UPDATE: St. James Episcopal Church in Milton-Freewater has officially closed its doors as of January 18, 2024, marking an emotional farewell for its dwindling congregation. This closure comes after years of declining attendance, with just a handful of regular attendees remaining.
Just hours ago, the last service at the historic church saw a small gathering share memories and reflections, unaware they were witnessing the end of an era. Longtime member Lynn Crawford, who has been part of the congregation since 1976, played the church’s beloved 1875 reed organ during the poignant farewell. The decision to shut down was finalized on August 17, 2023, but community members have sensed this moment looming for quite some time.
The decline in attendance at St. James mirrors a troubling national trend. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped significantly, with a staggering 9% decrease since 2014. Only 33% of Christians report attending services at least monthly. The church, once a vibrant community hub, struggled to maintain a steady congregation, dwindling to as few as 10 to 12 attendees.
Crawford noted, “We just ran out of people. Everybody got old or sick or moved away.” The absence of younger generations has contributed to the church’s decline, as Sunday School programs and community involvement faded over the years.
In an effort to support local initiatives, the church board has allocated its remaining funds to student scholarships and ministries serving at-risk residents. They also earmarked $10,000 to explore the potential relocation of St. James’ sanctuary to the nearby Frazier Farmstead Museum. However, as weeks pass since the church’s closure, finding the right expertise and resources for that move remains a challenge.
Dawn Fehrenbacher, director of the museum, expressed a desire to provide space for indoor events, which have seen an uptick. Yet, the pursuit of moving the church structure is hindered by a lack of funds and manpower. As Fehrenbacher noted, “There is room for the structure on the property, but there is no money in our budget to help bring a move to fruition.”
In a heartfelt address during the final service, Bishop Patrick Bell reminded attendees that while the church building is closing, the spirit of the congregation lives on. “We are not closing a church, we are closing a building,” he said. “Dear friends, you are the church.”
As the bell that once rang through Milton-Freewater falls silent, the community must now grapple with the loss of a cherished institution while holding onto hope for new beginnings. The fate of St. James Episcopal Church may be uncertain, but its legacy will resonate with those who gathered within its historic walls for generations to come.
For more on the decline of Christianity in the U.S., the full Pew Research Center report is available online.
