Due to shrinking congregations and finances, many abandoned church buildings in New York’s Hudson Valley have been reused for other purposes. Some are now apartments or condominiums, fraternity houses, museums, historical societies, businesses and vibrant art venues and community centers.
These can be especially beautiful, with their preserved architecture and stained-glass windows. Protecting and re-using these buildings for events like concerts and art shows helps preserve the history and uniqueness of a community.
It is often local and state preservation societies who advocate for landmark protections and who secure funding for restoration. For example, the Preservation League of NYS has a biennial list of “Seven to Save At-Risk Historic Sites” which can include churches, barns, old opera houses, historic districts and other properties.
Each May the New York Landmarks Conservancy organizes the annual Sacred Sites Open House Weekend, a free statewide opportunity to visit current and former churches of historical interest…