Historic Montoursville church is closing its doors

Episcopal Church of Our Saviour in Montoursville, Pennsylvania, is the subject of this undated, never-used postcard from my collection that was published by Merrimack Picture Post Card Co., of North Springfield, Vermont.

I'm posting it because I read on Facebook over the weekend that the church is closing its doors on Christmas Eve (tomorrow night).

Our family connection to the church is slight. We attended services there for a very short period in the early 1970s when living on Mulberry Street. But the tiny church on Loyalsock Avenue is iconic, perhaps the most beautiful one in Montoursville. Although it can be hard to spot because it's so small and tucked away on a mostly residential street, it's always been a landmark for me when driving back through town on infrequent visits.

Steve Bagwell, who is Montoursville's mayor but also an avid historian and talented photographer, posted this message on Facebook, along with a number of beautiful photos of the church's interior:

"The Church of Our Saviour has been celebrating Christmas services since 1870. That would make this year the 155th time and it will be the last. The church is a special place, it looks very much like it would have shortly after the Civil War. The last Christmas celebration will be on Christmas eve at 7:00."

According to the Society of Architectural Historians, the church was designed by the Rev. John Henry Hopkins Jr. That website notes: "Boldly articulated framing members and long vertical boards, an elongated bell-cote, and a sharply peaked vestibule give the small church a tall and imposing presence on a crowded residential street. The church's small size dictated its nave plan."

An online PDF from earlier this year states: "RESOLVED, that the dissolution of the parish of Church of Our Saviour, Montoursville, Pennsylvania, as approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the parish members and as recommended by The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan and Canon Chad Linder, Canon for Finance and Operations, and, subject to confirmation by resolution of this 154th Convention, be and is hereby approved."

I'm not sure how it might happen, but we can only hope that the building is preserved and maintained for its great historic value, even if it will no longer serve its function as a church.

UPDATE: Bagwell posted some additional beautiful photos of the church's exterior.