a look at:
http://pinterest.com/patiluhayes/old-churches/
For a rather sad tour of the inside of some abandoned churches, see:
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/news-abandoned-churches?image=23
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Copyright Jane Tims 2012
nichepoetryandprose 
I noticed while traveling around New Brunswick, PEI, and Nova Scotia that there were a lot of repurposed churches. It made me wonder how many there might be in my own area that I might not have noticed. I know that some of the big cathedrals up in Cleveland (an hour north of where I live) have been closed, but not sure they have been repurposed yet.
Please excuse me for being so far behind, Jane. I was going to start fresh today, but I’m so fascinated with your process that I don’t want to miss anything. 🙂
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Robin
January 1, 2013 at 5:20 pm
Hi Robin. I appreciate the careful read. I have been surprised at how many churches I know that have been re-purposed. Almost everyone I talk to has a few examples to give me. Jane
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jane tims
January 1, 2013 at 8:07 pm
I also feel a certain sadness when I see abandoned churches–but am at the same time am often fascinated by their peaceful settings and haunting beauty. Thanks for the link to the pininterest site. I enjoyed look at the pictures on it.
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Sheryl
December 22, 2012 at 10:06 am
Hi Sheryl. Glad you liked the site. Jane
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jane tims
December 23, 2012 at 9:24 pm