URGENT UPDATE: The historic St. James Episcopal Church in Milton-Freewater has officially closed its doors following a service believed to be the last for its dwindling congregation on January 18, 2023. This decision was confirmed by church officials on August 17, 2023, as the church faced an alarming decline in attendance and financial viability, echoing a national trend in religious participation.
The atmosphere during the final service was bittersweet. Long-time member Lynn Crawford, who has been part of the church since 1976, reminisced about the vibrant community that once filled the pews. “We just ran out of people. Everybody got old or sick or moved away,” he lamented, noting that attendance had dwindled to just 10-12 loyal attendees.
According to a recent Pew Research Center study, the number of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped by 9% since 2014 and a staggering 16% since 2007. The report highlighted that only 33% of Christians now attend religious services monthly, reflecting a significant shift in American religious engagement.
For St. James, the decline has been gradual, with services shifting from full-time to part-time clergy over the years. The congregation’s struggles became evident as younger generations showed less interest in church activities, leading to the cancellation of Sunday School programs and a decrease in community involvement. “You can’t say it was just one time,” Crawford explained. “It just dribbled down.”
In an effort to support the community post-closure, the church board allocated remaining funds to scholarships and local ministries. They also earmarked $10,000 to explore the feasibility of relocating the church’s sanctuary to the Frazier Farmstead Museum. However, as of now, progress has stalled, with difficulties in finding a suitable moving company and the necessary financial resources.
Despite the challenges, there is a sense of hope among the congregation. During the final service, Bishop Patrick Bell encouraged attendees to remember that “we are not closing a church; we are closing a building.” He urged them to hold onto the community’s spirit, emphasizing that “you are the church,” as they navigate this transition.
The closure of St. James Episcopal Church is more than just a local event; it symbolizes a broader shift in American religious life. With fewer young people engaging in church activities, many congregations face similar fates. As St. James sits silent for now, the community reflects on its past while pondering what the future may hold.
As developments continue, the community is left to wonder about the next steps for their beloved church. For now, St. James remains a poignant reminder of changing times, with the hope that its legacy will inspire future generations.
For more insights, the full Pew Research Center report titled “Decline of Christianity in the U.S. Has Slowed, May Have Leveled Off” offers a deeper understanding of this significant trend.
