The First Congregational Church of West Boylston has sold its church property for $1.2 million, as the site used for worship since the 1790s will continue to be used as a church under its new ownership.
First Congregational sold the site, located at 26 Central St., in a deal finalized on Friday. The sale comes after the congregation decided in 2024 to transform into a legacy church, a move to see the church end its physical presence in reflection of cultural shifts around worship and religious values, according to a 2024 Facebook post announcing the transition.
The congregation held its last service at the building on Dec. 7. The church will continue to operate a food pantry and child care center, according to the 2024 post.
“Our formal, worshipping body is transitioning from the crowded pews of yesteryear, but that certainly won’t stop us from feeding people, teaching, and nurturing young children,” the post reads.
The site will continue to be used as a place of worship, as it has been purchased by Iglesia Bethsaida Inc., a Spanish-speaking, Protestant church currently based in Worcester. Iglesia Bethsaida received nonprofit status in 2011, according to online nonprofit information service Candid.
First Congregational’s ownership of the property dates back to 1796, said Andrew Murray of Worcester-based A. Murray Real Estate, who represented First Congregational in the transaction.
Cristian Rivera of Keller Williams Realty’s Worcester office represented Iglesia Bethsaida, according to Murray.
In addition to worship space, The 19,000-square-foot building on the 1.2-acre site contains a large steeple and a function hall with a kitchen. The property received a 2026 tax assessment value of $1.35 million, according to Town of West Boylston property records.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
