JANESVILLE, Wi. — After 110 years, the First Christian Church held its final service Sunday. It leaves behind a congregation of service, but above all else, it accepts everyone with open arms.
“This is a day that is filled with joy for what we have done, but also sorrow,” First Christian Church’s pastor, Ari Douglas, said.
“This church leaves behind a legacy of helping out a lot of our community; in the 30s, we were all about helping the poor; in the 50s, we were about helping growing families; in the 70s, we were all about the boy scouts; and in the 90s, we helped the gay community,” said Michael Piette, the church’s pianist and trustee.
The church’s acceptance gave people like Tom Walker a place to be themselves while worshipping.
“Some friends of mine told me about this church back in the day; that was affirming, and as a gay man, that meant a lot, and they welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve been coming ever since,” Walker said.
Piette told other congregations that the church is for sale. He cherished the last 17 years worshipping here, but is at peace.
“I’ve been through many deaths in my own family, and it’s like any grandparents that pass away; part of you is sad, but part of you is very glad that they had a long and happy life,” Piette said.
And for longtime members like Tom, it’s hard to sum up today’s emotions. “I’m sure I’ll cry.”
“Very sad, very joyful that so many people have returned for the final service, but sad in the same way,” a tearful Tom Walker said, “I could cry right now, yeah, it’s just a sad, sad day.”
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