St Paul's Church in Eccleston and St James' Church in Martins Creek may close

A public meeting is being held on September 15 to discuss the future of St Paul’s Church in Eccleston and St James’ Church in Martins Creek.

Declining church membership and attendance has prompted the review, along with discussions about the viability of the churches in the Anglican Parish of Gresford-Paterson. 

A parish councillor, who did not want to be named, told Fairfax Media that most people went to church in Paterson or Gresford and as a result of low attendance, services had not been held at the two churches for some time. 

There are six churches within the parish that are spread across Gresford, Allynbrook, Vacy, Paterson, Martins Creek and Eccleston. 

In a statement to Fairfax Media the Anglican Parish of Gresford-Paterson said it decided to hold the meeting after “months of prayer and thoughtful consideration”. 

“Unfortunately as membership and attendance has declined, giving to the church followed suit,” Father Stephen Owens said.

“Due to financial factors, the church budgets have become tighter and maintenance of the church buildings has become challenging for the parish.

“This is an emotional time for the community as the churches form part of the histories and stories of the parishioners.”

Father Owens said the meeting was an opportunity for the parish and the community to come together for a preliminary consultation. 

“We encourage the community to come together to raise concerns and ask questions, as we discuss whether we as a parish can support the two centres in the future,” he said.

The 2.30pm meeting session will be held at St Anne’s parish hall in Gresford and the 7.30pm session will be held at St Paul’s parish hall in Paterson.