The building does not make the church
The congregation of Lockport Community Church (P.C.C.) are inviting residents to share their memories of the church and how it was part of their lives at their final services that will take place later this month.
Rev. Martha McDowell, who has been the church’s Reverand for a little over a year, explained that the church is not closing because of a lack of support from the congregation but because of the maintenance of the building.
“We’d love to keep in the building, but the building needs lots of help, the shingles blow off, and the furnace needs this, and the water needs that, and our folks are trying hard to keep up with it, but they came to a decision at least two or two and a half years ago that they just couldn’t keep up with it,” she explained.
The congregation now consists of about 15 or so people, with more who come on holidays like Easter and Christmas. The group is quite tight-knit knit and McDowell enjoys her time with them.
“What I love about this congregation is they’re very welcoming. Out of the 42 years (that I’ve been ordained), I have a lot of experience to tell you that,” she said.
She explained that though it was decided that they would meet every second Sunday for services, the services are more than just a place to connect with God. They are also a chance to connect with each other as everyone brings a little something, and the group shares a meal together after the service.
McDowell also said that the group has been wonderful about her taking over as Reverand and has been very accepting of her sermons.
She was even completely surprised when the congregation, who on her recent 70th birthday, brought in cake, food, and gifts.
“I’ve never had a congregation do that,” said McDowell.
The Lockport Community Church was established in 1986 when the two congregations of Kirkness Church and MacKenzie Church came together. Though McDowell explained that the congregation’s numbers, like any church, have waxed and waned over the years, the current group is planning to stick together after the end of this month, even without a permanent building.
“That’s not the end of us worshiping together at all, and we want people to know that we’re not just walking off into the sunset,” said McDowell.
Going forward, the congregation will continue to gather in the homes of local members.
As for the final services in the building, McDowell is hoping to use the opportunity to share memories and important moments that took place in the building.
“(We’re looking for the stories like) my parents were married in that church, or I was baptized in that church, or my grandmother’s memorial service was there, so we can include all those memories in our last services,” she said.
The next worship service will take place on April 17 at 10 a.m., and it will be the final one that McDowell herself will be taking on. The final service at the church will take place on August 24 at 7 p.m. McDowell invites past parishioners, area residents and anyone who would like to attend to gather with them on these Sundays.
As for her final service, she plans to talk about how this is the end of a chapter, but the story of the church will continue.
“I’m going to be talking about how the church is not the building. The church isn’t the steeple. It isn’t the chairs. The church will continue. And, this is kind of an overused phrase, but Jesus said, ‘Wherever two or three are gathered, I’m there also.’ I’m going to talk about, yes, it’s sad to leave the building, but the building is an earthly thing. What’s really important is that we continue to grow in our faith and reach out to others,” said McDowell.
McDowell asks that residents please reach out to share memories, and she can help share more information on future church gatherings. She is available by phone at 204-487-1890, and her email is martha-mcdowell@shaw.ca.
McDowell would also like to thank everyone who has shared their journeys with the church.
