MALDON Uniting Church will go under the hammer next month.
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The historic church, which celebrated its 160th anniversary last year, is up for sale at public auction on May 3.
Reverend Michele Lees said they hope the building remains in the community.
“We hope it is bought to be used for community events, or as a community facility; that would be our desire but we don’t have any say,” she said.
“It is up to whoever is willing to bid for it.
“There hasn’t been a strong congregation for a while or enough income to keep up with the maintenance and bills.
“It simply hasn’t been viable as sad as it is.
“We are trying to do the best we can in a difficult situation.
“Hopefully someone will put the building to good use.
“If we sell, we plan to use the funds in the Maldon township.
“We want to use it to fund a sacred place at the Tarrengower Womens Prison, it will be a room available for all different faiths as a worship centre.
“It would leave some legacy in the Maldon area.”
Agent Tom May from Jellis Craig said the property had been well received and they were expecting a price tag about $400,000 plus GST.
"The interest has been local as well as from Melbourne," he said.
"People have been looking as a home or potential business. It has quite a few uses and people like that flexibility.
"But the community can feel confident that the people looking have a very genuine interest in maintaining the integrity of the property."
Inspections are by appointment each Saturday between 4pm and 4.30pm.