BREAKING: The historic Christ Church United property in Lowell, Massachusetts has been sold for $2.7 million to the North Reading-based All People Church. The sale was just announced today by Region Commercial Real Estate, marking a significant shift for the CCU congregation, which is downsizing as they search for a new place to worship.
The final Service of Leave Taking for the remaining CCU members is scheduled for January 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. This emotional gathering will be the last time the dwindling congregation meets at their long-time location at 180 East Merrimack St. After seeing their numbers plummet from several hundred to just 15 members over the past two decades, CCU leaders have decided to transition to the First Congregational Church.
The congregation’s decline has been attributed to a “perfect storm” of factors, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising maintenance costs for the historic building, and changing demographics as members relocate from Greater Lowell.
The All People Church, led by Pastor Josh Roberts and his wife, Stephanie, plans to utilize the newly acquired property to expand its outreach. Currently, the church has been operating in a temporary space at Tesco Bar on Middlesex Street, with aspirations to officially begin services at the former CCU location on February 8. Pastor Roberts expressed his vision, stating, “We see the building as a tool more than as a piece of property. It is a tool to spread light in the community when, in the recent past, it has been kind of dark.”
The newly acquired property spans .79 acres and has undergone recent renovations. Originally constructed in 1846 as the High Street Congregational Church, it has a storied history, merging with other congregations over the years, including becoming the All Souls Church in 1918 and eventually evolving into Christ Church United in 1969.
All People Church, which boasts a congregation of about 1,000 people, aims to serve the Lowell community through various initiatives, including feeding the homeless and hosting outreach events. Pastor Roberts emphasized the church’s diversity, noting that their congregation includes individuals from 57 different nationalities, with services translated into Portuguese and Spanish.
UPDATE: As the CCU prepares for its final farewell, the All People Church is poised to bring new energy and service opportunities to the Lowell area, a development that promises to transform the local religious landscape. Keep an eye on this evolving story as the community adapts to these significant changes.
