Sale of historic church marks 'new life' for Fredericton congregation

St. Paul's United Church Rev. Michelle Armstrong says her congregation is experiencing the quintessential church story – death and resurrection, struggle and new life – with the sale of its historic space. 

Armstrong said church members didn't take the decision to sell lightly, as many have a multi-generational connection to the national historic site.

Carole Peacock, who has attended for 80 years, remembers when the congregation was so big the church had to offer two services on Sunday.

"Always something going on, morning, noon and night," she said, sitting in a pew beneath one of the large glass windows. 

"People would fill every seat. People were sitting on the stairs until the fire marshal found out and said we couldn't do that anymore." 

The large stone building, with a tall spire that can be seen throughout the downtown south side, can seat around 1,000.

But, according to Armstrong, the number of attendees for Sunday service has shrunk to about 50 – and the congregation is made up mostly of seniors. 

That's created a difficult situation, Armstrong said, as the old building requires $2 million in roof repairs. She said that is too expensive for a small congregation.

While the church board and members looked at several options, it was decided by congregation vote to sell the building and join Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church.

Armstrong said the two congregations will maintain their separate denominations, but support each other in their tasks through an arrangement called "ecumenical shared ministry." 

The concept is relatively new in Fredericton, Armstrong said, but it is a common practice as churches across Canada struggle with shrinking membership. 

"When people are by themselves in a really small congregation struggling, that is not what the church is supposed to be," she said. 

"I hear people talking about what can happen, now that there's going to be more people together, and out from underneath this beautiful but heavy building. It is the church story. Death and resurrection, struggle and new life. Hope at work."

Erin Webb, who teaches Sunday school at St. Paul's to her son and two other children, also expressed hope about what the partnership might mean for her small group.