Since the early 1960s, Bill Houston has taken a seat in a pew at Regent Park United Church.
Sunday was the last time he would do so.
With a congregation that has dropped to about 20, Regent Park United Church will amalgamate with Westmount United Church.
“I could see it coming,” Houston said following Sunday’s service at the Oxford Street church. “Churches are having difficulties. The seniors are dying off and the young people aren’t coming.”
The congregation hasn’t had a full-time minister for a number of years. Rev. Maggie Keates has been attending from Gravenhurst off and on since 2012 to try to help find a way to keep Regent Park United going.
“They’re a wonderful community and it’s an amazing congregation,” she said. “I just hope that the children recognize how valuable it is being (in church).”
Asked what she felt was contributing the declining numbers, Keates said, “I have no idea at all.”
Houston has some theories. Twenty years ago, the congregation was about 170 strong, he said.
“When more stores started opening seven days a week, that’s what did it, I think,” he said, noting many opted to work on the weekend rather than attend Sunday service.
While Sunday was bittersweet for many, Houston thinks the change will be mostly sweet.
“I think it’ll be great. They seem to be a great group,” he said of the Westmount congregation.
Westmount United Rev. Tony Rennett was in attendance for Sunday’s service. He asked everyone in the audience who was from the Westmount congregation to rise. Almost everyone in the pews stood up.
“What can I say? Christ gathers us, fills us with grace and then sends us to serve with that same grace,” Rennett said while welcoming the new members to the congregation. “That is what we will do at Westmount.”
A committee has been formed to look into the future of the Regent Park United property and building.
Andy Robbins looks after the community gardens on the property, and he hopes to see it continue to grow.
“It’s quite a service to the community,” he said, noting residents grow food there for themselves and for the food bank.
Students from nearby schools also use the gardens.
“It’s a hub for education,” Robbins said. “I hope they’re here for a long time and they can be expanded.”
