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Adapted Religious Spaces
Calvary United Methodist Church in West Philadelphia, which has served as a community hub since the creation of the Calvary Center for Culture and Community in 2000, now struggles under the weight of extensive maintenance needs, decreasing congregation, and deferred repairs. A recent effort aims to revitalize the church as an arts-centric space while promoting broader community engagement. Calvary’s leaders, including Rev. Tim Emmett-Rardin and Director of Operations Sky Coleman, seek to sustain the church as a community anchor.
Architect (and Bricks and Mortals member) Esther Sperber discusses the complexities of designing synagogues and sacred spaces, where spiritual intimacy is shared within a community. Sperber aims to create spaces that offer a "comforting embrace of community" while respecting individuals' personal moments of introspection. On security, Sperber notes a significant rise in concern, especially following global attacks on sacred spaces. Reflecting on her experience renovating the Ansche Chesed synagogue in Manhattan, she points out how increased security requirements impact architectural functionality, such as adjusting entry points and circulation patterns to accommodate guards and minimize risks. For more information on the Ansche Chesed renovation, check out the December 2023 membership meeting.
There is a growing trend of converting churches into private residences across the United States, driven by declining church attendance and congregation closures. One family purchased an old church in North Carolina for $232,000 and planned extensive renovations to adapt it as their home while preserving elements like the bell tower. They, along with others, are turning abandoned religious spaces into homes, eco-lodges, and even skate parks.
Celebrations
This year Diwali and Halloween coincided for the first time since 2016. The mashup, being coined "Diwaloween,” brings elements from both festivals, such as trick-or-treating at temples, Bollywood-themed costumes, and sparklers, symbolizing the fusion of American and South Asian cultures.
Environmental Activism in Faith Communities
Faith-based environmental groups are amplifying their advocacy for climate action, with a growing emphasis on transitioning away from fossil fuels. Through divestment campaigns and grassroots activism, religious organizations are joining the global effort to combat climate change. Congregations are being encouraged to reduce their carbon footprints and embrace sustainable practices, positioning faith communities as key players in the environmental movement.
Some evangelical Christian activists are urging conservative anti-abortion advocates to support climate action, reframing it as a “pro-life” approach. The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) views environmental advocacy as essential to Christian stewardship, linking pollution and climate harm to pro-life values.
Affordable Housing
Last Tuesday, October 29th, St. James Terrace, a $64 million affordable housing development next to St. James Episcopal Church in the Bronx was completed. For Open House New York weekend, ticket holders visited newly restored portions of the church’s building, including the sacristy, community spaces in the new fellowship hall, and the new landscaped courtyard that ties together the old and new buildings.
The nine-story building has 102 affordable apartments, including 51 supportive housing units with on-site services for formerly homeless residents. It features a community center offering a food pantry, hot meal service, wellness programs, and after-school activities. The development includes state financing, low-income tax credits, and support from various state agencies.
Half of the units are reserved for residents earning at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI), and the rest for those at or below 70% of AMI. The fully occupied building includes amenities such as a rooftop terrace, lounges, a fitness room, and social service spaces. Residents and the neighboring St. James Episcopal Church community can enjoy a new landscaped courtyard. The site, once a 1958 church building, also includes community facility space and is located next to St. James Park.
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