Not long ago, Birmingham had a booming population, bustling industry and four churches- Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Brethern. The changing economy caused the railroad and other industries to leave Birmingham, and with them went the people. Of the four local churches, only one survived, the Birmingham Presbyterian Church. However it seems that even this church that has stood the test of time may one day have to close its doors.
Membership over the years has reached as high as 200 back in 1876. Currently, membership is down to 38.
“You have to have members to keep the church going,” said Sarah Jane Parks, long time member of the church and resident of Birmingham.
Parks believes that one of the reasons membership is down is because parents are not as involved in bringing their children to church anymore. Right now, the children’s Sunday school program only has 2 members.
“We lost the kids in the Sunday schools. It used to be immense,” remarked Parks on remembering past Sunday school classes when she could have a pizza party or another fun activity for whole groups of kids.
Another problem the church faces is its location. There used to be a number of residents from Birmingham that attended.
However, Mary Lou Keith, long-time church member and resident of Birmingham said, “That’s what happened. Everybody grew up, and the kids left, and people died. That’s what happens in most churches.”
The population of Birmingham is dwindling, with about 40 houses and 140 residents. Many people of the village are retired, and there is nothing attracting a younger generation to the area to take on more active roles in the community or church.
It also seems easier for Tyrone residents to attend a church in town rather than drive a few miles to Birmingham. The same is true for the surrounding areas of Eden Hill, Warriors Mark, and Sinking Valley.
Some students and teachers from Grier school attend, but not many.
“There’s never been a great influx of Grier people,” said Parks.
The 38 active members of Birmingham Presbyterian Church realize that they need to attract new members in order for it to stay open. The first step in solving the problem was to hire Kim Witkovsky as part-time director of ministries. Witkovsky’s job is to coordinate meetings and facilitate plans to attract new members to the church.
“There’s been a lot of interest, and that’s a beginning,” stated Keith about Witkovsky’s efforts.
Another way that the church plans to keep its doors open is by staying active in reaching out to the people of Birmingham and surrounding communities. A church newsletter is in the works as well as extended work on focusing on homebound members of the church.
Throughout the year, the church has many activities and services open to the public. At Christmas, there is a candlelight service that is always highly attended. In the fall, there is a Bazaar, where baked goods and crafts are sold. Also, there is an annual spaghetti dinner. For more information contact 684-3120.
Even though the future of the church is uncertain, Keith stated, “I think it’s always going to be there.”
Keith believes that one of the advantages of the Birmingham Presbyterian Church is because it’s so small, it does offer a sense of familiarity and community to all active and prospective members, so for her the future of the church looks bright.
