A planned amalgamation of two downtown congregations in Stratford, Ont., was derailed after three years’ planning when the congregation at Knox voted down the move — though St. Andrew’s still decided to vote in favour. Presbytery finalized the decision in June.
“It’s disappointing because so many people from both congregations did so much work on this, just to have it all fall apart at the end,” said Rev. Terry Hastings, minister at Knox. “I wish two years ago, when the initial vote was taken, that we’d bit the bullet about our buildings — no matter how hard it would have been to make the decisions.”
Hastings refers to the central reason why Knox voted down the plan — because the congregation wasn’t willing to part with its historical building. Presbytery had advised both congregations to sell their aging — and increasingly crumbling — buildings and begin a new congregation in a new facility. A new name — Grace Church — had even been chosen.
Because of Knox’s decision, several of the visionaries who were key in leading the original amalgamation plans left Knox for St. Andrew’s. “They felt they couldn’t continue to work in a ministry setting that was about the building, so they went down the street in hopes of still working towards the Grace Church vision,” Hastings told the Record. “They’re hoping the vision will still come to fruition.”
Rev. Hugh Jones, minister at St. Andrew’s, said session adopted the mission and values statements worked out during the amalgamation planning, and the amalgamation mantra—New Life, Strong Roots—will become part of the congregation’s life.
“The congregation must rebuild, and in a sense of health and hope, look beyond today and certainly beyond the work of the past three years,” said Jones. “We are starting anew, and trusting that the Holy Spirit will lead through the desert. It is actually exciting! The rebuilding so far has been in the areas of a welcoming strategy, education and stewardship.
“The issue of a new facility is not an immediate concern, but perhaps it might be a longer-term dream for us.”
Knox, which carries a debt of about $240,000 and a building that simply must be repaired, according to Hastings, was instructed by presbytery to set in place a debt elimination plan. A congregational meeting was scheduled for October to get this process started. St. Andrew’s (along with Knox) must submit quarterly financial statements to presbytery as it strives to lessen its deficit as well.
But Hastings is pessimistic.
“Unless the congregation is prepared to really sacrifice, there’s no way they’ll be able to overcome the financial challenge that exists.
“My concern is that in an effort to save the building, the congregation will exhaust itself. So in contrast to the vision of a new church, people will say, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’ and will walk away.”
Hastings said that until a couple of years ago, the national church had few resources to support churches contemplating or undertaking an amalgamation. Since then, many have been developed in light of what happened at Knox and St. Andrew’s—a necessary development according to Hastings since aging buildings and financial concerns are quickly becoming the norm for many Presbyterians.
Still, he has hope that others can learn from this saga.
“My hope would be that the church at large would be reminded that ministry is always so much more than our structures,” said Hastings, “and to see how much our structures inhibit our mission from coming to the fore.”
“Remember always to communicate everything carefully,” said Jones, weighing in on what he thinks others can take away from his congregation’s experience. “Be patient … Realize that what seems like a good idea is probably a good idea if it is put before the Lord for refinement. Realize also that some human beings don’t always seek the Lord’s will the way others might … Don’t take things for granted. God may have other plans to make his truth known.”
