For sale The bell in the front yard will reportedly go to the Dresden Historical Society, but the former church building in Dresden is up for sale with an asking price of $55,000. (Photo Paula Gibbs)

It has all the amenities one hardly ever expects in new houses these days: huge windows, tin ceilings and walls, a stone walkway, and a wood bird carving with an octagonal frame on the front of the building.

Built as a church around the turn of the century, the building is owned by the Dresden and Richmond United Methodist Church. When the Richmond Church joined with the Dresden Church several years ago, the combined congregation elected to meet in the Richmond church, and the Dresden church building was leased to another congregation.

Now the church members have decided to sell the building, which was constructed around the turn of the century. In addition to a lovely sanctuary, ERA Webber listing broker Kelly Webber said there is also a kitchen located in the basement, along with two half baths.

The 34 by 50 foot building is in good condition, having been used as a church up until several months ago. Although no taxes have been paid on the building because it is owned by a nonprofit, estimated taxes are about $1,000 a year.

"It's an absolutely beautiful building," Webber said. Webber's office is located in Mt. Vernon, near Augusta (623-4182).