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Sacred Space

slide6If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own religion or wished you lived in a house of worship, you should take a look at the Greenport United Methodist Church. But don’t wait long; a good church is hard to find. Consider, for example, the history of the Methodists in Greenport, an association that dates to 1828. The community’s meetings were held in a Baptist meeting hall on Main Street. When that building was closed down–residents objected to the presence of the Methodists, on the grounds that they made too much noise– the congregation moved to a sail loft and thence to a schoolhouse on First Street. Finally, in 1834, the congregation raised the funds to construct a primitive building with unplastered walls on Main Street. Disaster struck in 1847 when a fire broke out and part of the building burned to the ground. Restoration work was undertaken but it wasn’t until 1858 that a large chapel and lecture room were added and more land was bought to increase the community’s holdings. And in 1878, a new parsonage was built on First Street.

By 1890, the members voted to build a new church. They raised $4,007.00 and erected the structure that is currently on the market. Preceding the church are two towers, one of which has a 60-foot-high spire, capped with a vane and a ball. This ball was fashioned from a part of one of the masts of the United States Man-of-War “Ohio.” The sides of the building have wings with gable ends. In 1950, the building underwent a thorough restoration and again in 2003, at which time the kitchen was modernized; new cabinets and floors were installed and rotting beams were replaced. In 2005, restoration of the church’s stained glass windows commenced. The project took three years and cost over $32,000.

The Numbers
Built in 1828, the Greenport United Methodist Church is located at 624 First Street. The price includes a 6,700 square-foot main building and a house with four bedrooms and one and a half baths. The property, which sits on .76 of an acre, includes a 2,200 square-foot parsonage and a private parking lot. Listed at $1,288,000 with Kristy Naddell and Thomas Uhlinger of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Why We Love It
The working pipe organ! The sanctuary! The stained glass windows! The bell tower!

The Vision Thing
Since the church is zoned for residential use, listing agent Kristy Naddell can envision subdividing the property and converting into condos. In fact, says Nadell, there’s already been a lot of interest from developers. Alternatively, she sees it as “one big beautiful home.” The church has really high ceilings and big windows and it could be turned into a really cool living space.” And then there’s the land on which the structures sit. “To have .76 of an acre in Greenport is really spectacular. You’re not likely to find such a large parcel anywhere in the village. And it would be a fine home for another church group.”

Just The Facts:
Price:  $1,288,000
Greenport
Lot Size: 33,106 Sq. Ft.
6,700 Sq. Ft. Building
Plus 2,200 Sq. Ft. 4 Beds, 1.5 Baths
Onsite Parking
Web #: 2795031

Kristy Naddell
Douglas Elliman Real Estate  
Lic. R.E. Salesperson
Cell:  561.312.6219
[email protected]

Thomas Uhlinger
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Lic. Associate R.E. Broker
Cell:  516.319.0323
[email protected]