Norwood First United Methodist Church for sale

Like many older churches in urban areas that have lost population, the 104-year-old Norwood First United Methodist Church has seen its membership dwindle from 900 pre-WWII to fewer than 40 today. Unable to maintain the large church and its attached annex, the small congregation must sell both in order to move to a smaller building that’s less expensive to maintain. Church trustee and treasurer Wilma Hensler told the Enquirer, "All our money is going into maintenance and upkeep. We can't do any mission work and outreach in the community… It would be a wonderful museum and arts center. That would be the answer to my prayers.”

In addition to selling the church and annex, the congregation is auctioning off some of its possessions to raise money to pay bills. Tables, chairs, bookcases, kitchen china and hand bells will be auctioned tomorrow, Tuesday, at 10:30 a.m. at Main Auction Galleries at 167 West Fourth St. in downtown Cincinnati.