Susquehanna County Interfaith will find its new home in the Montrose UMC building as the church merges with the Fairdale United Methodist Church. PHOTO COURTESY JOANNE SIVERS
About four years ago, the congregation of the Montrose United Methodist Church began having conversations about the future of the church, including a survey of the church community and talks with other UMC churches in the area.
Pastor Doug Suvers said, “The smart thing to do was to try to unite with another congregation.” In a vote last fall it was decided a merger was appropriate with the Fairdale United Methodist Church.
The Montrose United Methodist Church was first established in 1841 as a Methodist-Episcopal Church, meeting in the old courthouse. In 1843, the church acquired the property on Church Street from William Jessup and built their first building. The present church was constructed in 1873-1874.
“This church has a history from its beginning of being involved with the people in the community,” Sivers said. In recent years, the church has been the site of the Angel Beginnings preschool, Caring Café, and the Montrose Mobile Pantry. The preschool will continue in another location; and the Montrose Mobile Pantry will begin distribution from the South Montrose Community Church in July.
After the congregation holds its final service in the sanctuary, the church will continue to serve the community as Susquehanna County Interfaith takes over the reins of the facility.
Interfaith’s executive director Cindy Beeman said, “The rich heritage of this building and the beacon it has been to Susquehanna County is a valuable endowment and an opportunity for Interfaith to continue to provide help and hope both now and to our future generations. The board and staff are grateful and honored.”
“We’re very excited the building can continue its heritage of serving people through Susquehanna County Interfaith,” Sivers said.
Several loads of hymnals, banners and other seasonal church items will be continued to be used by the merged congregations in Fairdale.
The Montrose United Methodist Church plans to hold a closing program in the sanctuary some time in July.
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