Interest in the Erskine Presbyterian church on Bronson Avenue has been tremendous from prospective buyers, particularly religious organizations, say those involved in the sale.
“Most of the interest has come from other church groups that have a congregation that is looking to move into a building of their own, and that’s likely where it’s going to go,” says David McKay, a church trustee who is working with realtors DTZ Barnicke on the sale of the building.
The building has been empty since its last service in October 2007. The dwindling congregation voted to amalgamate with the Westminster Presbyterian church in Westboro, and left the building surplus to the Presbytery of Ottawa’s needs. The church was officially put on the market in June 2008. It is priced at $1.6 million.
A member of the church since childhood, McKay describes the closure as a difficult but necessary reality, and says it served its purpose for his congregation, but it was time to move on.
With recent interest from religious groups, McKay says the church has the potential to be a great place for a new congregation.
“I would hope within the next three months we should have something in the works,” he says.
When the church first went on the market, plans involved the potential development of the building into condominiums. Now, DTZ Barnicke broker Thomas Brethour echoes McKay’s sentiment, and says that the church will likely end up in the hands of another religious organization.
While the names of the interested parties could not be disclosed because negotiations are ongoing, Brethour describes the interested groups as new and emerging churches, which he says could result in a congregation composed of new immigrants to Canada.
He adds that the company is hoping to find a buyer who will preserve the building in its current state.
“It is a magnificent building,” he says. “When people enter this building they are so struck by the magnitude of it that very few would be willing to adjust it. It’s like an antique car.”
Built in 1901, the church was one of the two buildings constructed to accommodate a growing congregation. Four years later, the sanctuary was added to the original structure. It can seat 1,100 people, and features striking wood-work, including oak beams that line the contours of the dramatic ceiling in the circular sanctuary, and stained glass housed in dramatic arched windows.
Despite the interest the church has received, James Hurd, Presbytery of Ottawa clerk, says nothing has been confirmed.
“There were expressions of interest and there were conversations ongoing . . . but there is nothing definitive,” says Hurd.
The Presbytery is meeting again in late January, at which time Hurd says more information may be available.