A historic church in Atlantic City will soon be demolished and replaced by a marijuana dispensary, but its rare sandstone bricks will help preserve the famous Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C.
The former Victory First Presbyterian Deliverance Church was built using the same style of bricks used in the construction of the Smithsonian Castle, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The church’s sandstone bricks will be used as part of a restoration project of the castle’s exterior.
S.J. Hauck Construction is removing the sandstone bricks from the church, which are from the same quarry as those used in the construction of the castle.
The church was heavily damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and the congregation relocated to a new church in 2018.
The Smithsonian Institution's Smithsonian Castle is seen at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., in this file photo.AP
“We are literally helping preserve history, brick by brick,” the construction company posted on Facebook. “It is an honor and a privilege to be tasked with this project and the team has been incredible every step of the way already.”
The castle, formerly The Smithsonian Institution Building, is undergoing its first major restoration in 50 years, and closed to the public in 2023. Workers are rehabilitating “all elements of the building” over a five-year period, according to a news release.
The Smithsonian did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment.
Located in the shadow of the Hard Rock Hotel Casino, the church became an eyesore after closing down. A two-story site for indoor and outdoor cannabis consumption, which will be open seven days a week, will be built in its place.
The church is known for being the venue for Enoch “Nucky” Johnson’s second wedding. Johnson, a notorious mafia associate and political boss, is the persona behind the lead character of the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire.”
The church also was home to Sister Jean’s Kitchen, an outreach effort that continues to offer meals to Atlantic City’s homeless population.
Stories by Eric Conklin
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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.