Certificate for vacant commercial property, cand I take possessio

[Donny B Robinson]

We just got our tax certificate back (Birmingham, Alabama). The commercial property (building) has been vacant according to the business owner next door for nearly 1 year. The power and all other utilities are off, grass not cut (we had it cut twice) and cobwebs are covering all points of entry. It's clearly no one is maintaining it. 

BiG question: Do we have the right to enter the building and change locks to protect our interest in the property? Can we used the building for worship service?  -We are a  nonprofit (ministry) and want  to use it for conducting our services and outreach  in the  neighborhood for Christ. 

This is our first time doing this and definitely want to do it legally. PLEASE, HELP!!! GOD blesses whoever replies. Tkx!