American Renaissance Church – Investigation

American Renaissance Church Investigation

May 5, 2022

Windber, PA

 

Investigation

 

The investigation at the American Renaissance Church and Museum in Windber, Pennsylvania was conducted following communication with property owner Blair Murphy regarding ongoing unexplained experiences reported within the building. The structure, formerly known as Holy Child of Jesus Church, has since been repurposed as a museum and artistic exhibition space while maintaining much of its original ecclesiastical architecture and atmosphere.

 

Reports surrounding the location described a variety of subtle but recurring activity throughout the building. Visitors and staff had occasionally mentioned shadow movement near the altar, unexplained sounds in the upper balcony, and unusual sensations while exploring the lower levels of the building. These reports were not described as threatening or oppressive in nature, but rather as curious and persistent occurrences that seemed tied to particular areas within the structure.

 

 

Iron City Paranormal approached the location with the same objective methodology applied to all investigations: documentation, environmental monitoring, and respectful engagement. Particular attention was given to environmental variables such as building acoustics, structural settling, and electrical systems, as older buildings of this scale often produce natural sounds and environmental fluctuations that can be mistaken for anomalous activity.

 

The investigation was conducted after public access hours to limit outside interference and allow for clearer monitoring conditions within the building. Investigators Derrick and Dan performed the investigation independently, allowing for controlled observation and independent documentation of experiences throughout the evening.

 

History and Background Documentation

 

The American Renaissance Church building carries a long religious and cultural history within the Windber community. Originally constructed as a Catholic church, the structure served parishioners for many decades before eventually closing and transitioning ownership. Under the stewardship of Blair Murphy, the building has since been preserved as both a museum and artistic venue, housing a unique collection of artifacts, artwork, and historical items.

 

 

As with many older religious structures, the building itself contains multiple levels, secluded spaces, and architectural features that naturally produce echoes, air movement, and shifting acoustics. While these characteristics are important environmental considerations during any investigation, they also contribute to the atmosphere and perception often associated with historic religious properties.

 

Although no singular documented tragedy was discovered directly tied to the church structure itself during initial research, long-term land use and the emotional history connected to places of worship often create environments where residual environmental impressions may be perceived.

 

Our initial documentation from historical research to the paranormal stories can be reviewed at the link below:

 

American Renaissance Church – History

 

Pre-Investigation Walkthrough

 

Upon arrival at the property on the evening of May 5, 2022, investigators Derrick and Dan conducted a full walkthrough of the church to establish baseline environmental conditions and identify areas for equipment placement. The walkthrough included the main sanctuary floor, the altar area, the upper balcony, and the basement level beneath the church.

 

The sanctuary itself is a large open space dominated by the altar and surrounding religious architecture. During the walkthrough, the altar area immediately drew attention due to the visual focal point it creates within the room. This location would later become one of the primary monitoring areas for the investigation.

 

 

The upper balcony also presented itself as a noteworthy location. Reports from visitors had occasionally mentioned sounds of movement or footsteps in this section of the building. Because of this, investigators planned to spend extended time monitoring the balcony during the overnight portion of the investigation.

 

The basement level was significantly darker and more enclosed than the upper levels of the church. While no immediate anomalies were observed during the walkthrough, the environment was documented and baseline readings were taken before equipment was deployed later in the evening.

 

No deliberate communication attempts were made during the walkthrough phase. Observations were limited to environmental awareness and spatial familiarity within the building before beginning the formal investigation.

 

Photos:

 

• No visual anomalies were captured during the walkthrough phase.

 

Recording 1 – Walkthrough:

 

• Strangely enough, even though there truly was nothing out of the ordinary here, the paradoxical evidence here is that the audio files were completely corrupted leaving nothing to review. While we can confirm that nothing was noteworthy during our this audio recording, the odd observation was the lack of any audio to review thanks to the corrupted files.

 

Video 1 – Walkthrough:

 

• The walkthrough video was the same situation as the audio; the entirety of these files were corrupted and completely unusable. 

 

Front Altar 

 

The altar area served as the first focused investigation location of the evening. Motion-activated trail cameras were positioned facing the altar steps while several trigger objects were placed in the immediate area to monitor for potential interaction. Shortly after equipment placement, one of the trigger objects, a small motion-activated ball, appeared to move slightly along the step where it had been placed. Investigators immediately attempted to replicate the movement through natural means including vibration, airflow, and direct floor impact. None of these attempts successfully recreated the movement observed on camera.

 

 

During this same timeframe, a Spirit Box session was conducted to attempt communication. While no responses were immediately recognized during the live session, later review of the recording revealed the name “Dave” spoken multiple times during the sweep. Additional activity within the altar area included intermittent knocking sounds and brief K2 meter spikes that occurred near the altar steps. During review of trail camera footage, a dark shadow-like form was observed moving across the altar area. Another shadow movement appeared to pass behind cabinetry positioned near the altar.

 

These observations were documented and logged for later review.

 

Photos:

 

• The first still captured from the trail camera shows a shadow seen walking back and forth the altar, as if the priest has returned and is still pacing on his alter. To note, the video shows this capture much clearer.

