Goshen United Methodist Church in Milton has put its fellowship hall on Federal Street up for sale.

The Rev. Will Walters said Goshen is planning to renovate and possibly expand its existing church at the corner of Mulberry and Federal streets, and proceeds from sale of the hall would go toward that project. He said there have been offers, but no sale has been finalized at this time. 

The church is asking $750,000 for the hall, which sits on a 1.02-acre lot across from Milton Town Hall. The land is zoned in the Town Center Use District, which governs Milton’s central business area. The zoning allows for a wide range of uses, including commercial – such as restaurants, retail or offices – or as open park space, government buildings or some light residential, including single-family detached dwellings or an apartment upstairs from a commercial business. There are also special permitted uses such as a bar, convenience store, church, hotel or public utility. 

The existing 2,312-square-foot building is being sold as is, and includes a metal roof, large indoor hall, kitchen, vinyl siding and central air. Walters said the building dates back to 1941 but has been renovated several times over the years.

As for potential buyers, town officials have floated the idea of having expanded space for either town hall or the police department, but Town Manager Kristy Rogers said town council has not held discussions on Goshen Hall specifically at this time. The town has used the hall to host its elections during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic because it is large enough to accommodate social distancing guidelines.

Milton Community Food Pantry has used the building for food distributions, but pantry officials have said there are no plans to make an offer on Goshen Hall at this time. Pantry leaders were set to meet to discuss a future location for their organization. 

Walters said the church is currently undertaking a capital campaign for renovations to its main building. He said work would include fixing the roof, improving technology and trying to make the space more functional. Walters said it could also include an addition to replace the fellowship hall, although the church could convert existing space for that purpose as well. 

The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.