URGENT UPDATE: St. James Episcopal Church in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, held its final service on January 18, 2023, marking a poignant end to a congregation that has dwindled in size and resources. As the last worshippers bid farewell, the church’s closure reflects a troubling national trend in declining religious affiliation.
During the service, members gathered in the historic sanctuary, but it was a bittersweet farewell for the loyal attendees. Lynn Crawford, a devoted member since 1976, played the church’s ancient organ while tears mingled with laughter, encapsulating the emotional weight of the moment. “We just ran out of people. Everybody got old or sick or moved away,” Crawford lamented.
This closure has deeper implications. A recent Pew Research Center study revealed that the number of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped by 9% since 2014 and a staggering 16% since 2007. The survey highlighted a significant decline in church attendance, with only 33% of Christians attending services at least monthly.
The decision to close, reached on August 17, 2023, was not sudden but rather the culmination of years of declining attendance and resources. St. James had transitioned from a vibrant church community to struggling with only 10 to 12 loyal attendees at its peak. As the congregation aged without new families to fill the pews, church officials acknowledged the inevitable.
Crawford noted the church was financially sustained through endowments but could not support the high utility costs for such a small group. Despite encouragement from authorities to cherish each other’s company, the reality of dwindling numbers loomed large.
In its final act, the church’s board allocated $10,000 to explore the feasibility of relocating the church to the nearby Frazier Farmstead Museum. However, finding the right expertise for the move has proven challenging. Museum officials indicated that while there is space available, the budget constraints hinder the potential relocation.
The emotional farewell was marked by a powerful message from Bishop Patrick Bell, who urged the congregation to hold onto hope. “We are not closing a church; we are closing a building,” he emphasized. “You will hold this now for the rest of your life.”
As St. James Episcopal Church sits silent, its bell no longer ringing through the town, this closure serves as a stark reminder of the shifting landscape of faith in America. With fewer young people engaging in religious activities, the future remains uncertain for many small congregations across the country.
The story of St. James is not just about a building; it reflects a broader societal change. As communities grapple with this decline, the conversation around faith and its role in modern life becomes ever more urgent. For more information on the decline of Christianity in the U.S., read the full Pew Research Center report online.
