Don Coleman | Mar 23, 2016


St. Paul’s United Church in Harrowsmith has unfortunately become a victim in our changing society. Fifty years ago, approximately 70% if the population in Canada regularly attended worship services on Sunday. Today that number is around 20%. In 1966 there were eight United Church congregations in our area. With the closure of St. Paul’s there will be only one left.

The last statistic I have for the United Church of Canada noted that there were two churches closing every three weeks. This experience is not unique to the United Church. Anglican churches in both Harrowsmith and Verona closed and amalgamated with the Anglican church in Sydenham. In Kingston, one of the oldest and historic Catholic churches (The Church of the Good Thief) has been forced to close its doors because of declining attendance and expensive repairs needed. Church closures are happening all across the board.

The congregation of St. Paul’s were in a situation of declining attendance and declining revenues. While it has engaged in many fund-raising activities over the years, including the Tuesday lunches mentioned in a previous letter, there are fewer people left to organize and work these events. Those who have worked at them faithfully over the years are getting tired and worn out.

The decision by the congregation at the meeting on February 28 was an emotional one. Many have long ties with St. Paul’s. However, when faced with the reality that their cash reserves will be totally depleted in a few months, leaving them with no money to pay their bills, they made the difficult decision to close and amalgamate with Trinity United Church in Verona.

Contrary to statements made by Brenda Crawford in her letter (Re: St. Paul’s in Harrowsmith to close, Mar 17/16), Trinity United Church is in a relatively stable and comfortable financial situation. The deficit situation in the operating budget, which she mistakenly interprets as debt, is offset by the other financial reserves that the church has. At certain times of the year, expenses will exceed revenues. This is a normal situation.

The St. Paul’s church building is indeed a historical building. It was constructed in 1919 by local artisans. It is unique in that it was constructed with limestone of two different colours, making for an interesting effect. Unfortunately, these older church buildings were never constructed with energy efficiency in mind. They were originally heated with wood, which was likely donated by a member of the congregation. Today, to keep the church operational, it costs over $15,000 a year for heat, electricity, insurance and other maintenance issues. This becomes difficult for a small congregation to maintain.

In a few weeks, a committee will be set up to facilitate the amalgamation process. This committee will work on the details necessary to make two congregations one. This process may take several months. At the end of this, Trinity and St. Paul’s will worship together in a single building. Approximately, 175 families will still be served by Harrowsmith-Verona Pastoral Charge. We must think of church not as a building, but instead as a community of faith.

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