Emergency Correction!
Regrettably, for the second time in the history of this blog, I must issue an emergency correction. I strive to bring you the highest standards of second rate journalism. However, even with my extensive peer review process, inaccuracies can occur. So, its with a heavy heart that I must admit to propagating a false statement regarding the smallest church in the USA.
On January 30, 2021, I published this post…https://travelingwithpt.com/stop-to-smell-the-roses/
Smallest Church in Georgia 
…but, perhaps not America
So, as you can see from the sign, it says “Smallest Church in America.” Based on my high standards of second rate journalism, that was good enough for me. Consequently, I bought into the mistruth that this 10′ x 15′ (i.e. 150 ft2) church was indeed the “Smallest Church in America.” I could not have been more wrong. In a recent blog mission in New York, I discovered this…
Smallest church in New York… 
…and perhaps, the World?
Located on a pond in Oneida, New York, Carol and I discovered a chapel that measures a mere 29 ft2. So, you do that math. This 29 ft2 church in Oneida is much smaller than the 150 ft2 church in Georgia. The Oneida, NY, church has a much more legitimate claim to the smallest church title. I would have preferred to offer you some pictures of the interior. However, as there was no boat handy, the interior shall remain a mystery.
Initially, the post stopped here. But, for second rate, journalistic accuracy, I double checked my research. Boy, was that a whole can of worms that I did not need. Apparently, this business of smallest church in America is a dynamic and cutthroat competition that wages across our religious community. They even have official rules…
- Open to the public
- Humans beings can fit in it (e.g. doll churches don’t count)
- Church, wedding, or other religious services occasionally conducted
- Any legitimate denomination or non-denominational (e.g. it can not be Church of Elvis)
- Fixed address
- Must post a sign
Who knew? Then, I found this smallest church on the internet…
Once America’s smallest Church… 
…but sadly, not anymore
The picture on the left is a small church in Forestville, California. When built, THIS church moved past the New York church to become the smallest church in the USA. The Forestville church measured 35 square inches less than the New York church. However, the California church could only hold the title for a few years. An “accidental” fire resulted in its destruction in 2017 (plans to rebuild have not yet happened). So, as far as I can tell, the church on the pond in Oneida, New York, is indeed the smallest church in America.
This Emergency Correction was far more complicated than I initially intended. But, darn it, some stories just need to be told. Have a nice day. PT
I hope you have enjoyed reading “Emergency Correction” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
Here was the original post before correction https://travelingwithpt.com/stop-to-smell-the-roses/
Visit the current smallest church while it still holds the title https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/965
