Re: St. Paul’s in Harrowsmith to close

Brenda Crawford | Mar 16, 2016

I felt compelled as a concerned resident of Harrowsmith and once member of St. Paul's to write the newspaper to clear up some facts (St. Paul's United Church in Harrowsmith to close, Mar 10/16). The doors of St. Paul's may not be closing. The church is floundering for sure but it has less debt than Trinity. Refer to the pastoral charge website for these facts.

St. Paul's is a designated heritage building with a rental property permanently attached. These buildings will never be separated as they share a well.. It is a larger building that already houses the charge office and the minister's office. It has the best acoustics and is fully accessible with an elevator. It boasts a new furnace, new stoves, and most of the windows have been restored according to heritage practices. It is the home for many community groups and a meeting place every Tuesday where a lovely lunch is enjoyed by many from the village and surrounding areas. I go every Tuesday to meet with friends and catch up on the news of the area. Thanks to the lunch bunch and their dedication under the leadership of Erma Bracken.
The congregation were joined by the former members of Grace United church in Sydenham. It would be a shame for them to once again have to relocate. St.. Paul's is centrally located and a vital part of the hamlet.

Both churches need our prayers as they are faced with such decisions. While I will not again attend St. Paul's as a congregant it holds a permanent place in my heart as it has for three generations before me. These church families will be broken no matter which church remains open. May God be with them in this difficult time and with the governing body which will ultimately make the final edict.