Lehigh University buys Lutheran churches

Lehigh University has purchased three Bethlehem churches for $3.75 million. 

The deal, which closed May 23, includes a more than one-acre parking lot. 

Lucy Lennon, a residential and commercial Realtor with Morganelli Properties, represented the Lutheran churches. 

 “Representing them was an honor. This was a life-changing event for the members of the churches, and I think we handled it with courage and grace. It was truly a team effort,” Lennon said. 

The churches are: 

• St Peter’s Church at 474 Vine Street
• St John’s Windish Church and Parking Lot at 617 and 616 East 4th St
• Light of Christ Lutheran Church at 202 Worthington Ave

The three churches are consolidating into a new church called Blessed Trinity Lutheran Church, Lennon said. The churches had decided to sell their properties more than a year ago after they merged their congregations. 

Lehigh paid cash and no financing was needed. Lehigh outbid the City of Bethlehem, which was also interested in the properties. 

Lehigh University has not said what it plans to do with the properties. However, Lennon said, “Lehigh has been an extremely good community neighbor,” and she expects it will continue to show that with its plans for the properties.