 

 

• This strange light anomaly could be seen moving behind the investigator here as he began to feel uneasy.

 

 

• The K2 meter was spotted lighting up on the right side as the cat ball lit, as if being pushed, on the left side of this trail camera screen capture,

 

 

• Another light anomaly was noted here, moving as if it was moving toward the dolls, pausing to look at them, then moving along.

 

 

• The K2 meter could be seen lighting up in the pitched black darkness.

 

 

Recorder 1 – EVP 1:

 

 

 

• Just as the recording begins, a subtle, low-frequency sound is audible in the background. It possesses a distinct “scuffing” or “brushing” quality, occurring just before the investigators acknowledge it and lasted until :03.

• Derrick immediately breaks the silence, asking the group if they also heard what sounded like the “shuffling of feet.” The tone is one of cautious curiosity as the team begins to process the sound.

• At :42, there seemed to be footsteps of some sort seemingly walking toward the group.

 

Recorder 2 – EVP 2:

 

 

• After asking whatever entity might be present to use the lights to signify its presence. He explains that since they can’t see it, this is their way of communicating.

• At :30, there was a light thud followed by the cat ball turning on notating their presence nearby.

 

Recorder 3 – EVP 3:

 

 

• As the group tried to open communication, the only thing we heard here was footsteps or knocking sounds first captured at :25 then again at about :40.

 

Recorder 4 – Spirit Box 1:

 

 

• At :05 we heard “Dead” which was actually the first word that was heard the entire time.
• There was another knocking noise heard at :27 after we asked if they could repeat that.
• At about :40, we heard something fall behind the tree.
• There was footsteps heard at 1:11 repeated at 1:20.
• At 2:)4, there was an odd squealing or squeaking noise heard.

 

Recorder 5 – Spirit Box 2:

 

 

• More footsteps were heard here at :09.
• At 1:27, we heard the name “Dave” come through.

 

Recorder 6 – Spirit Box 3:

 

 

• At :55, a loud pound could be heard echoing from the back of the room.
• Footsteps were then heard at about 1:12.

 

Recorder 7 – Spirit Box 4:

 

 

• At :48, amidst nothing but the muffle of the Spirit Box, a soft “Go” was heard.
• “Hey” could be heard coming through at 1:35.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera 1:

 

• This trail camera clip picked up a shadow walking from the left to the right, pausing, then walking back towards where it started.

 

 

Video 2 – Trail Camera 2:

 

• A strange light anomaly was seen moving behind the investigator here, at :03, just as he mentioned feeling cold on his neck.

 

 

Video 3 – Trail Camera 3:

 

• At :03, on the far left side, another light could be seen moving about the alter just as the investigator looks in its direction.

 

 

Video 4 – Trail Camera 4:

 

• At :02, a similar looking light moved across the alter toward the investigaor just after he peers towards it.

 

 

Video 5 – Trail Camera 5:

 

• The light anomaly, this time, moved from the alter upward toward the celling at :02.

 

 

Video 6 – Trail Camera 6:

 

• The light seemingly returned here, at :05, as it moved back toward the alter from above.

 

 

Video 7 – Trail Camera 7:

 

• Starting at :02, the light returned and moved slowly across the alter from left to right.

 

 

Video 8 – Trail Camera 8:

 

• The cat ball, placed on the alter, could be seen lighting up as if something was moving it all throughout.

 

 

Video 9 – Trail Camera 9:

 

• A light anomaly was seen moving toward the glass case housing some of the dolls at about :08.

 

 

Video 10 – Trail Camera 10:

 

• A light was seen moving toward the alter and the equipment at :02 then turning and heading back towards the case.

 

 

Video 11 – Trail Camera 11:

 

• An odd light was seen forming over top of the glass case at :08 then disappearing just as quickly.

 

 

Basement 

 

Following the altar session, investigators moved to the basement level beneath the church. This area had previously been mentioned as a location where visitors occasionally reported hearing sounds or noticing unusual sensations. Upon entering the basement, investigators noted the extreme darkness of the room once all artificial lighting had been turned off. Equipment was placed on a central table while audio recorders and K2 meters were positioned around the room to monitor environmental changes.

 

 

During the monitoring period, a purple glow was suddenly observed coming from a lamp positioned several feet away from the investigation area. Neither investigator had activated the lamp, and attempts to determine whether the light could have turned on through electrical malfunction did not produce an immediate explanation. Additional occurrences during the basement session included intermittent K2 meter spikes and a dragging or shuffling sound captured on audio behind the investigators.

 

One trail camera also experienced a brief malfunction where the video feed became completely whitewashed for several seconds before returning to normal operation. Attempts to replicate this effect later were unsuccessful.

 

Photos:

 

• An odd camera malfunction was the only thing pinpointed here. This occurrence was unexplainable but as if something tried to cover the camera up and changed the focus and ultimately the picture itself.

 

 

Recorder 1 – EVP 1:

 

 

• As the group began to settle in, the Ovilus was activated and produced ‘Joke’ at :08 followed by ‘Statement.’

