Get DISCONTINUATION OR ABANDONMENT OF LOCAL CHURCH PROPERTY

Well, churches close all the time. It's nothing new to have a church close its doors due to lack of funds, community shifts, membership decline, large business closes and people move away, any number of things can lead to a church closing.

A small number of churches are closed when they are no longer needed for worship - around 20 to 25 across the country each year. Sometimes unsuitable buildings are replaced by new places of worship. Our role is help dioceses and the Commissioners find new uses for these buildings.

A large number of abandoned churches have become wineries or breweries or bars. Others have been converted into hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and Airbnbs. A few have been transformed into entertainment venues, such as an indoor playground for children, a laser-tag arena, or a skate park. When St.

Well, churches close all the time. It's nothing new to have a church close its doors due to lack of funds, community shifts, membership decline, large business closes and people move away, any number of things can lead to a church closing.

Seek legal advice on dissolving the corporation. Operate ing to the congregation's Articles of Incorporation and bylaws. Seek a congregational vote of consent for any congregational distribution of properties or plan of distribution for smaller items.

While not required, a closing ceremony and procession may take place. With the decree, the church is relegated to profane use and is no longer an official church building, able to be sold for any use as long as it is not sordid.

What is the effect of closure? “Ownership” of the building (and contents) transfers automatically to the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) who become responsible for care and maintenance, insurance and safekeeping of contents until the building's future is settled.