The Unfinished Church

The Unfinished Church is one of my favorite spots in Bermuda.  Overlooking the St. George's town site, I first sighted it when I visited St. George's as a tourist in 2008.  I could see a roofless, large, stone building on top of a hill and felt immediately drawn to it.  What I learned when I got there is that it a National Trust building, and is quite simply named the Unfinished Church. 

The Unfinished Church in St. Georges

Construction began on the Unfinished Church in 1874 after the nearby St. Peter's was damaged by a hurricane.  It was going to be a grandiose structure with grandiose arches, ornate pillars, and the finest architecture of the time.

These ornate Archways and pillars lined the main aisle to where the pulpit would stand

The congregation had a shortfall of funds, and construction slowed.  Eventually the congregation felt divided between repairing the old church and continuing to build the new one.  World War 1 erupted causing more delay due to funding.  And finally, in 1926, a hurricane damaged the existing construction and the Church was abandoned for good.

Free admission when it was not closed off, this was a popular wedding site

It is now a gorgeous, open air structure, although gates were erected to keep the public out in 2010 after the structure began to show obvious deterioration due to weathering.  It would have been beautiful completed, but unfinished it has an air of ethereal natural beauty, and draws many visitors to this day.  Prior to its closure, it was a popular wedding spot. 

Still glorious despite nearly 140 of neglect

The Unfinished Church is protected by the National Trust, and while it has from time to time attempted to stabilize the building, and restore it to its incomplete glory, they simply lack the funds, and this gem is now off limits to the public.  One can still looks through the gates that bar its unfinished doors, as I did for these photos on Monday.  I have taken many of my guests here, and recommend that anyone coming to the island take a look.