PETERSTOWN, W.Va. – A Peterstown congregation with more than a century and a half in town held one final service at its longtime home on Sunday.
“Today was more of a celebration of the past that we’ve had. You know, we’ve been a church for 151 years and we’re still going to be a church. It’s just going to be in a different place, and you know, it’s going to be called the Peterstown Worship Center instead,” said Matt Sauvage, Pastor of Peterstown Worship Center.
Formerly a Methodist congregation known as Peterstown United Methodist Church, the church body made the move to become non-denominational, citing a difference in beliefs between the church’s conference and Peterstown’s local members and leadership.
Various sources report that around seven thousand previously Methodist churches have split from the UMC in recent years over LGBTQ+ issues related to marriage and clergy.
“We felt, you know, led by…our beliefs. Maybe you look at is as somewhat conservative or whatever, that we can’t really be affiliated with the Methodist Conference as it is. I mean, everyone has their own, you know, ideas…and thoughts on that but…we here at this church just felt led to go a different direction,” explained Phillip Shrewsbury, a member of the congregation.
Despite change on the horizon, the pastor added that it’s the people that make the church, not the place.
WVVA reached out to the Southern District Superintendent of the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church in regards to the separation of Peterstown Worship Center and the Methodist Conference, as well as the possible purchase of the building.
At this time, we are awaiting comment. We will continue to keep you updated as the story develops.
Peterstown Worship Center will temporarily be holding services in the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home Chapel. You can find out more on their Facebook page.
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