In the Borough of Former Churches

Walk down almost any block in the part of Brooklyn where I live and itâ??s possible to see a building that once had a religious connection now being used for something else. Arches and spires are obvious indications of former houses of worship, but sometimes a Latin inscription above the lintel or a stone cross on the roof are the only evidence of original purpose. One statistic says twenty Brooklyn churches have been converted into condominiums over the past twenty years, but the scope and pace of redevelopment makes that count seem conservative, or outdated. In the few square blocks around me there are at least five such conversions, of varying degrees of luxury. Some years ago an acquaintance of mine, much bolder than I, confronted a resident leaving one of these buildings. â??So how does it feel living in a deconsecrated church?â? she demanded. No response was forthcomingâ??an exhibit of self-restraint, I think now.