BUTLER — A church in downtown Butler that’s been around for more than a century is closing its doors at the end of the month.
Church leaders said there aren’t enough people attending church because of the pandemic, and in general.
Grace at Calvary Lutheran Church, located on the diamond in downtown Butler, is closing up after 131 years in the city. The pandemic is part of the reason for the church’s struggles.
“People have decided to mainly stay home. They are not as active in the church and ministries that we have,” said the church’s council president, Jim Thompson.
During the pandemic, the church had to shut down some clothing and food minstries because not enough people were participating.
Thompson says they’ve also seen a drop in attendance at in-person services.
“We were worshiping at one time 75 to 80 (people) on average; there were days we had 100. Now we are averaging about 41 to 45 each Sunday,” said Thompson.
Thompson says that includes both the church’s Zoom and in-person audience.
He also told Channel 11 this was not a financial problem, even though church donations took a hit since fewer people attend in-person services. However, more people at home have been sending in additional donations during COVID.
“We do have quite a few elderly (members) who send their donations in, and quite a few legacies over the years, so financially we are OK. We pay our bills, pay our pastors. We could exist, but not (as) an active ministry,” said Thompson.
The church is holding its last in-person service on Feb. 27. Once it closes, it’s expected to be sold. There are other Lutheran churches for people in the area to attend.
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