MERRIMACPORT – With the decline in attendance at many churches, new uses are being found for these stately buildings congregations once gathered in.
Some have been converted to restaurants like Mission Oak Restaurant in Newburyport. A few are now museums.
Others, like one on Central Street in Byfield, have been divided and transformed into multiple-unit townhomes.
Still others are now single-family houses like ones in Amesbury and Newburyport.
In Merrimacport, the United Methodist Church is the latest to be on the market, listed by Wendy Willis with Keller Williams Evolution, who believes the beautifully preserved 4,600-square-foot church could be a business or an artist studio.
But Williams believes the “highest and best use” of the former Methodist Church is as a single-family home.
In her 24 years of being a Realtor, Williams has listed four churches for sale. “I like being a steward of historic properties,” she said. “You have to be a special person to want to live in a church.”
For the “right person” who buys and makes the church their home, “It will be very different from any other home in the neighborhood,” she said. Built in 1870, the church is listed for $579,000 because Williams believes a new owner may have to put about half a million dollars into construction costs. The church has no bedrooms, so to make it a high-end residence, an architect will need to design the space to include bedrooms.
“With sweeping views of the river, this landmark invites you to bring your vision — and your architect — to transform it into a one-of-a-kind single-family home. The soaring architecture, character details and dramatic presence provide the perfect backdrop for a custom residence that blends historic charm with modern living,” the listing states.
The interior features a center hall that is 35 feet by 25 feet and two bonus rooms, one of which is 22 feet by 15 feet. The neighborhood church has no parking, which limits its use for a business.
But for a residence, Williams said a two-car garage could be added on the lower level.
The church, which held services until recently, still has a working bell that Williams said she has rung. It has been on the market for six months and has had three offers, none of which closed.
Williams said, “I’m being patient.”
