Portland, Maine, Redemption Center Transforms Into Church

One thing that has become common throughout Maine in recent years is churches taking over spaces that nobody seems to want.

From large empty spaces in malls to left behind industrial space. As long as it can be transformed into a comforting space, churches of different denominations are willing to consider it.

With that in mind, it shouldn't be a huge surprise that one of the longest-running redemption centers in Portland, Maine, has finally found a new purpose. A higher calling if you will.

The former Brighton Avenue Redemption Center has been transformed into an Assemblies of God church. For months, there had been small repairs, painting and other little fixes done to the long vacant property at 873 Brighton Avenue.

On a sign outside, the Assemblies of God church advertises two services per week on Wednesday as well as Sunday.

For those that visited the Brighton Avenue Redemption Center, the place is still missed. According to Portside Real Estate Group, Brighton Avenue was the first redemption center to exist in Portland.

It started as a family business in the early 1980's and lasted nearly 40 years strictly as a redemption center. For many people, their drive-thru option was attractive, as many never had to leave the comfort of their vehicle to return some bottles and leave with a little cash.

Brighton Avenue Redemption Center closed in 2020 due to what was called a 'family circumstance'. It had remained listed on the market for years until the Assemblies of God church took over and transformed it.