We pass by the former St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church on our main street often, but it took us until now to have a closer look and to see how the front stonework and windows require some attention. Of course, our phones came out, and the snapping began. But first, here's bit of a historical overview.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Carleton Place has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1888. The church was constructed of native stone with Beckwith stone trimmings and features a basement finished for Sunday School rooms. It was the first Presbyterian congregation in Carleton County and was served primarily by itinerant preachers until the 1840s. The wooden church was replaced by the present brick church and spire in 1884, and it has continued to be a hub of religious and social activity for Presbyterians in the village and surrounding farms.
What I cannot easily remember or find is when the church was sold, but I am guessing that it was perhaps around 2012, and what was left of the congregation merged with the Almonte Presbyterian Church. If I recall correctly, the building was sold to an All Nations Church, and it is now a Kindred House congregation.
Onto the photos, which after some experimentation, I decided to convert to b&w.
The last one is my favourite. Missing glass is on the road to destruction, sadly.
ReplyDeleteOur churches have fallen into a similar pattern. They were started in the early 1800s, rebuilt into large stone structures, sometimes after fires, in the 18880's and then usually replaced once more in the 1920s to 1930s. Now many of those churches are being sold off/destroyed and being replaced again with smaller more modern and more efficient models. The church I go to is one of the few remaining and I think it was built in the 1920's after a fire destroyed the one built in the 1880's.
ReplyDeleteLovely stonework and interesting old wood. I’d like to see colors of the first couple since there are different shades of stone.
ReplyDeleteI only converted to b&w in the end. The colours were a bit drab, at least on the day.
DeleteSt Andrew's looks like a beautiful stone church which hopefully won't be left to give in to disrepair which apparently has already started. The b&w images are perfect for this type of structure.
ReplyDeleteI love photos of old churches. They're so much more interesting in the more contemporary ones. And I hate to see a beautiful one taken down or left in a state of disrepair. It's just sad, these lovely piece of architecture.
ReplyDeleteI become sad when seeing something like this deteriorating. It starts out fixable and continues onto demolition.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, I hope the windows get repaired though.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I'm with everyone else - I hope it gets some repair.
ReplyDeleteThat is sad to see.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is my favorite! So, the building is owned but not maintained? Is it able to be in use with those missing windows?
ReplyDeleteThat edifice has an uncompromising demeanor. Good photos.
ReplyDeleteYes, some maintenance definitely required!
ReplyDeleteAll the labour and expense that went into those elaborate buildings is sad to contemplate. I guess, and it is an uninformed guess, that some of the congregation wanted to glorify their father in heaven and others simply wanted to be noticed to spend. The cathedrals in England and European cities are amazing but when you think of the human cost, it hurts.
ReplyDeleteI truly hope it gets the attention it deserves. That's a beautiful building, and you hate to see it in disrepair. I like your selective color photo. Well done!
ReplyDeleteHi Anvil.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see. The disrepair isn't clear in B&W. I suppose it's been sold off and the new owners are indifferent for now?
That's a nice building, I bet it looked really good back in the day.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos of this church ⛪️ ❤️
ReplyDeleteOuch! Those missing windows are inviting birds and bats to hang out. I keep looking at the first pics and wondering about the talent of the guy who installed the guttering around that curve of the turrent eve. Let us know when you venture inside! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThis church has an interesting history but I would be very curious to find out it's status now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely old church. I have never seen that shape of window before in the turret. When you mentioned the broken panes I noticed the broken glass at the bottom. Some of these old churches in the UK have been bought and turned into private homes. They have been renovated beautifully leaving all the decorative features. Still can see the old church though.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad to see those magnificent stone buildings left to deteriorate. Such beautiful craftsmanship, and not many stonemasons left to rebuild them when they are gone.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame it's getting into that condition. It takes money to upkeep an old building, but seems criminal to let it go. The photos capture the poignancy of its decay only too well.
ReplyDeleteIt is a gorgeous old church - and as much as we would like to preserve everything, I wonder if there is ever a ruins policy? I remember reading about when they discovered Bath was built above Roman ruins and I thought "at some point someone must have known back then and the policy was to make it invisible" - so at what point in our history will that wheel turn, I wonder?
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