RUMFORD, Maine — Like a lot of New England towns, Rumford has its share of old churches.

But when a congregation moves on, what happens to their meeting place?

The First Baptist Church of Rumford Falls was built in 1902 at the end of Washington Steet. A 1923 fire in the town burned portions of it, said real estate agent Bryce Hamilton, but folks restored it and carried on for another century.

Hamilton works for Caldwell Banker and represents the church's current owner, whom he did not name. Two years ago, he said, the last worshippers sold the building to his client, who has now put it back on the market.

Hamilton and I walked into the sanctuary, complete with vaulted ceilings, original stained glass, a large pipe organ, and near-immaculate wood trim, doors, and pews.

"This is the are

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