First Congregational Church, Williamsburg, MA, USA .
A typical New England congregational church built in 19th century Greek Revival style. Congregationalism flourished from the beginning of the colonies in what is now the USA. In the 18th century it contributed to the revivals there, but declined in the latter half of the 20th century. This grand building now seems far too big for the needs of the small town of Williamsburg and declining Christian faith. The tell-tale “thermometer” is outside the church to help it raise funds for its upkeep. Yet the grandeur and beauty of this building still remind people of the glory of God, even in a more secular age.
Methodist Church and Ballistic Missile, Warren, NH, USA
Not every church can have its own missile defence system! In the small town of Warren, New Hampshire the Methodist church has a short range Redstone, ballistic missile next to it, fortunately without the engine, guidance system and payload! The missile was brought from Alabama to Warren after it was decommissioned in order to encourage interest in space travel. It was placed at the historical centre next to the church. Although the Redstone was used for nuclear payloads when based in Germany, it was also the basis of the rocketry for the early space programme. It makes an iconic image for a church “on the defensive!”
Edwards Church, Northampton, MA
Edwards Church started in 1833 by people from First Church Northampton because it had grown too big. Originally called the Edwards society, it was named after Jonathan Edwards, the famous former pastor of First Church, who was involved in the First Great Awakening in the 1700s. The current building is the third and was built in the 1950s. Both churches were congregational and now part of the United Church of Christ. Edwards Church describes itself as an “open and affirming congregation”, which is an ideological label that places it on the liberal wing of the church, especially in matters of sexual behaviour. This position is very different from that of Jonathan Edwards, who was one of the most profound evangelical theologians in the Christian church. It shows that churches do not just grow or decline over time but also change their beliefs and practices. These latter changes are much harder to model than numerical ones.
The Guthrie Centre at Old Trinity Church, Great Barrington, MA
The original church started in 1829 and enlarged in 1866 when it was renamed Trinity. It became a private house in 1964 and it has had various owners since. It is now the Guthrie centre, founded by folk singer Arlo Guthrie who was from this area. It is used for “interfaith services, and cultural, educational, and spiritual exchange.” It is typical of closed church buildings that have found a new purpose, often in stark contrast to its original use.
Melodyland Christian Center, Anaheim, CA, USA.
Melodyland was an influential centre for all things charismatic and Pentecostal. The church started in the 1960s and took over the Melodyland theatre in 1969, taking its name for the church. The pastor was Ralph Wilkerson. The photo was taken in 1995 when I was at a conference at the nearby Disneyland hotel.
When the pastor retired in 1998, the campus was sold and redeveloped. The church continued under new leadership, a new name and in a different location. Its history is typical of contemporary churches, initially ground-breaking but not outlasting the founders without large changes. They are rarely ground-breaking in subsequent generations.