SALEM — Demolition began yesterday on the rear section of the former First Baptist Church, a key part of the site preparation for the new state courthouse.
A state contractor is taking down part of the building that was added after the church was erected in 1805-06. This newer section along Bridge Street has to be removed before another contractor starts to move the church building.
The First Baptist Church, 56 Federal St., which the state bought for $2 million, will be moved a short distance to the corner of Federal and North streets, where it will become the law library for the new courthouse. The move is scheduled to take place in October.
Once the back section is razed, preparations will begin for moving the building.
"Everything is on track," said Kevin Flanigan, a spokesman for the state Division of Capital Asset Management, the agency overseeing the project.
Since selling their historic church building, the First Baptist Church has relocated to Lafayette Street.
