MCADOO — Members of the only Protestant congregation in McAdoo learned late last year that their church would close if its financial situation didn’t improve.
“We figured that we weren’t going to see Easter — or just barely see it,” Gary Potter, president of Christ Reformed United Church of Christ’s consistory, said.
While holiday services will be held, there’s no telling whether the church will survive until the end of the year.
And it’s not for lack of trying.
According to Potter, members of the dwindling congregation voted overwhelmingly to keep the church open even if it meant making some sacrifices.
“The yeses outweighed the nos,” Potter said. “At that point, we had to take steps to keep the church open.”
The biggest step was calling for the resignation of longtime pastor Al Walton. Walton, who was salaried, served until the end of 2015.
The congregation now pays to have a supply pastor from the UCC’s Penn Northeast Conference on the first Sunday of each month, when communion services are held.
On other Sundays, Potter, consistory Vice President Darlene Brobst or church secretary Melissa Lutz lead the 11 a.m. services for a handful of attendees.
“At one point, we had 150 members on our membership list — granted some of those people were in the same household. That doesn’t happen anymore. We’re probably down to 70 people on the actual list. And then we get 20 that show up on Sundays — again husbands, wives and kids, we’re counting them all,” Potter said.
Many members have moved from the area or have passed away. Because of the decline, financial support is down and it’s difficult to find volunteers for fundraisers.
“Getting the help to come out has been our biggest issue,” Potter said.
In the past, the church held summer festivals and hosted events at its neighboring Zwingli hall. It also received funds from renting the hall — an option no longer viable because the building was damaged by a leaking pipe several years ago.
The church will participate at the April 16 Spring Community Carnival at the Laurel Mall, and launched a campaign on the GoFundMe fundraising website.
“In between (fundraisers) is when we rely mainly on the collection plate on Sundays,” Potter said.
Collection money helps pay for insurance, oil, water, sewer and other items.
“I understand that things are tight for everybody, not just the church,” Potter said. “But we’re struggling. We’re treading water. The anchor we’re holding seems to get a little heavier at times.”
With support, the church could stay open until the end of the year or beyond.
Donations can be mailed to Christ Reformed United Church of Christ, 120 E. Washington St., McAdoo, PA 18237. New and past members are welcome to stop by for 11 a.m. services.
The church was established in 1896, and the current structure was built in 1942. McAdoo Girl Scouts meet in the church’s social rooms and the congregation supports Catholic Social Services and United Charities with food, toy and coat drives.