First and St. Stephen's Church in Stoneleigh Sells for $1.1M, Ushering in Community Revival
In a significant transaction for Baltimore's Rodgers Forge and Stoneleigh neighborhoods, First and St. Stephen's United Church of Christ has sold its historic property at 6915 York Road for $1.1 million. The sale, reported by the Baltimore Business Journal on February 9, 2026, marks the end of nearly a century of worship at the site and opens the door for adaptive reuse by community buyers.
The church, originally formed in 1928 through a merger of downtown congregations, relocated to Stoneleigh in the Rodgers Forge area during Baltimore's suburban expansion. It evolved from its roots as First German Reformed Church—founded in 1750 as one of the city's oldest Protestant congregations—into First and St. Stephen's Reformed Church, and later the United Church of Christ in 1957. The mid-20th-century building served a tight-knit community but faced declining membership amid demographic shifts.
The buyer, a local group with ties to neighborhood revitalization efforts, plans to transform the 10,000-square-foot space into a multifaceted community hub. Proposed uses include event spaces for local nonprofits, co-working areas for Towson-area professionals, and flexible venues for youth programs and cultural events—aligning with Stoneleigh's family-oriented vibe. This comes as Baltimore suburbs like Towson grapple with repurposing aging religious sites amid falling attendance nationwide.
The sale price reflects the property's prime location near Towson University and major commuter routes, with its sanctuary, fellowship hall, and parking lot offering redevelopment potential without zoning hurdles. Church leaders emphasized a smooth transition, with congregants relocating to nearby houses of worship. This deal underscores broader trends: Maryland saw over 20 church property sales in 2025 alone, often fueling economic hubs in walkable suburbs.
For Stoneleigh residents, the shift promises enhanced local amenities, boosting economic vitality in an area known for its historic homes and community events. As Towson evolves with AI-driven workforce initiatives and small business growth, such adaptive reuses could anchor future neighborhood engagement.
