No Vision

New Vision Christian Fellowship closed its University Heights building in May 2019, long after selling the property to a developer for as much as $34 million (I couldn’t confirm the amount). If my observation of apparent sparse attendance—except for free food days—indicates anything, the church hadn’t thrived for some time in the location. Proceeds from the sale created opportunity for relocation (Orange Avenue in City Heights) and funds to expand evangelical work.

But the departure nevertheless left a hole in the heart of the San Diego neighborhood, which would be filled with a towering edifice currently under construction. A modest religious institution will be replaced by a towering cathedral for materialistic worshippers.

I used Fujifilm GFX 50R and Fujinon GF63mmF2.8 R WR lens to take the Featured Image and first companion on June 1, 2019. Vitals, aperture manually set for both: f/5.6, ISO 100, 1/400 sec, 11:55 a.m. PDT. The other is same but 1/800 sec, three minutes later.

The stained glass windows are boarded and part of a fence lies on the ground. If I rightly recall, my wife and I happened by during the protective permitter’s installation. Around back, street—ah—artists already have graffitied a wall.

The third photo, captured using Leica Q, jumps ahead to July 19, 2019. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/5.6, ISO 100, 1/800 sec, 28mm; 12:29 p.m. Prep work begins that will continue for many months.

The last shot looks down the aforementioned fence, inside which demo rigs are parked. This one comes from iPhone XS on Nov. 15, 2019. Vitals: f/1.8, ISO 25, 1/2611 sec, 26mm; 1:38 p.m. PST.

My wife more consistently, and thoroughly, documented the property’s demise and transformation. I will look through her photos and pick out several with which to update this post.