Stunning Historic Church Hits the Market as Owensboro Fellowship Relocates

On the corner of Allen and 7th in Owensboro, Kentucky sits a beautiful church that has been a hub for the community for years. The congregation is currently called Unity Fellowship, but hundreds of people utilize this unique space each week. Well, the building itself is now up for sale as the trustees of the church make a sad, but necessary move.

Spanning a third of the city block in downtown Owensboro, the property is made up of a few components. A gorgeous chapel with breathtaking stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings was first built in 1900. The tranquil grassy area behind it is lush and shaded with trees.

Twenty-four years later, the Gymnasium was added on which made space for classes, more restrooms, and a unique stage area complete with curtains for the proscenium.

In 1958, the basketball court, additional offices, and a commercial size kitchen and banquet hall were built.

I have been to community events there over the years and had the chance to get to know Daniel Gilliam-Veach, a trustee of the church. He and the other volunteers there including Pastor Robert Coons have truly set the example of the phrase "love is a verb." Even though Unity Fellowship is unable to fund this physical location, they will continue creating a safe space for anyone who wants to join their congregation. Daniel wants to ensure everyone knows that folks from all walks of life are welcome wherever they end up.

The folks at Unity also manage a thrift store in the gymnasium area which provides affordable clothing and home goods to low-income individuals and families.  It also helps fund the Feed-a-Friend 501c3 meal program that runs out of the kitchen and banquet hall twice a week.  Feeding 80-100 at each meal, Daniel is concerned about the members of the community who rely on this for food every week.  They will now have to find another place to go unless they receive some sort of assistance to keep it going.  Daniel said, "I am hopeful that something will come from all of the attention the church is getting so that people may support the soup kitchen. That will be a huge loss to the community."

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I have seen a lot of chatter on social media about what this beautiful building should house next. What makes the most sense to me is for it to become a community center. Unity Fellowship already hosts many different organizations such as Girl Scouts, 12-Step Groups, counseling services, and the Burmese Baptist Church holds services there.

What do you think its next life should be? A bar and restaurant? Bed and Breakfast? It would make a pretty amazing music and event venue as well!  Chime in on Facebook or AppChat and let us know!

See the listing by Glenn Ashby with REMAX here!