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Eastern Star Church Purchases Former Martin University Campus for Expansion Project

Eastern Star Church purchased the shuttered Martin University campus in Indianapolis on May 8 as part of its community development project, the ROCK Initiative.

By Colin Percy · May 27, 2026

Martin University officially ceased operations in December 2025 following a period of severe financial distress that left staff without pay and students unable to access federal financial aid refunds. An investigation revealed that the university had been operating under federal 'heightened cash monitoring' since March 2023, with former employees alleging that the school frequently lacked the liquidity to distribute student refunds or meet payroll obligations.

The university's campus, located in Indianapolis, was listed for sale earlier this year and subsequently acquired by Eastern Star Church on May 8. The acquisition is intended to support the church's community-focused ROCK Initiative, marking the final chapter for the private institution following the voluntary surrender of its accreditation and a pending class-action lawsuit filed by former students and staff.

Companies mentioned

owner

Martin University

developer

Eastern Star Church

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