Sunday, June 22, 2014

A Church No More

This 1913 Gothic Revival building was the Deer Park United church at St Clair Ave and Avenue Road until 2008 when the dwindling congregation could no longer afford the upkeep on the large building. The church was de-sanctified and sold to developers but development has proved to be a long and tedious process and ownership has changed hands several times as have the plans. It appears that the present plans retain and convert this building with a new structure to be built behind but I'm not sure about that.
Taking part in Inspired Sunday. Click here for more religious buildings from around the world.
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19 comments:

  1. SharonJune 22, 2014 at 8:33 AM

    It's a beautiful building. I hope it gets saved and reused.

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  2. TexWisGirlJune 22, 2014 at 9:19 AM

    poor old thing.

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  3. HalcyonJune 22, 2014 at 10:03 AM

    I always liked those church lofts in Toronto. Maybe they will do something like that. It's at least good to know the building won't be demolished (I hope!).

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  4. StephanieJune 22, 2014 at 10:21 AM

    It is a beautiful church!

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  5. jennyfrecklesJune 22, 2014 at 11:08 AM

    An elegant building that deserves to be used imaginatively.

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  6. PerthDailyPhotoJune 22, 2014 at 11:56 AM

    I can't believe it's been so hard to find a use for this lovely old church Pat.. I recall a few of your older buildings have been restored and used as artists studios and galleries.. this would be perfect.. wonder what the glass windows look like from the inside.
    p.s. I know what you mean about bad drivers, on Sat when it was pouring, I saw at least three possible disasters that could have happened..

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  7. Luis GomezJune 22, 2014 at 12:11 PM

    Hopefully it will be nice.

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  8. Elizabeth EdwardsJune 22, 2014 at 12:25 PM

    i sure that doesn't mean taking it down? poor thing. that's so sad. ) :

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  9. Taken For GrantedJune 22, 2014 at 12:28 PM

    Perhaps some other church might be interested in this building, but there is little hope for the building otherwise. Your photo may become historic.

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  10. LowellJune 22, 2014 at 1:04 PM

    It's quite lovely but I can imagine that it would be hard to find a use for the building, although I've seen some churches renovated to become private homes, or apartments, or even businesses.

    I wonder how you "desanctify" a church; chant "Holy no more"? :)

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  11. RevrunnerJune 22, 2014 at 2:43 PM

    Yep, there's a decommissioned church in Norfolk that's now a restaurant called the Abbey. I've eaten there--good food and, of course, atmosphere.

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  12. John @ Beans and I on the LooseJune 22, 2014 at 2:51 PM

    Sure would be a shame to lose such a wonderful looking building.

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  13. Gerald (SK14)June 22, 2014 at 3:20 PM

    Hope it gets renovated rather than demolished.

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  14. William KendallJune 22, 2014 at 3:32 PM

    It is impressive. One hopes a good use for the church will be found.

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  15. RandyJune 22, 2014 at 8:19 PM

    I hope they don't tear in down.

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  16. AnonymousJune 23, 2014 at 4:02 AM

    Be interesting to see what fate has in store for it...

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  17. Billy Blue EyesJune 23, 2014 at 10:24 AM

    Sign of the times I'm afraid, we have many churches like that here

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  18. Sally in WAJune 25, 2014 at 12:19 PM

    Sad to see it sitting empty. Hopefully the beautiful church building can be incorporated tastefully with new architecture. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. UnknownJune 27, 2014 at 11:19 AM

    Glad you caught the building on the right, it's quite a contrast.

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