Delaware ‘More Light’ PCUSA congregation
closing its doors after 140 years of ministry
The Layman, January 28, 2009
Another Presbyterian Church (USA) is set to close its doors this spring. West Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, Del., has announced that it will hold its last worship service in its historic Gothic church building on April 26.
West Presbyterian Church It’s not as surprising as it once was that PCUSA churches are closing. The controversies over issues such as sexuality and gay ordination have caused many long-time Presbyterians to leave the denomination, sometimes even leading whole churches to leave and join the more conservative Evangelical Presbyterian Church. What’s less publicized is when a PCUSA church that is a member of the More Light Presbyterians movement shuts its doors.
West Presbyterian, founded in 1868, once was characterized by “middle-class, home-owning West Center City whites,” according to its Web site. But as these members began moving to the suburbs and “low-income African Americans,” moved in, either the church had to change its location or change its mission. It chose to adopt an inner-city mission that would include an integrated congregation, in every sense of the word.
In the ‘90s, it became a More Light Presbyterians governing body member by ascribing to their mission statement: “Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is the full participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).”
In the 10 years for which statistics are available (1997-2007), the membership has dwindled to half what it once was, average attendance at worship services has dropped from 68 to 30, and “the endowment is no longer paying the bills it once did,” according to published reports. Even the pastor has moved on, taking a position at a local ministry to the poor, leaving West Presbyterian to be led by an interim pastor for its remaining weeks of operation.
All that remains is for a commission of elders and clergy from New Castle Presbytery to determine the best use for the church property.
The irony is, New Castle Presbytery is supportive of More Light Congregations like that of West Presbyterian Church, as evidenced by its recent vote to approve the watering down of the “fidelity/chastity” requirement in article G-6.0106b of the Presbyterian Book of Order.