Former Lewiston Church Could Get A New Life As A Brewpub

It has been happening for centuries...  A group of people will move into an area, bringing their faith with them.  When enough of those people move to the area, they will construct and open a house of worship for their faith.  Then, as people leave an area, those congregations dwindle.  At a certain point, there are too few people for the house of worship to remain open.

When that happens, what happens to the building?  These churches (synagogues, mosques, temples, etc) are purpose built.  Because of that, you can't just convert it to a plain white box and use it as offices or retails spaces.

It appears that one former church in Lewiston could get a new life as a brewpub!

According to the Lewiston Sun Journal, a Boston company is looking at converting the old Saint Joseph's Church into a brewpub.

Since 2013, the church, which is located on the corner of Main Street and Blake Street, has been owned by Central Maine Healthcare.   Recently, the property was listed for sale for by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Northeast Real Estate.  The list price?  A cool $250,000.

Reportedly, Democracy Brewing Company has expressed an interest in purchasing the old church to turn it into a brewpub, but they have yet to close on the deal.

It is estimated that it would take about $1,000,000 to convert the church into a brewery / restaurant.  If the sale does happen, there is no word on when the new establishment would open.

The church was built in 1855 and closed in 2009.  It was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1989.

Over the years, we have seen some really creative uses for old church buildings.  Back in the 1990s, an old church on Military Street in Houlton had been converted to an amazing home.  The owner had kept the stained glass in the windows.  It was beautiful!

In Portland, a restaurant named "Grace" used to operate out of an old church.

And, elsewhere in Lewiston, an old church had been converted into the Franco American Center, and event center where performance and weddings could be held.

What do you think of the plan?  Let us know by sending us a message through our app or by sending us a message on Facebook.