Former churches with better missions

FFRF Member Richard Arnold of Iowa sent us this photo of the former Harrison Gospel Chapel in Davenport, Iowa, which is now the site of an escape room. Richard writes, “A possible caption could be: ‘All are welcome, but only the smart will leave.’”

FFRF Member Joan Lawson sent us this photo of the former First Methodist Protestant Church of Seattle, built in 1906, which was added to the National Register in 1993. In 1991, due to declining membership and increasing costs of building upkeep, the church moved out of the building. In 2004, it was renovated to an office building and is currently owned and occupied by Catalysis Corporation, a Seattle-based digital marketing agency.

The Dance Palace in Point Reyes, Calif., was the former site of the Sacred Heart Church. In 1989, the Dance Palace moved out of its downtown location and into the church building. The church had decided to sell its property and use the funds to upgrade its property in Olema, Calif. The Dance Palace move was made possible through the financial and volunteer contributions of more than 350 community residents, with over $750,000 raised. (Photo by Dan Barker)

This former Baptist church was renovated in 1995 into the Clarkston Union Bar and Kitchen in Clarkston, Mich. FFRF Member Larry Libbrecht, who sent us the photo, wrote, “It has great food and there are still some pews in the restaurant eating area.”

FFRF Member Chris Renz sent us this image of the Walnut Lodge Yoga and Movement Center in Sharon, Pa. It had been the First Church of Christ Scientist when it was built in 1905.

FFRF Member Eric Krebs (shown) sent us this from the Argos Animal Hospital in Boiceville, N.Y., which looks to be a former church, although no background information could be found.

Joan Lawson also sent us this photo of the former First Church of Christ, Scientist in Seattle, built in 1906. In the mid-2000s, the congregation moved and the building was converted into townhouses. If you see or know of any former churches that now serve a secular purpose, please send us a photo (preferably with you in it!) and a brief description of the property. Send it to [email protected]

Former churches with better missions

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