Bellefonte church with 221-year history will hold its last service on Christmas Eve
A Bellefonte church that’s nearly as old as the borough is set to close at the end of the year, leaving behind a house of worship that’s welcomed generations of families over the course of more than two centuries.
The First Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte, 203 N. Spring St., is expected to close after 221 years because of dwindling membership and attendance. The church’s last service is scheduled for about 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. All are invited to attend.
“There’s just such a love among this congregation. We’ve all known each other so long and we know each other’s foibles,” church elder Candace Dannaker said. “I’ll miss our personality, our laughter and our joy in just being together. And, of course, the faith aspect of sharing that with other like-minded people.”
The church that was organized at a time when there were only 16 states had no shortage of movers and shakers throughout the years. It was established by the same men who founded Bellefonte, while other members included two former Pennsylvania governors.
But the church was not immune from the issues that have plagued houses of worship throughout the United States. Churches of all sizes have taken hits in attendance.
Dannaker estimated the church had about 40 members before the pandemic, a number that is down to about 25. Only about a dozen attend services in person. The church did not have in-person worship from March 2020 until Easter Sunday.
Attendance is down even more sharply from when Dannaker joined 34 years ago. She estimated there were about 200 people in attendance then.
Pam Benson, a 77-year-old who has been a member of the church for 73 years, attributed the decline to a paradigm shift. She was born during World War II, part of the silent generation.
That was a time when many businesses were closed Sunday and few events were scheduled for the final day of the weekend. She also believes fewer parents insisted that their children attend church, while churches were not always competitive in recruiting new members.
“It was so different. It was just what you did. Unless you were really sick, it was just what you did,” Benson said. “... It’s just change, it’s progression. It’s what happens. Not that I like it, but it is what it is.”
The 15,000-square-foot church is scheduled to close its doors for the last time Dec. 31. The building’s future has not been determined, Dannaker said.
It’s also unclear where some Bellefonte voters will cast their ballots in upcoming elections. The church also served as a polling place. An answer could come in the spring, Centre County Elections Director Beth Lechman said.
But what is expected, Benson said, is a “very meaningful” final service. Some of life’s biggest moments happened there.
She was baptized at the church, was married there and vividly remembers attending church alongside her parents growing up. The church, she said, has been an “anchor” in her life for the better part of seven decades.
“Even if it’s the last service,” Benson said. “It’s going to be a memory that I wouldn’t want to miss.”
This story was originally published December 23, 2021 at 7:00 AM.