Historic Church Burned But Congregation’s Spirit is Unquenchable

December 07, 2020 by: Ben Heimsath

This weekend, a fire in an empty apartment building spread to the Middle Collegiate Church next door and gutted the historic sanctuary. Firefighters took eight hours to squelch the flames. The damage is still being assessed, though the historic building is severely damaged. Originally built in 1892, it is clear already the interior nave and the original Tiffany stained glass are completely lost. ... Read More

Sacred Architecture / Historic Preservation / New York City / Church Architecture

End of the Line for Harlem Church

January 18, 2017 by: Ben Heimsath

The structure on 125th Street dates from 1927, and back then it was a movie theater. Nearly 50 years later, the LaGree Baptist Church moved in. An established congregation, LaGree had been in other neighborhood locations over a number of years. The old theater was readily adapted with theater seats replacing pews and the stage area converted to a pulpit area. The adaptive reuse served the church ... Read More

Adaptive Re-use / New York City / Church Demolition