On top of a massive hill just outside the Metamora town limits stands a lone castle and towering cross, piquing the interest of nearly everyone who drives by and notices the oddity.

The hill the castle resides on was once known as “Goat Hill,” as residents said the land couldn’t be used for much other than letting goats graze. At that time, the only novelties the hill offered were making it to the top and the stunning view of the countryside once there. However, in 2002, that began to change when Metamora resident Paul Hendricks purchased the 40-acre parcel of land that included the hill and named it “Mount Metamora.” 

On the hill is a large blue cross approximately 40 to 50 feet high that appears to reach the sky. At night, it was once illuminated by two huge spotlights. It wasn’t until 2007 that Hendricks was “divinely inspired” to build what would become a castle. Metamora residents recall Hendricks believed the castle could serve as a portal to heaven when the world ended on December 12, 2012. Local contractors were hired, and construction began with the first section of the castle, the “Mount Metamora Chapel.” Next came the “Hermitage” (living quarters), and in 2009, Hendricks added the tower, naming it the “Tomb.” 

Hendricks meticulously designed each section of the chapel with “God’s instruction” and included many obscure but significant features. For instance, the cross placed on the top of the chapel was positioned so that the sun would shine directly on it during the equinox. The Greek inscription above the chapel door reads, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” On the outside of the tomb, the inscription reads, “Whom virtue unites, death cannot separate.” According to former owner and current caretaker Mike Weiskittel, Hendricks had even placed a large mahogany cross under the chapel floor before the contractors covered it with concrete.

As Hendricks continued to build the castle, several Metamora residents shared they knew bits and pieces about why he was building it, but no one seemed to understand fully. Only a few were allowed to visit the castle.

In 2010, an aspiring writer and filmmaker, Logan Moeller, met Hendricks and thought the castle on the hill would make a good story. Thus began an interesting journey for Moeller, who collected over 200 hours of footage with Hendricks.

In an article written by Moeller published in the Virginia Quarterly Review (Filming the End of the World in Metamora, Indiana | VQR Online) in 2012, Moeller shared some of his experiences with Hendricks. The article reads, in part:

“Paul has been waiting for me. There’s danger in all this, he warned during our first chat—even in just talking with him. He asked me to keep an open mind.

‘Logan,’ he said, “I believe you’ve been sent by God to fulfill prophecy.”

Paul explained how he has sacred relic stones that open up a portal to let Jesus through, and this will start the end of the world. It’s my job to get the message out and warn everyone. A movie, radio, CNN coverage, an article in TIME, possibly a book.

The decision, he said, is up to me.

For the next two hours, Paul covered five pages of notes. He told me about the Holy Cross—a five-foot tall cross made of mother of pearl. He talked about the Holy Card, sent by God. He told me about the Ark of the Final Covenant, Indian yogis, angels in Guatemala, Christ in Spain, and about Satan hiding in the corner of the room.

He looked at me from across the table and said he had acquired some of the psychic abilities his father had. How when he was a teacher he knew a couple students were going to die just by looking them in the eye.

‘And two weeks later …’ he snaps his fingers, ‘Gone.’”

In 2013, Hendricks sold the property to Mike Weiskittel, who planned to turn the property into a vineyard. However, Weiskittel was involved in several other projects and was not able to make the vineyard a reality. So, other than a few events, the castle has remained empty without significant purpose. 

Inside the Castle

The chapel is an open concept with cathedral windows. The front of the room has an altar, with a knight statue close by, while the back has a confessional and baptismal. Some furniture includes a table and chairs, an organ, and a desk, amongst other exquisite antiques. There is a loft area with a bed and a couple of dressers. 

The chapel connects to the hermitage, the most conventional section of the castle. It consists of a small kitchen with an absolutely breathtaking view above the sink, a dining/living room area, and a bathroom. However, like the other rooms, peculiar artifacts, art, statues, and antique furniture can be found scattered throughout. 

A short hallway off the hermitage leads to the “tomb.” At the end of the hall, there is an iron bar door with a sturdy lock. Inside are stone floors, ceilings, and walls, but no windows. The atmosphere is quite damp and gloomy, reminiscent of a dark dungeon, although according to Hendricks, it was a wine cellar. 

In the corner of the room, a double flight of stairs leads to the second floor. The second floor is a small room with bright yellow walls and two windows. Another double flight of stairs leads to the third floor, which is a duplicate of the second floor. The entire tower is sparsely furnished, containing only chairs and a baby bed on the third floor.

The castle’s total square footage is 1,728.

So what’s next? The current owner, Jean Sherrard, has listed the 40-acre parcel for sale with Brian Bauman of RE/MAX Preferred Choice, Brookville.

Note: This is NOT public property and should not be entered. Doing so risks bodily harm and prosecution for trespassing on private property.

To view the full article by Logan Moeller, visit https://www.vqronline.org/.../filming-end-world-metamora.

To view a video of the castle, visit “The 765” Facebook Page.