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Date: 6/8/2022
SOUTHWICK – The more than 200-year-old United Methodist Church in Southwick will have its final service this month before closing its doors due to falling attendance.
Christ Church United Methodist’s final service is June 19. On July 1, the Western Massachusetts conference of the United Methodist Church will take ownership of the building, after which the future of the historic structure is uncertain.
Jerry and Kara Noble have been part of the church’s band since 2016, playing guitar and bass. The two have been part of different bands for local churches over the years, and each said they were sad to see this one go.
“It is a very sad situation. Sadly, it isn’t rare,” said Jerry Noble. “There are so many neighborhood churches, even large ones, with small, dwindling and aging populations.”
The couple was able to participate in the 200th anniversary celebrations of the church shortly after they arrived in 2016, and got to know many congregants who had been a part of it for much longer.
“They are losing their homes in many ways. It is a huge loss for anyone who has been there,” said Kara Noble. “The church is a wonderful, special place with a tremendously caring and generous group of people. This is a huge loss for the town of Southwick.”
Church member and closure committee Chair Joan Machacek said that attendance at the church had been falling even before the COVID-19 pandemic, which subsequently made the situation worse.
“It is just sad. It was such a mainstay in the community for a long time,” said Machacek.
On June 12, a retirement brunch will take place for Pastor Ken Blanchard, who has served the congregation since 2014.
The property the church sits on has three buildings, including the church building itself. One of the other buildings is occupied by Our Community Food Pantry, which Machacek said church members hope will remain open even after the church closes.