As reported by Hasso Hering, the Albany Evangelical Church on Albany’s First Avenue is up for sale.
Hering’s interview with Pastor Jeremy Gange revealed that it’s been on the market for just under a year. Gange emphasized that the church wasn’t closing up shop; rather, times are changing.
Since the church’s genesis and dedication in 1950-’53, the congregation has grown much smaller, though it has increased somewhat in recent years. It all ultimately boils down to, “what God has planned for us,” said Gange.
Since the pandemic’s initial moments, Gange estimates that roughly 45% of the congregation has been online. Congregants video-commute from Boise and even Madrid, Spain – which has drastically altered how the church operates.
This makes the 18,954 square foot property a bit large for the needs of the congregation. However, according to this listing, the one city block-sized property makes, “an attractive package for another church or redevelopment opportunity.”
Overall, the property includes the church – located at 1332 First St. S.E. – a single-family, three-bedroom home, swathes of landscaping, and a parking lot with just under 60 spaces. If you’ve got $1.6 million lying around, this property could be yours, though you wouldn’t be alone.
Gange says there’s been interest from as far as Texas, though uncertainties in the economy have forced most lookers to back off to date.
“We’re just asking God what’s in store for us,” said Gange. In the meantime, the congregation is in no hurry to sell the beautiful property – and can you blame them?
By Ethan Hauck
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