“The Scientific Ghosthunter” by Christopher Tillman
(c) 1998, revised 1999, 2002, 2024
Is it any wonder why some churches seem prone to hosting visitors from the spirit realm on a fairly regular basis?
From what I can tell, it is the older churches, specifically those which contain a cemetery or are part of a larger monastery/convent complex, that seem to reveal the most activity. Shrines and memorials, too, appear to bear witness to some of the more interesting phenomena in paranormal research.
As the religious heart of a community, churches witness the many extremes of human emotions, from joy to grief, on at least a weekly basis.
Aside from regularly scheduled worship ceremonies, churches also frequently celebrate the various milestones of religious life: baptisms, religious education, weddings, and funerals. And, who knows, some of those in attendance may be guests from out of this world.
Many old churches in this country are home, sanctuaries really, to the lingering phantoms of yesteryear. The apparitions of former, yet loyal, nuns, priests, and long-time parishioners are said to roam the darkened, candlelit corridors, each for his or her own reasons. Maybe they still endeavor to serve their church even in death. Or, perhaps, they seek one final bit of redemption for a life full of misdeeds. Who can really say? But, whatever the reason for staying behind, they sometimes feel compelled to make their presence known, though usually without any malicious intent.
In the past, church workers and volunteers have reported hearing whispered prayers in unoccupied rectories and the eerie singing of hymns from empty choir seats. Cold spots are even felt roaming the halls and ghostly apparitions are seen kneeling before sacred statues.
It’s clearly understood by everyone involved that, for some people, a life of worship and devotion does not end with death.
