A chapter of Minneapolis church history closed this week, a story soon to be repeated in St. Paul.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 4400 4th Av. S., one of the first black Episcopal churches in the state, held a deconsecration service Tuesday evening. A similar fate awaits St. Philip's Episcopal Church in St. Paul, another one of the state's first primarily black churches, which will close by the end of June.

The two congregations, both of which date to the early 1900s, are forming a new church, the location and name of which is still to be determined. And while the birth of the new church is considered a bright spot for many of the members, the atmosphere at St. Thomas was somber.

Read the whole article.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • TEC Parishes

1. Statmann wrote: Can’t blame some for wondering why these two black parishes had to close and merge when there are 70 other parishes in the diocese that have smaller Plate & Pledge offerings.  Statmann May 31, 8:54 pm | [comment link]

2. robroy wrote: David Virtue had a piece recently on the disappearing African American Episcopal churches. It pointed out that over 50% had only part-time clergy. Ms Schori talks about inclusivity and building up churches that are ethnically diverse, yet the denomination is dwindling and get more homogeneous (liberal Caucasian). Cuts for foreign missionaries and cuts for what are domestic missionaries. I wonder when well informed liberals like Mark Harris will say, “Er…all isn’t well. KJS is flushing us down the toilet.” June 1, 8:33 am | [comment link]

3. TomRightmyer wrote: St. Thomas Milwaukee ASA 60 income 100K; St. Philip’s St. Paul ASA about 80, income 140K.  Combined ASA 140; income 240.  Looks Good On Paper. June 1, 8:44 am | [comment link]

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