A Historic Masterpiece: The 1856 Brick Church of Virden
Property Details:
- Address: 111 S Church St, Virden, IL 62690
- Price: $79,900
- Square Footage: 6,333 sq. ft.
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 3 (Half-baths)
- Year Built: 1856
- Key Features: Original pipe organ, 28 stained-glass windows, historic woodwork, and an expansive sanctuary.
If you are someone who feels a spark of joy when you see a building with a soul, you need to see this place. Nestled in the heart of Virden, Illinois, stands a breathtaking piece of history that has been watching over the town for more than 165 years. This isn’t just a house; it is a beautifully preserved brick church from 1856 that is waiting for someone with a vision to call it home.
For the price of a standard used car or a tiny studio apartment in the city, you can own over 6,000 square feet of hand-crafted history. As an old house lover, I can tell you that buildings like this are becoming rare. It has been kept in wonderful shape, and the moment you step inside, you can feel the stories and the peace that have lived within these walls for generations.
The Magic of the Sanctuary
The heart of this home is the massive sanctuary. It is a grand, open space that takes your breath away. The acoustics here are incredible, designed long before microphones existed so that every whisper could be heard. Imagine turning this into a living room like no other, where the ceiling stretches high above you and the air feels full of history.
One of the most amazing treasures left inside is the original, custom-built pipe organ. It was made specifically for this room’s unique sound. The best part? It still works! There is something truly magical about a musical instrument that has survived since the 1800s and can still fill a room with such a powerful, heavenly sound.
Walls of Jewel-Toned Light
If you love colors, you will fall in love with the windows. There are 28 exquisite stained-glass windows surrounding the interior. These aren’t just windows; they are unique works of art from the Victorian era. When the sun hits them, the entire room is bathed in rich, jewel-toned lights of red, blue, and gold.
It is like living inside a kaleidoscope. Each window tells its own story through its design. In an age where everything is made of plastic and glass, having 28 pieces of authentic, 19th-century art as part of your walls is a dream come true for any history buff.
Woodwork That Tells a Story
The craftsmanship in this building is something you just don’t see anymore. The main floor features impeccable original woodwork that has been lovingly maintained. You’ll find intricate pews, beautiful wainscoting along the walls, and a stunning altar rail that shows the hand-carved detail of a bygone era.
Even the balcony remains, offering a perfect “bird’s-eye view” of the main floor. Whether you keep the pews as unique seating or repurpose the wood, the quality of these materials is top-notch. Solid wood like this lasts forever, and it adds a warmth to the building that modern drywall simply can’t match.
Space for Your Imagination
While it was built as a church, the layout offers so much potential for a home. There are currently two dedicated bedroom spaces on the upper level and three half-baths. With over 6,000 square feet, you have more than enough room to add full showers or tubs and create the primary suite of your dreams.
The lower level includes a large kitchen and a massive recreation area. This space is perfect for a cozy family room, a hobby workshop, or even a home theater. Because the building is all brick, it feels incredibly solid and quiet. It’s a blank canvas where you can mix modern comforts with historic charm.
A Rare Opportunity
It is rare to find a “masterpiece” that is also affordable. At $79,900, this property is a gift to anyone who wants to save a piece of American history. It sits on a level lot with easy street parking on two sides, making it accessible and convenient while still feeling like a private retreat.
If you have ever dreamed of living in a place that feels special every time you turn the key, this 1856 church is it. It’s a chance to own a landmark, a gallery of stained glass, and a musical treasure all in one. Don’t let this piece of Virden’s history slip away!
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