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.