Church
A historic church building at the corner of Fifth and Lewis is entering a new chapter as two Livingston congregations move forward with a shared commitment to faith, community, and service.
Living Hope Church recently purchased the former Holbrook United Methodist Church building from Mountain Valley Methodist Church. Mountain Valley Methodist Church is a new congregation formed through the uniting of three longtime area churches: Holbrook United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Pine Creek United Methodist Church.
When the three congregations dissolved and their members came together to form Mountain Valley Methodist Church, the new congregation no longer needed a building as large as the former Holbrook United Methodist Church property. At the same time, Living Hope Church was in the process of planning a new, larger building to accommodate its growing congregation and expanding ministries.
Together, these circumstances presented a beautiful and unexpected opportunity for both congregations.
For Mountain Valley Methodist Church, the sale allows the new congregation to move forward while ensuring that a building with deep roots in Livingston continues to serve as a place of Christian worship and ministry. For Living Hope Church, the purchase provides a church home large enough to support its mission without undertaking the considerable expense and uncertainty of new construction.
More than a property transaction, the agreement reflects the willingness of two congregations to work together for the benefit of one another and the broader community.
For generations, the Holbrook United Methodist Church building has been part of Livingston’s spiritual and community life. Families have gathered there for worship, weddings, funerals, fellowship, and service. Living Hope Church is grateful for that history and hopes to honor the faithfulness of those who came before while preparing the building for a new season of ministry.
Living Hope Church’s mission is centered on Gospel, Growth, and Grace: proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, helping people grow in faith, and extending the grace of Jesus to their neighbors and community. The larger facility will provide additional space for worship, children’s and youth ministries, biblical teaching, fellowship, and opportunities to serve Livingston.
Mountain Valley Methodist Church will continue its presence in Livingston as a newly formed congregation shaped by the histories, relationships, and faithful service of Holbrook United Methodist Church, Grace United Methodist Church, and Pine Creek United Methodist Church. Its members look forward to continuing their ministry and serving the community together.
Members and leaders from both congregations have worked cooperatively throughout the transition, sharing information, honoring the building’s history, and helping prepare the way for what comes next.
“This transition has been a reminder that God can bring together different needs and different congregations in ways that bless both churches and the community,” the congregations said in a joint statement. “We are grateful for the history of this building, for the faithful people who have worshiped here, and for the opportunity for both congregations to continue serving Livingston.”
Living Hope Church is currently preparing the building and anticipates moving into its new location toward the end of October. Additional improvements are planned over time as the church works to make the facility welcoming, accessible, and ready for future ministry.
Both congregations look forward to their next chapters and to continuing their shared commitment to the people of of Livingston.