November 07th, 2016

Want to Buy a Church?

After a sad goodbye Tulip Street Methodist church members locked the door on their home of more than 125 years November 6th. Their last service included deconsecrating the 1890 church and releasing it "for any honorable use."

As of this week the 30,000 square foot sanctuary, the education building and the church's two lots are on the market for $2.6 Million. The listing information says the building must be preserved due to the historic overlay and suggests it could be used for offices. Councilman Brett Withers says the overlay protects the exterior but not the interior. of the church which includes intricate wooden beams spanning a 30 foot ceiling.

John Cavin the broker with Southeast Ventures who's selling the church was also the Chair of the United Methodist Board deciding to shut down Tulip Street. He says they will try to find another church to buy it but there's not a strong demand for "bell towers and heavy wooden alters' among contemporary congregations. He said they will try to leave the neighborhood with "something good", possibly non-profit offices.