Church officials sell all they can to build new, but no one buying stained glass: "Very beautiful windows"

MILWAUKEE -- Beautiful, century-old stained glass up for sale by a church in Milwaukee would make for a unique Christmas gift, but church officials say no one is buying. Church officials are worried they won't be able to raise enough money to build a new sanctuary.

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church

The congregation at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church near 4th and Christine in Milwaukee wants to build a new sanctuary because the old one is falling apart. Building that sanctuary isn't cheap, so church leaders are raising money by selling everything they can.

Mt. Moriah Baptist has been rooted in the heart of the Harambee neighborhood in Milwaukee for more than 50 years.

"We want to remain a cornerstone in the community," Rickey Townsell said.

But unfortunately, time has taken its toll.

"The building is literally falling down around us," Townsell said.

Rickey Townsell

Townsell says demolition is planned for early next year, but the hope is to build the new church in the same spot.

"Our intent basically is to squeeze every dollar that we possibly can out of the building before it`s finally demolished to start the building of our new (sanctuary)," Townsell said.

Flooring, paneling and pews from the old church have sold fast -- but the sanctuary's most ornate feature isn't selling.

"They are very beautiful windows," Townsell said.

Townsell has been unable to liquidate the church's century-old stained glass windows.

"They are original to this church," Tim Hansen said.

Hansen was hired to sell the glass, but he's not having much luck.

"Because of the churches that have closed throughout the United States, there is a glut in the market," Hansen said.

Hansen now hopes someone locally will be interested in the glass.

"We`re asking the community if they know a church or a collector that would be interested in purchasing the windows," Hansen said.

If they're not sold, the congregation will have less money to build new, and the 100-year-old stained glass windows will likely be lost.

"Unfortunately the cost to store them would be more than our church can bear. I would say they would have to go with the building," Townsell said.

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If you have questions about the church and the stained glass windows, you are welcome to call Rickey Townsell at 414-745-4195.

If you're interested in buying any of the items from the church, CLICK HERE or call 414-482-0286.