Changes Coming
The Lyle Presbyterian Church has been a congregation in southwestern North Dakota since 1912. In 1914, they made a tangible investment into their future by building the current church sanctuary. In 1923, they took another leap when they used horses to drag down the Banfield house to form the current kitchen and dining room. The outhouses behind the church were once part of a school. You can still see some graffiti from that time in the outhouses.
Unfortunately, the buildings are getting old. Water has caused damage to the buildings. Time has also moved on: people are not excited to use an old outhouse anymore. People are more comfortable with modern plumbing. A year without services due to COVID accelerated the deterioration and allowed animals to get into the building without active resistance.
This church is at a crossroads. Money must be invested to save this church both for the congregation and the larger community that use it. On August 21, there will be a special service at 12:30 and then a community meeting at 1:30 to discuss the future of the building.
Photo Gallery
Below are some photos I took to document the existing condition the building.
The ceiling in the addition has suffered water damage and the insulation above is saturated with mouse urine and feces.
Water damage in the dining room around the chimney
ceiling damage
Ceiling damage
Ceiling Damage
Damage to the front steps
Attempted repairs to the join between the buildings
poor condition of the chimney
Damage to siding
Animal damage to foundation at rear entrance
water damage in kitchen
Foundation Damage
Animal damage to foundation
A look at the soffit
Front of the church
Cracks in front steps
Existing Restrooms have no plumbing
Old Wood Shake roof on sanctuary
Damage to shed
Repairs to leaks
holes in men’s restroom
Animal damage to men’s restroom
Broken window in men’s restroom
Substandard facilities in men’s restroom
Roof repairs on men’s restroom
Holes in roof of women’s restroom
window into women’s restroom
Current women’s restroom
Holes in roof of women’s restroom
Animal damage to women’s restroom
Plaster problems
Plaster problems
Plaster problems
Plaster problems
Wider kitchen view of water damage
Paint problems and outdated propane pipes
Foundation
Rear View of the church
Water damage in entry
Water coming through door in entry
Old windows in entry
Water damage in entry
Condition of entry
Church ceiling
Existing wheelchair ramp is almost unusable.