Church hall sale sparked by buyer interest

A church hall that serves as a community hub is up for sale, though the minister says she hopes the purchaser will continue to make space for gatherings and events.

St. James United Church Dartmouth, on the edge of Downtown Dartmouth on Portland Street, is “right-sizing” its property with the sale of the hall, said the Rev. Catherine MacDonald, intentional interim minister.

“They’re making a faith-filled decision to do what is best to achieve their long-term presence in this community,” MacDonald said, adding that the sale does not indicate the church is disappearing. “The congregation is still very much alive and vibrant, and committed to the community.”

MacDonald was hired in January 2023 to help the congregation re-evaluate their needs. Around that time, someone approached the church to ask if they were willing to let go of some of their property.

“As the conversation took place with the congregation, it became evident that we really didn’t need all this space,” said MacDonald.

To decide on a plan to divide the property, the St. James leadership team and congregation met over the course of about nine months. The hall originally opened in 1955 and shares several amenities with the church, including washrooms and electricity. Part of the sale process therefore involves renovating the church building to have its own washrooms.

St. James sent notice to tenants of the intent to sell after receiving approval from the Bermuda-Nova Scotia Regional Council of the United Church in the spring.

Since February, the 2 Denarii Society has run an addiction recovery program Tuesday through Friday at the hall. 2 Denarii sold its live-in home in Halifax and moved to St. James to continue offering recovery programs for people with addictions earlier in 2025.

Executive Director Phil Bissett knew the church was thinking of selling the hall when 2 Denarii moved into the space.

“We were aware and came in with eyes wide open,” said Bissett.

Bissett said he sees the need for a community space in downtown Dartmouth. “I hate to see that stripped away from communities,” he said. “I’m a little torn on that.”

At the same time, Bissett said he understands that the congregation at St. James does not want to hurt the community.

Both Bissett and case manager and counsellor Doug Gilmour said the church has been supportive of their operations. This support, along with the location’s accessibility to transit and the downtown core, were key components in their decision to move to the hall.

Gilmour said he feels nostalgic about the hall and its history.

“I understand the realities of development in a city that’s changing and a building that gets a little older,” said Gilmour. “In a perfect world, this building serves the community in some fashion down the road.”

Accents Music has operated out of the church hall for three years.

Co-owner Elizabeth Humphries said the hall is a community hub and feels like home.

“It’s been a really wonderful location for us and suited our needs,” said Humphries. “I think it’s been a good, a positive partnership for the church as well, having families and people from the community coming in here.”

While Humphries understands why the church has decided to sell, she doesn’t want the space to change.

“I’m glad that the church is going to be able to use this sale to keep thriving and keep their church growing. But I think it’s going to be felt in the community,” said Humphries.

In addition to 2 Denarii and Accents, the hall currently hosts regular Scouts programs, soccer, volleyball, A.A. meetings, a Japanese school, and theatrical events.

MacDonald acknowledged concerns around loss of community space. “We believe strongly in community connections, and there are fewer and fewer spaces that are available for communities,” she said.

Whether space remains available for the community will depend on the purchaser and the sale process itself. The congregation needs approval from the regional council to sell the property and choose a buyer.

Offers are being accepted until December 18, 2025. MacDonald said she expects the sale to take place after the church reviews the offers in January.