St Mark's Church in Mayfair turned into a food hall

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I was quite uncomfortable to see this former place of worship being turned into a food hall.

There was something disturbing about spaghetti and pizza being dished up in front of all the religious objects and imagery (which are very prominent, still in situ and pretty much intact)

Isn't there a Christian organisation that could have ensured this building was preserved for a more suitable use? If this had happened to a Synagogue or a Mosque for example, there would have been outrage.

AIBU?

I've been a Christian for most of my adult life and it doesn't bother me at all, apart from it possibly being a sign of a reduced interest in organised religion. That would be hypocritical of me though because I no longer have an interest in attending church myself.

At the end of the day it's just a building built my men and it's good to see it in use rather than crumbling away. There's no place for empty buildings and I assume that it's a reasonably attractive space?

It's a great place upstairs is TAM Fusion by 2-star Michelin chef John Burton-Race at non-star prices

I don't understand your point.

Imagine anything that you regard as sacred being full of people completely disregarding the spirit of the place, on a completely different (commercial) wave length.

Plus, the place doesn't give off Michelin vibes at all. More like fast food outlet atmosphere.

Perhaps some of them shake their fists and say, "Grr! Pub!" on each Guru's birthday? 😀

But presumably none of these religious charity organisations came forward wanting to spend lots of money to buy and renovate the building, which would probably be expensive to run (heat etc.) and a restaurant owner did, so that's what happened. The alternative being it stands empty until it falls down and is a dangerous eyesore in the meantime.

I'm a Christian who likes fast food - the only thing I feel upset about in this scenario is the OPs racism towards other religions.

Racism?

I was thinking YABU, until I got to the bit about religious imagery… when my DF died and we cleared his house, I rescued some large religious statues from the skip (he was a devout RC) and destroyed them completely, in order that they weren’t put to use in an irreverent way.

I think that I got this from some point in my own RC upbringing - I’m mainly atheist now, but I still couldn’t aid and abet something like statues of the VM, JC and assorted Saints being used for anything other than their intended use…
maybe if it was just the building and not statues Etc. you might feel more comfortable - but you’re not being unreasonable to feel like this…

It sounds like you are someone who thinks things like churches and religious iconography has some sort of inherent "holiness" about it, but you aren't a Christian? Many people who have a faith don't feel like you, so I don't see why you would be more bothered by them.

Ultimately it's just stuff and people are more important. Any Christians in the area will not be lacking somewhere to worship. There are churches all over the place, but they are in ex and current commercial buildings. Upkeep on old churches is expensive and most congregations can't afford them.

It was deconsecrated a long time ago. Not the same thing as being derelict although it did need a lot of hugely expensive work.

The developer put the money in to restore the structure and all the internals including the religious mosaics etc, which were listed and so had to be kept. Would you rather they destroyed them?

They could have gone for another super luxury clothing brand (it is in Mayfair!) but have gone for a use which enables anyone to come in and experience the beautiful building for nothing or perhaps the price of a coffee.

Best of all worlds if you ask me.

By the way... Before redevelopment as a food hall it was a privately run events space for years. Corporate parties etc, not very religious!

It sounds like you are someone who thinks things like churches and religious iconography has some sort of inherent "holiness" about it, but you aren't a Christian?

I am a Christian

This has been going on forever … The famous 80s/90s Limelight Club in Soho was a church as was The Union Chapel in Islington. Great that they now attract congregations of people communing and having fun. And yes your repeated dog - whistle was noted.

You forgot to mention that.

You go to church? What kind of building?

In case it's not clear I completely disagree with you OP.

Brilliant that it's Mercado Metropolitano which curates a range of independent food businesses.

So much rather that than a Michelin restaurant which only the very rich are able to access. Why shouldn't everyone be able to come in and appreciate it?

Also, the crypt space has been made available for local community use.

I'm sure God is more bothered about your heart and mind than about a building and artefacts itms

It is a shame but ...

Absolutely loads of former churches in my city are now pubs, clubs, restaurants, theatres. I love them (had our wedding in one). Much better than gorgeous buildings becoming derelict then demolished.

when my DF died and we cleared his house, I rescued some large religious statues from the skip (he was a devout RC) and destroyed them completely, in order that they weren’t put to use in an irreverent way.
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I think that I got this from some point in my own RC upbringing - I’m mainly atheist now, but I still couldn’t aid and abet something like statues of the VM, JC and assorted Saints being used for anything other than their intended use

That's exactly how I felt

It sounds nice, to be honest. Better than not being used for anything.
I don't think going to church is anywhere near as popular as it used to be, this will no doubt happen to more churches in future. I've thought about it, and I know one person who is Christian and actually prays and reads the bible, would go to church but is very elderly with mobility and health issues that make it far too difficult to attend. A few who are Christian or Catholic due to upbringing but don't really bother with it, and the rest either agnostic or atheist. I don't think younger generations, in general, are as bothered about religion, at least in my opinion/experience. I never have been, myself.

You would not like the Pitcher and Piano in Nottingham OP.

Thats a full on debaucherous bar in an old church.

Does it serve loaves and fishes? Or manna?

Went there a few weeks ago, a lovely vibrant space. There's a brewery in the basement.

This church has been redundant for almost 50 years!

Church of England churches have to be able to support themselves financially, with the vast majority of income from their own congregation. There is no central pot.

A problem with a lot of churches, especially those built in Victorian times, is that they are in the wrong place. They also built huge churches that would never be filled.

When this particular church was built, lots of people lived in Mayfair but now much of that parish is office buildings and hotels, so there aren't enough Christians living in the parish and coming to church.

I think, just looking at their website, that the current incarnation is fairly sympathetic to the original purpose. It might be a market, but it is very much a meeting place where people can build relationships.

If Sikhs were uneasy about pubs, why would they buy/rent an ex pub? FYI, we love pubs.

Well, if it was an actual church still, could invoke John 2 15-16 I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

But it’s not, it’s deconsecrated.

“It's almost as if they wanted to create this offensive juxtaposition effect on purpose”

That made me laugh! Offensive juxtaposition? It’s just decoration. They want to attract customers with their point of difference. Not offensive at all.

You suggest the HQ for a Christian charity - I expect the space isn’t suitable.

You suggest the National Trust take it on. Why? It’s not going to bring in revenue and it probably isn’t of enough architectural importance to do it without revenue. Possibly more of an English Heritage type thing anyway - but same comments apply.

I think it’s lovely that people who wouldn’t otherwise have seen inside this type of building, now will.

You’d have a blue fit at my local church that is now a Pakistani community centre. And in my area, Pakistanis are generally Muslims.

There aren't very many synagogues and mosques, are there? There are, however, absolutely tonnes of christian churches.

All built with local peoples money, and now many of them have no use, because hardly anyone wants to go to a christian church anymore. They are beautiful buildings that luckily have little use anymore, they should absolutely be used for the good of their local community.

The more the better, I say. It's very well to bang about them being sacred, but if you were a good christian you would know it was never the buildings and the statues that were meant to be sacred, but the people and the ideals.