Sanctuary of Redeemer Presbyterian church in downtown Charleston.
CHARLESTON (WACH/AP) -- A historic church in downtown Charleston will remain a church instead of being converted into a private home.
The congregation of Redeemer Presbyterian finalized a deal Wednesday to buy the building in the city's historic district for $1.6 million. The deal includes an $800,000 loan as well as donations from about 800 people.
The building dates to the 1840s and had been purchased by a buyer who wanted to turn it into a home.
But the buyer gave the congregation time to try to raise money to buy the church. The purchase includes the sanctuary, parish hall, cemetery and parking lot.
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