URGENT UPDATE: St. James Episcopal Church in Milton-Freewater has officially closed its doors, marking a significant loss for the community. The last service was held on January 18, 2024, and was attended by a dwindling congregation of just 10 to 12 loyal members. This decision follows a prolonged decline in attendance, mirroring a broader trend across the United States.
On August 17, 2023, the church board made the difficult decision to close after years of dwindling numbers. Lynn Crawford, a long-time member, noted that the closure was a long time coming as the church struggled to attract younger attendees. “We just ran out of people. Everybody got old or sick or moved away,” he shared.
A 2025 Pew Research Center study revealed that the number of Americans identifying as Christian has dropped by 9% since 2014. Just 33% of Christians reported attending religious services at least once a month, highlighting the ongoing decline in church participation nationwide.
The last service at St. James was filled with nostalgia and sorrow as members reflected on their rich history, accompanied by the sounds of an 1875 reed organ and flute music. Bishop Patrick Bell, who presided over the final service, encouraged attendees to grieve the loss but also to embrace hope: “We are not closing a church, we are closing a building,” he declared, emphasizing that the spirit of the church lives on through its people.
In an effort to support the community, the church board allocated its remaining funds to local ministries and student scholarships. Additionally, they set aside $10,000 to explore the possibility of relocating the church’s sanctuary to the nearby Frazier Farmstead Museum. However, progress on this initiative remains uncertain, with challenges in finding the right expertise and funding for the move.
Frazier Farmstead Director Dawn Fehrenbacher expressed the potential benefits of relocating the church to the museum, noting the increasing demand for event spaces. However, the museum currently lacks the necessary budget and manpower to facilitate such a move.
As the church sits silent, the bell that once rang through Milton-Freewater now remains quiet. The emotional impact of this closure resonates deeply within the community, as members reflect on not just the loss of a building, but the relationships and memories formed within its walls.
This closure serves as a stark reminder of the changing landscape of religious participation in America. With fewer young adults engaging in religious activities, many churches face similar challenges. As St. James Episcopal Church transitions from a place of worship to a chapter in history, the community must seek new ways to foster connection and support among its members.
For now, St. James remains a poignant symbol of change and resilience, urging its congregation to carry forward the spirit of community even as the doors have closed.
