St Joseph’s Church in Douglas St, Timaru, New Zealand, was deconsecrated during a service last Sunday.
The church has not been used for regular mass for the past five years and its deconsecration gave about 200 past parishioners a chance to say goodbye.
Deconsecration removes the religious blessing placed on the building, in preparation for future secular use.
After the service, presided over by Christchurch bishop Barry Jones, and attended by five other past priests, afternoon tea was held at St Thomas’s.
The property on a 1690-square metre residential section is on the market for $395,000 plus GST.