Sarnia's Central United Church held its final service Sunday.
The historic church, at the corner of Brock and George Streets, was sold at the beginning of this year but the developer agreed to close on the property after its 188th anniversary service.
Board member Wayne Caslick said the congregation of about 150 will continue to exist until at least the end of June 2021.
"We're moving our physical presence in to share the building with Dunlop United Church and during that period, we'll be exploring more in-depth our hope that we can dissolve both congregations the end of June and form a new congregation with a new name in Dunlop's present building," said Caslick.
He said they've already cleared a lot of things out of the building.
"We're taking what we can use, and what Dunlop feels they can use, with us. Once that was done, we invited all the other United Churches, and the United Church Camp in Forest, to take what they wanted. The buyers want some stuff left and the rest will be either going into storage or to the landfill."
Cushman and Wakefield Broker Kenn Poore still won't reveal the identity of the purchaser or any plans for the site.
"I know that the purchaser has some pretty exciting plans, unfortunately, I'm not able to divulge those plans just yet, but I'm sure that he'll come forward with his plans in fairly short order, the deal closes at the first of December," said Poore.
Poore did drop a few hints that the structure, or part of it, would be saved.
"Part of the appeal of this property was the historic and architectural nature of the building, so, I think as much as is possible and practical, he intends to reuse and repurpose the building."
Central United was built in 1888 and had additions built in 1925 and 1950.
The 20,000 square foot building sits on 1.6 acres of land.