Carolyn and Tony with their son, Judah, in their home that was once Peace Mennonite Chapel. The home is up for sale. Photo provided. 

During a particularly difficult time in her life, Carolyn Sangrey made a prayer for “sanctuary” from health issues she faced.

Apparently, God took her literally and provided it when her new husband decided he would like to take on a project of converting an old chapel—once a Mennonite church—into a home for them. (Click here for photos on Zillow.com).

The cornerstone of the chapel they bought says “Church of God, 1876.” The church later became the Nagle Street Church of God. In the early 1980s, the church was Peace Mennonite Chapel for about 20 years.

Tony, Carolyn’s husband, used to attend Sunday school at Peace Mennonite Chapel when he was young.

Later the church was sold to and became Gospel Fellowship. When Gospel Fellowship outgrew the building and parking spaces, it was put it up for sale.

Instead of becoming another church, it became a home.

When Tony and Carolyn Sangrey got engaged in May of 2003, they bought the building from Gospel Fellowship that year—just in time to hold their wedding reception there before they fixed it up and moved in. The Sangreys were moving out of Shipoke (historic district in Harrisburg).

Tony and Carolyn were drawn to the chapel because of the neighborhood and the structure itself.

Tony’s family had lived in a small, community-oriented, peaceful neighborhood along the Susquehanna River before, and he liked it. The houses and gardens were beautifully maintained.

“It’s city living without feeling like you’re in the city,” says Carolyn.

Tony had also lived in an old department-store-turned-apartment prior to the purchase of the chapel, and he wanted another unique project and living space.

Asked whether the home is a more peaceful and spiritual home because it was a chapel, Sangrey says, “Sometimes we forget it’s a church; it’s just home as we know it. Plus, as Christians we do believe that the people are the church, not the building.”

However, spending time in the building does remind Carolyn to be aware of God in all moments, some of which she might forget.

“Enjoying some quiet time by just observing the beautiful windows,” she says, “points to a brilliant Creator.”

The original renovation took only a few months, because it was primarily cosmetic.

They also added a kitchen, as well as adding a new staircase to the second story master bedroom suite, which was previously the Sunday school room and church office.

After a few years, they added more second story living space in the form of a loft and two bedrooms. This project was more extensive, particularly because engineer approval was required by the city to ensure that they were maintaining and adding to structural integrity of this old building.

The structure is more sound today because of the addition, says Carolyn.

They changed only what was absolutely necessary to make it a functional family living situation. They did all they could not to add any obstruction to the stained glass windows (by keeping the loft walkway away from them and detached from outer walls).

They didn’t want to put up a lot of walls, but rather keep the open feel of the building.

Carolyn’s favorite room is the master bedroom—Carolyn even calls it “an oasis.”You can look out through French doors into almost the entire house, she says.

It has multiple stained glass windows in it including the round one near the pinnacle of the front of the church right under the steeple.

The Sangreys also love how the kitchen is wide open to the rest of the first story great room and it provides an easy access.

They are putting it up for sale now because of the changing needs of a growing family.

The Sangreys have a two-year-old son, Judah, and are waiting to travel to China to finalize the adoption of one or two girls. They also have two Labradors and a cat.

Carolyn and Tony are real estate developers/investors for their mainstay.

They go to Daybreak (Christian & Missionary Alliance) Church in Mechanicsburg, Pa. They still live in the chapel, and it has been for sale for one month.

Sara Albaba is a senior at Goshen College and a Spring 2015 intern for The Mennonite. She is an English writing major and is from Elkhart, Ind.