Old religious works have a redeeming value, owner says

While he can describe the history of every piece in the collection, Christensen's building itself has a storied history, with its stained-glass windows and winding galleries. The LDS Church purchased it when First Baptist Church moved to a different location, and it served as a stake center for several years before it was sold once again to a private investor, who allowed the Utah Symphony to practice there. Williamsburg Savings Bank was the next resident of the building, and it was renovated extensively at that time.

Christensen purchased it when the bank closed, and has been welcoming customers to see his evolving collection ever since. "We enjoy having people come and take a look, whether they buy or not," he said. "Some people come and spend an entire day just looking around."

Some pieces have been around for 10 years, and then three buyers will come in on the same day and all want to purchase them, he said. Other pieces sell within 10 minutes of being displayed.

"This type of art has a redeeming value. So much of what is out there today is banal, and common and vulgar and demeaning. Why should we not surround ourselves with beauty and things that remind us of that which is most beautiful?"

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