 

Recorder 2 – EVP 2:

 

 

• The K2 meter seemed to be alerted early on here and activated when only the one investigator spoke.
• This occurred again at :50.
• At 1:20, two K2 meters actually lit up.
• This occurred again at 2:10 after we asked them to do so.

 

Recorder 3 – EVP 3:

 

 

• A knocking noise, almost footsteps, was captured :01 followed by a shuffling noise at :03.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera 1:

 

• The trail camera experienced a temporary whiteout effect during this recording which investigators were unable to replicate during later testing.

 

 

Upper Balcony 

 

Later in the evening, investigators moved to the upper balcony of the church where they planned to remain for the overnight portion of the investigation. Reports from visitors had previously mentioned hearing footsteps or movement in this area, making it an important location for extended monitoring.

 

A Spirit Box session was conducted while investigators remained seated in the balcony overlooking the sanctuary floor. During the session, a sudden loud rattling and banging sound erupted from the front entrance doors of the church. The sound was powerful enough to echo throughout the building and momentarily led investigators to believe someone had entered the property. Investigators attempted to contact the property owner to determine whether anyone had arrived at the building. No one was present outside the structure at the time. Additional knocks and unexplained sounds were documented throughout the remainder of the evening while investigators remained in the balcony.

 

 

The following morning, investigators also discovered that one of the antique dolls displayed near the altar had broken hands. It remains unknown whether this damage occurred during the night or was present beforehand.

 

Photos:

 

• This trail camera screen capture shows a moment where a light anomaly moved sporadically out around the corner of this wall.

 

 

• This was the depiction of one of the dolls with a now-broken hand which was one of the soft knock noises we heard in the middle of the night.

 

 

Recorder 1 – EVP 1:

 

 

• As we attempted to get someone to speak of us, the Ovilus produced the words ‘Part’ and ‘Piece’ at :19 which we believe ties in with the broken dolls parts and pieces.

 

Recorder 2 – EVP 2:

 

 

• There was an odd clicking noise at :05 followed by the Ovilus producing the word ‘Could’ at :19 as the investigators discuss the noise being reminiscent of a wind up toy.

 

Recorder 3 – EVP 3:

 

 

• There was some footsteps heard at :04 followed by the name ‘Chris’ on the Ovilus at :13.
• A faint knock was captured at :49 followed by  different sounding knock at :52.
• As we discussed the footsteps we previously heard, there were even more captured at 1:13.

 

Recorder 4 – Spirit Box 1:

 

 

• Before the investigators even had a change to get started with the Spirit Box, a loud banging at the front door was heard at :05, startling the investigators and even prompting them to contact the owner to see if he was trying to get back inside the building. He was not.

 

Recorder 5 – Spirit Box 2:

 

 

• At :07, there was an odd noise of something falling to the floor, which we later found out was the hand of the doll being physically pulled off and throw.
• The Spirit Box did produce a word, really the only one of the night, at :50 that sounded to us like the name “Dave” just as we heard earlier in the night.

 

Video 1 – Trail Camera 1:

 

• At :07, as the investigators began to prepare for another Spirit Box session, a light anomaly moved from the other side of the wall toward the pair off-screen..

 

 

Video 2 – Trail Camera 2:

 

• Multiple light anomalies were witnessed here, starting with the left side at :02, the light seemed to move from he floor then hover momentarily before disappearing off-screen.
• More lights were the seen around the wall at :04 and :07 moving away from the noise the investigators were making with their equipment.

 

 

Video 3 – Stationary Camera 1:

 

• While we left the camera run during our communication attempts, there were  a few moments to note. The first being a tapping noise at about 3:26 which aligns with our return to the alter with the Spirit Box.
• The next noise, a similar sound, occurred at about 4:00 and again at 4:52.
• At 5:30, another tapping sound was heard but surprisingly not heard in real time by the investigators.
• There was another noise, as if some small object (a doll’s body part perhaps?) was thrown across the room at 9:27.

 

 

Based on the observations, experiences, and evidence collected during the investigation, the American Renaissance Church appears to contain multiple areas of activity rather than a single centralized location of anomalous behavior. Some phenomena observed during the investigation, particularly shadow movement near the altar, may represent residual environmental impressions connected to the building’s long religious history. Other events, including loud structural disturbances and object interaction, displayed characteristics more commonly associated with poltergeist-type activity.

 

 

Despite these occurrences, the overall atmosphere of the building did not present any signs of hostility or threatening behavior. If anomalous energy is present within the structure, it appears largely passive and non-aggressive in nature. As with all investigations conducted by Iron City Paranormal, every effort is made to evaluate environmental explanations before reaching conclusions regarding unexplained activity.

 

We are grateful to Blair Murphy for the opportunity to explore and document this historic location. Preserving both the history and atmosphere of places like the American Renaissance Church allows investigators and visitors alike to appreciate the unique stories held within these spaces.

 

For comments, inquiries, or collaboration opportunities, Iron City Paranormal may be contacted at ironcityparanormal@gmail.com.