Of course, we were attending the closing of Trinity UMC Albany on June 22. Not just my wife and I, but our daughter, who hadn’t even been born yet when we left in 2000. The bulletin notes, “Celebrating 188 years of faith and service!” But it won’t hit 189.
The opening hymn was The Church’s One Foundation, which was the opening hymn on September 17, 1933, when the building was rebuilt on the corner of Lark and Lancaster for the second time in less than 35 years.
The choir numbered but five; they’re pretty good, given that. A small piece of me wishes I had been singing with them.
After the anthem, a Litany of Thanksgiving was offered for the physical elements (Baptismal font, communion table, etc.), the congregations over the years, the church’s mission, the study groups, music, and hymnals. Near the end: “We come together with so many good and treasured memories, but with a strong sense of grief at saying farewell to this hallowed place.”
The sermon by Rebecca Richards was based on Lamentations 3:19-26.
Remembering Our Ministries was offered by Nancy, the Lay Leader. Someone read a letter from Rev. Jeffrey Matthew, the pastor from 2008 to 2021. The hymn This Is A Day of New Beginnings, which made me a tad melancholy, especially as a Prayer of Letting Go followed it.
I saw several folks I recognized who were still attending, as well as many who came back for the finale, including Allie from California. Here’s the video of the service.
Repast
In the parlor where coffee hour is usually held, there were several items to eat and drink. People were encouraged to tell stories. My wife noted that she hosted the Disciple Bible study at her home, which I attended; subsequently, we got married at the church.
I could have spoken about our choir singing at the annual Troy Conference in Vermont, caroling on Lark Street, and the several choir members who passed away during my tenure there. Or a book club I attended for over a decade. But I was disinclined.
Someone asked me what it was like being there on that day. I compared it to going to the funeral of an old friend. Perhaps you experienced friction in your relationship, or maybe you’ve fallen a bit out of touch. Still, you didn’t want them to die. I know that building and the many souls past and present who attended there. It was/is a foundational time in my life.
I was very touched by the Goodbye Trinity video, which I saw a few days later. It showed people no longer with us, including Lillian, Fran, Bob, Jim, Jeannette and Bob, and even Mickey, and ends with a couple of touching pieces of music.
Watching the “Goodbye Trinity” video made me smile – and teary-eyed!
Your post made me feel weepy – for you and your wife, and for all of the saints who walked through those doors over the years.