UPDATE: The historic Christ Church United property in Lowell has just been sold for $2.7 million to the North Reading-based All People Church, marking a significant shift in the local religious landscape. The sale was confirmed on Tuesday by Region Commercial Real Estate, representing Christ Church United (CCU), which is preparing to relocate after a dramatic decline in membership.
With attendance dwindling from several hundred members two decades ago to just 15 today, CCU officials announced their last worship service at the 180 East Merrimack St. site will occur on January 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. This service, dubbed the “Service of Leave Taking,” will be a poignant farewell for the remaining congregation as they transition to a new venue at the First Congregational Church later this month.
The sale is a part of CCU’s response to what officials describe as a “perfect storm” of challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising maintenance costs for the historic building, and changing community dynamics. The church, originally built in 1846 as the High Street Congregational Church, has a rich history, merging with other congregations over the years, most notably becoming Christ Church United in 1969.
Ben Bolotin, of Region Commercial, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to assist CCU in this transition. “The board and their members took phenomenal care of the church property,” he stated, highlighting the extensive improvements made in recent years that will benefit the new owners.
The All People Church, led by Pastor Josh Roberts and his wife, Stephanie, is eagerly preparing to utilize the newly acquired property as a “tool” for community engagement. Currently, the church is operating from a temporary location at Tesco Bar on Middlesex Street in Lowell and plans to hold its first service in the former CCU property on February 8, 2024.
Roberts emphasized the church’s mission to serve the community, stating, “We see the building as a tool to spread light in the community when, in the recent past, it has been kind of dark.” The church has a congregation of approximately 1,000 members in North Reading, with around 150 attending services in Lowell.
Among their diverse congregation, All People Church proudly represents 57 nationalities, offering services translated into Portuguese and Spanish. Roberts outlined ambitious plans for the Lowell site, which include outreach initiatives like feeding the homeless and hosting community events.
As CCU closes this chapter, the All People Church is poised to make its mark in Lowell, demonstrating the evolving nature of faith communities amid changing demographics and societal needs.
Stay tuned for updates as both congregations navigate this significant transition and as All People Church prepares to open its doors in the historic space later this month.
