On January 5, 2025, Randolph UMC held a Deconsecration Service for their church building, led by Pastor Mauren Juliao and the District Superintendent of the Many Waters District – Rev. Arlene Tully. They graciously invited Highland Avenue UMC to share in this time of worship.
It was a time of sadness as members saw the last service in the building that had served them so well since it was built to replace the Windsor Street Church which had been ravaged by fire on June 1, 1961. When this new building was ready for its first service on April 15, 1962, members were greeted by items from the “old church” – pews, a stained-glass window, the old pulpit and a cabinet holding special items.
But it was also a time of hope and anticipation as the church – its members – look forward to carrying on their ministries as they move toward merging with Highland Avenue UMC with whom they share a long history.
Kathy Patrick shared the scripture John 12: 20-26 including the following verses:
“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried to the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.” (Eugene H. Peterson’s The Message)
Rev. Tully referenced these verses in her message, “Everything Changes” – sharing that the church would go on- just as the grains of wheat – in the ministries and memories of its people.
Memories were shared of special times in the church building – marriages, memorial services, baptisms, public suppers, games, joint services, former pastors (including Rev. Tully who served her first appointment at Randolph), and even a sleepover on the altar and memories of a young boy (Tyler Trott) playing outside and getting into a little “trouble”. Pastor Mauren shared her memories of the first service she preached for the River Churches at Randolph and the encouragement she got from the congregation. Members will carry these memories with them as they move on to the next “chapter” in their ministry.
The Sacrament of Communion was shared as all members gathered around the altar for this special time. Then the “Declaration of Deconsecration” was read so that the building could be used for other purposes going forward.
Randolph members have gifted many of their items to the various churches of the River Churches Cooperative Parish. You will see many items at Highland Avenue including banners in the sanctuary that Kathy Patrick’s sister had lovingly made, the cabinet that had originally been at the Windsor Street church, speakers in our sanctuary, a painting in our lounge, and a new stove and refrigerator in our kitchen. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity.
Members of Highland Avenue are excited to welcome Randolph members to the church family. While we await the “formalities” of the merger of the two churches to be finalized, we look forward to worshiping with you each Sunday, joining in fellowship, and sharing ideas for ministries going forward. Welcome!
Deconsecration Bulletin (click to see bulletin)
