A couple who purchased a 19th-century church for renovation have stumbled upon a mysterious sealed room, prompting friends and online commentators to jokingly urge them to 'run' as if they were in a horror film.
The Renovation Project
Lauren Gunderman and her partner bought the former Presbyterian church in Waterville, New York, built in 1872, with plans to transform it into a luxury wedding and events venue. The building, now known as The Stately on Main, has many quirks, but one particular feature has captured attention: a hidden room tucked away in the ceiling.
Discovering the Mystery
Lauren shared a video on Instagram showing the intriguing space, asking, 'How the hell do we get into this mystery room?' Even after removing boards and trying to scope it out with phone cameras, they could not locate the entrance. In the caption, she wrote, 'Another attempt at getting into the mystery room in my 1872 church! Why am I wearing pink slides with socks?' She explained that the room corresponds to two windows visible on the exterior, but accessing it proved difficult: 'We figured going through the floor would get us there, but instead we just found… more floor.'
Solving the Puzzle
After receiving a flood of comments from organ experts, the couple believe they have solved the mystery. Lauren revealed, 'The windows were likely boarded up inside the organ room after it was electrified, but I don't want to mess with the pipes, so we may never know for sure!' Despite this logical explanation, some people still find the room unsettling.
Public Reactions
In the comments, one user joked, 'So you bought an old church with a boarded off room… and your first thought was how do we get in there? That’s where the demon sleeps.' Another wrote, 'So, wait you bought an old church, found a closed off, completely closed off sealed off room or space and your first thought is how do I get in?? Nope nope nope… have it blessed and hope whatever they boarded up/sealed in there stays in there.' A third added, 'Burn it down there’s obviously a ghost in there,' while a fourth commented, 'Feels like the intro to a horror movie.'
The couple remains undeterred, continuing their renovation with a sense of humor about the eerie discovery.
