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Lehigh University has entered into a sale agreement with St. Luke’s University Health Network for 617 East 4th Street, site of the former St. John's Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church. PHOTO/FILE
Lehigh University sells former church to St. Luke’s
Stacy Wescoe//September 22, 2025//
Listen to this articleLehigh University has entered into a sale agreement with St. Luke’s University Health Network for 617 East 4th Street, site of the former St. John’s Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church.
It was one of three Bethlehem churches Lehigh University had purchased for $3.75 million back in 2023.
The location will expand the scope and impact of St. Luke’s community health services, said Rajika E. Reed, St. Luke’s vice president of Community Health.
“The acquisition of the church site will allow St. Luke’s to build upon our successful partnership with the Hispanic Center and Star Community Health centers throughout the Lehigh Valley by utilizing this property to promote community health initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of our South Bethlehem residents,” Reed said.
After acquiring the property in 2023, Lehigh convened representatives from the City of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Area School District and St. Luke’s to discuss ongoing projects and plans.
According to a press release the group was asked to consider possible future uses that would benefit the local community, considering both the needs of the community and the university’s educational and research mission.
“From the beginning, it has been important to the city and its residents that this property remain a community space,” said Bethlehem Mayor J. Williams Reynolds. “Through collaboration and conversation among community partners, we are happy that Lehigh and St. Luke’s were able to ensure the preservation of this building that is an important part of South Bethlehem’s history while also addressing a community need by committing to its future use as a health services center.”
