BREAKING: The historic Christ Church United property in Lowell has been sold to the North Reading-based All People Church for $2.7 million, as the CCU congregation prepares for a significant transition. The sale was confirmed just hours ago by Region Commercial Real Estate, representing CCU.
As of now, CCU is downsizing, with attendance plummeting from hundreds to a mere 15 members over the past two decades. The final gathering at the historic site, located at 180 East Merrimack St., is set for January 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. for a Service of Leave Taking.
This transition follows a “perfect storm” of challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising maintenance costs, and demographic shifts as members moved away from the Greater Lowell area. CCU plans to relocate to the First Congregational Church later this month.
The .79-acre property, originally built in 1846, has seen extensive renovations and will now serve as a new home for All People Church, which has been temporarily meeting at Tesco Bar in Lowell. Josh Roberts, lead pastor of All People Church, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We see the building as a tool to spread light in the community.” His congregation of about 1,000 members aims to engage with the local community through various outreach initiatives.
“Our prayer and objective is to serve this city through things like feeding the homeless and community events,”
said Roberts, highlighting the church’s mission to positively impact the city of Lowell.
The sale and upcoming transition mark a significant moment in local religious and community dynamics. With CCU’s history dating back to its formation in 1969 from multiple congregations, including Highland Congregational Church and First Congregational Church, its closure at this site reflects a broader trend affecting many traditional congregations.
As for All People Church, Roberts noted that around 150 individuals regularly attend services in their temporary location. The church’s plans for the new venue include services that will be translated into Portuguese and Spanish, catering to a diverse congregation representing 57 nationalities.
This sale is not just a property transaction; it represents the evolving landscape of faith communities in Lowell and the challenges faced by many congregations today. The All People Church is set to hold its first services at the CCU property on February 8, 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
