Despite the hopes of many that it might see new life as a columbarium, the former St. Joseph’s Church once again faces an uncertain future after a feasibility study found financial support for its conversion lacking.

Earlier this year, the Diocese of Manchester, the Roman Catholic Church in New Hampshire, and The St. Joseph Preservation Society, announced that the parties would work together to convert St. Joseph’s into a columbarium and an associated chapel.

A columbarium is a sacred place where the cremated remains of the faithful are entombed.

Located at 40 Church St. in the city’s downtown, across from the U.S. Post Office, St. Joseph’s had served a predominantly Irish faith community for many years. The church was closed to the public five years ago, after previously being consolid

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