The issues involved in the preservation of religious buildings in the United States are illustrated by three case studies: 1) the work of S.O.U.L. (Save Our University Landmark) in New York City, a preservation program involving a community-based partnership; 2) the preservation of adobe churches in the Southwest involving cooperative work within the communities and development of an area-wide preservation plan; and 3) the Jewish Heritage Center, The B'Nai Israel synagogue in Baltimore, Maryland, a building dating from 1876, which had deteriorated to such an extent that there was a partial collapse in 1979. The work done is described. The original furnishings have been restored.