Hellertown Church Listed for $510,000: What Should Go There?

A former church in Hellertown borough has been listed for sale for $510,000.

Mountainview Moravian Church at 331 Constitution Avenue closed in November 2024 after the congregation that called it home for nearly three quarters of a century approved their dissolution. Dwindling membership was a factor in the decision.

Located in a residential neighborhood, the church property was recently the subject of a development proposal that was opposed by some nearby residents. The proposal for an ice cream shop and event center was also opposed by a borough council majority and was ultimately denied the variances its backers sought from the Hellertown zoning hearing board.

The church was built in 1950 and occupies more than 7,000 square feet, according to a real estate listing.

The listing by Katrina DeVito of BHHS Fox & Roach Bethlehem notes that the building encompasses a sanctuary “with wooden padded pews” and an organ, a foyer, a multi-purpose community room, classrooms, two furnished offices, restrooms, a utility room and a kitchen. Also located on the property are a shed and a paved parking lot.

The church is located in the borough’s R1 (residential) zoning district and is considered a non-conforming institutional property under the zoning ordinance due to its historic use.

According to the listing, taxes for the property total approximately $11,500 a year.

Given its historic significance within the Hellertown community and its location near the borough’s Dimmick Park and the Hellertown Area Library, some residents who have spoken at meetings have suggested possible civic uses for the building.

What do you think would be a good use for the former Mountainview Moravian Church? Let us know in a comment.