On Thursday, Emmanuel UCC in Bowmanstown sold the church property and many of its remaining possessions.

Church members said it was a difficult thing to watch, but they are hopeful that the property and items can be of use.

“We hate to see the church and its possessions go like that, after it being a part of our lives for so long,” said consistory President Judy Hoffman. “But we have to recoup some resources and clear out the space so the building can be sold. This will end it, and it’s what we’ve been working towards. Hopefully, people will get good use out of what’s sold today.”

The auction started at 9 a.m. with a packed house of eager bidders.

Items sold included kitchen equipment, utensils, appliances, tables, chairs, candle holders, decorations, a lawnmower and a snowblower.

“If anything does not sell today, we’ll see if any other churches or organizations in the area can use it,” Hoffman said. “We don’t want anything going to waste,”

The iconic bell was moved to a new location on Tuesday.

Presented to the then Immanuel Reform Church on Christmas Day in 1908 by the Sunday School and the Ladies’ Aid, the bell stood as a symbol of fellowship and worship for nearly 117 years.

The bell found its temporary home in the Bowmanstown Borough garage.

Church members hope that the Bowmanstown can preserve the bell with the help of local historical societies.

Bowmanstown must approve further restoration of the bell.

The last service at Emmanuel was Oct. 5.

Doug Houser, senior auctioneer of Houser Auctioneers, was pleased with the turnout for the auction and the quality of the items sold.

“We have a good attendance today,” he said. “The items are extremely clean, as the church members did a great job of getting everything ready to move. These items are a great value.”

Houser said the church property itself is a premium buy for an investor.

“It’s a shame to see a church close, especially such a beautiful sanctuary like this one,” Houser said. “There’s 4,000 square feet of possibility here, including the kitchen, social hall, Sunday school rooms, and so on. The R2 zone adds even more possibilities.

“It’s a nice property in a nice community, with great parking.”

Houser Auctioneers reports the final auction price for the church was $123,000, sold to an undisclosed buyer.