Local News

Riverbank Church purchases former National Guard Armory 

CLAREMONT, N.H. — Riverbank Church is excited to announce the purchase of the former National Guard Armory at 75 Winter Street. The 14,500-squre-foot facility/property will be the new location for Riverbank Church Claremont and used as a community worship center, with plans to include the following features:  

A 200-seat auditorium for weekly worship experiences, conferences and seminars  

Multiple classrooms for children and family programs  

Meeting spaces for recovery programs and community education opportunities  

Indoor common areas with tables and music designed for gathering, connecting, and fostering community growth and engagement  

Multi-functional space to serve the community through blood drives, family assistance services/programs, hosted events and conferences for local organizations, and more  

Riverbank Church was originally launched in 2010 by Lead Pastor Chris Goeppner, along with several area families. Over nearly 15 years, the church has grown to more than 1,000 members and currently operates two locations in White River Junction, Vermont, and Claremont, New Hampshire. Prior to acquiring this new permanent space, Riverbank Church Claremont has been functioning as a “pop up” each week at the former Claremont Cinema since 2018. Over those nearly seven years, the Claremont location has continued to experience significant growth and now has more than 200 members from the greater Claremont area attending each week.  

Even with this remarkable growth, Riverbank Church (at both locations) emphasizes its unique, hometown atmosphere where everyone is welcome. In fact, the unifying vision of the church is that they are “on a rescue mission, helping people take their next step with Jesus.” Breaking away from tradition, Riverbank Church encourages building community and “doing life together,” supporting children and families (be sure to inquire about the recent launch of weekly “Family Nights”), and growing in faith together while sharing the message of hope and rescue found in Jesus.  

Lead Pastor Chris Goeppner said, “Over the past several years we have seen countless lives impacted through the ministry of Riverbank Church. Families restored, addictions broken and community built! We look forward to having a permanent location in Claremont where we can continue serving the people of Claremont and the surrounding communities!”  

For more information, visit riverbankchurch.com or call 603-359-6063.