GLENTHOMPSON Uniting Church is one of a number of disused country churches to go under the hammer at auction in recent years.

Seeking to capitalise on city folk chasing a lifestyle change in the country, the church committee has made the difficult and sad decision to sell the iconic, century-old red brick church.

Glenthompson is a small rural town of approximately 250 people and selling agent, Elders Ararat’s David Jennings said he was amazed at the amount of interest being shown in the old church in Victoria’s western district about three hours’ drive west from Melbourne.

“People are ringing from Melbourne, from Sydney, from all over,” he said.

“There’s a lot of interest from city people in the historical building who are looking for a tree change or to use it as a weekender.”

The last services were held in Glenthompson’s century-old brick church back in 2019, with only two couples left in the congregation at the time.

Church treasurer, Sally Gray said it would be a sad day for Glenthompson to see the church sold.

“Congregations in a lot of country churches are getting smaller and the cost of maintaining these old buildings has forced a decision on the building’s future,” Ms Gray said.

“It’s a sign of the times, and COVID has brought the end a bit sooner - we just didn’t have the numbers anymore.”

Ms Gray said she hoped someone would buy the church and live in it.

“We have a wonderful little community here; we want someone to make use of the building whether they come from the city or not.”

The local Anglican and Catholic churches are still continuing with services.

The Glenthompson church does have a heritage overlay and goes to public auction on February 12 and Mr Jennings said he expected a “good crowd”.