UPDATE: St. James Episcopal Church in Milton-Freewater has officially closed its doors for the time being, following a significant decline in attendance. The last service was held on January 18, 2024, marking a poignant end to a congregation that once thrived but has dwindled to just a handful of members.
The decision to close was made on August 17, 2023, but the signs of decline were evident for years. Lynn Crawford, a church member since 1976, reflected on the closure, stating, “We just ran out of people. Everybody got old or sick or moved away.” Once a vibrant community hub, attendance fell to as few as seven or eight loyal attendees, making operations financially unsustainable.
The recent Pew Research Center study highlights a broader trend affecting religious institutions across the United States. It found that the number of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped by 9% since 2014, with only 33% attending services monthly. This decline has deeply impacted the church, which transitioned from a full-time priest to relying on part-time and monthly services over the years.
During its final service, the atmosphere was bittersweet as congregants reminisced about the church’s rich history. Bishop Patrick Bell urged those present to find hope amidst the sadness, emphasizing, “We are not closing a church, we are closing a building.”
In an effort to support the community, the church’s board allocated remaining funds to student scholarships and local ministries. They also set aside $10,000 to explore the feasibility of relocating the church’s sanctuary to the Frazier Farmstead Museum. However, progress on this plan remains uncertain as experts needed for the move are difficult to find.
The museum’s director, Dawn Fehrenbacher, acknowledged the potential benefits of having the church structure on-site, especially as demand for indoor event space increases. Yet, funding and manpower are significant hurdles. “We are working to find moving companies, but many are aging out of the profession,” she noted.
For now, St. James Episcopal Church stands silent, a symbol of changing times in religious participation. The bell that once rang through Milton-Freewater now rests quietly, leaving a community to ponder its next steps.
As this story develops, many are left wondering what the future holds for the church and its legacy in the community. The emotional impact of this closure resonates deeply within those who cherished the space, highlighting a critical moment in the ongoing narrative of faith and community in America.
