Homes today come in all shapes and sizes, designs and decors, but not too many families have the good fortune of living in a one-time church that's been renovated into a home!
The Gray Family of Troy, Ohio does, though. And, they couldn't be happier with their new digs, purchased in December of 2020 and restored and redesigned to meet their needs by the middle of 2021!
1903 Church Renovated Into Home For Family
Matt and Kristen Gray had been considering a move when they learned that Pleasant Hill Church of God was relocating and selling their property. Kristen suggested that they purchase the 1903 church building and renovate it into a home for themselves and their five children, who range in age from 8-15.
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Initially, Matt thought it was a crazy thought, but eventually the idea "grew legs."
The family took possession and started work right away. They replaced the roof, upgraded the electric wiring and plumbing, and painted the entire exterior of the church. Then, the real fun began with the process of renovating the inside of the church into a home. Workers transformed it all, from sanctuary to balcony, classrooms, and coves to practical family spaces.
When at last the church was renovated into a home, the dwelling included 4 bedrooms, 7 full or partial bathrooms, 2 TV rooms, 2 offices, a lobby, a game room, a work-out area, and a laundry room.
There is a designated homeschooling area, where old pews provide seating. And there's a slide that allows the kids to make fun, quick exits from the loft. The Gray family now has a kitchen in which they can all cook together and space for craft projects.
The home has everything! "The best thing about living in a church is absolutely everything about it," said Kristen.
Church Makes A Happy Home
The end result of the church being renovated into a home is astounding. But Matt and Kristen wanted to make the most of the renovation process, too.
Kristen is a designer and homeschool teacher, and Matt is a contractor. The two wanted to include their kids in the design and work of the church-to-home transition. No doubt, those projects made for some awesome educational experiences along the way!
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Matt and Kristen, capable and creative, purchased a 1903 church for $50,000 and made it into something really special. Members of Pleasant Hill Church are pleased that the building still stands because it seemed likely that it would be leveled to create a parking lot. Not only does it remain a landmark for the community, but the couple has also restored and reused iconic items from the church building in their home.
The baptismal basin is now the kitchen sink, and the attendance sign hangs in the bell tower. And, the reminders of the home's former life are not simply objects. In addition to the salvaged artifacts, Matt and Kristen and their kids continue to open their home for religion classes and to house a community food bank. How cool is that?!
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"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15
WATCH: 1903 Church Renovated Into A Home By Ohio Family
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h/t: Good News Network
Featured Image Credit: Youtube/SWNS