 Media Release Diocese of Fredericton 20 October 2005 St. James' Broad Street to close St. James' Church in Saint John will close its doors permanently following a final worship service on Thursday evening, Nov. 24. Declining membership and financial burden were cited as reasons for the closure of the venerable Anglican church with a long history of community outreach. "I recognize the difficulty of this decision," said Bishop Claude Miller. "We have worked closely with the parish over the past several years and this step emerged as the only answer. My prayers are with the people of St. James' as I give thanks to God for their continuing witness and faith." In recent months the parish explored the possibility of amalgamation with the nearby Parish of East Saint John. "The process of amalgamation was an attempt to offer the parish another option to closure," said Archdeacon Geoffrey Hall, whom the bishop placed in charge of consultations and planning over the summer months. "Unfortunately, it just wasn't the answer under the circumstances." At a parish meeting on Sunday (Oct. 16), the congregation informally made plans for worship in the immediate future and discussed the date for the final service. "We want this to be a celebration of a long history of ministry in this parish and community," said church warden Bob Cormier. Former clergy and everyone ever associated with the ministry of St. James' is invited to the Nov. 24 worship at 7:00 p.m.. Contact Ana Watts Communications Officer Diocese of Fredericton 506/459-5358 ana.watts@anglican.nb.ca |