New York’s churches are some of its oldest and most iconic buildings, and perhaps due to some divine intervention, many have been saved from destruction by being repurposed into homes or commercial buildings. Today, we’re visiting five such conversions, revealing their stories dating back to their holy days.
1. New York Gospel Tabernacle Church: At John’s Pizzeria in Times Square, visitors marvel at the size and beautiful stained glass ceiling of the restaurant, the chain’s most popular location. Still, many fail to realize that the building was once a church! Built in 1888, the church was led by Canadian preacher A. B. Simpson, who wanted to help  locals reform their lives. Simpson later became the founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, a denomination that emphasizes global evangelism.

10-church conversions-history-new york-untapped cities-wesley yiinJohn’s Pizzeria’s beautiful stained glass ceiling