After lengthy prayer and discussion lasting for months, Session has decided that it will be necessary to close our South Side Presbyterian Church and dissolve the congregation. This also means that groups from the community who have shared our space will have to find meeting places elsewhere. As you can imagine, this has been a difficult decision, but it has become clear that we have neither the money nor the regular membership to continue.
While trusting in the wisdom and compassion of the Holy Spirit, many of you have understood that a closing was imminent. But a final decision is a very different matter. Now that it has been decided, we will try to help in every way possible.
Some of you are aware that in the past year we contacted brokers to explore selling the church on our own. An initial hope was that we might be able to retain some space in which to continue Church. When it became apparent that this was neither feasible nor practical for either logistical or financial reasons, we had no choice but to contact Presbytery. They have appointed an Administrative Commission with whom we recently met. This means that, in exchange for taking charge and determining what will happen to our building, Presbytery will acquire our building, our assets, and our files, both historical and current.
We want to thank Presbytery, its General Minister, Jessica McClure Archer; Carla Campbell, Stated Clerk and Congregational Support Associate; Rev. Susan Rothenberg, Chair of our Administrative Commission; and the other members of the AC for their prayer, dedication, time, and energy.
They are moving quickly and have determined that our final worship service will be on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 11:30, our regular time for worship. Following this service, there will be a luncheon reception to which we are inviting past and present members and community groups that have used the church. We hope as many of you as possible will attend. Please RSVP to our office at 412 431-0118 or email[email protected]. At this time, we will celebrate the history of South Side and all of its ministries. To do so, we count on all of you.
This will be only the first of many times that I will thank each and every one of you who has played a part in the history of South Side Presbyterian. There are too many to name here. What we all know is that the church has been a significant part of the larger community and made a meaningful difference in the lives of many, members and others within the church family. To each of you, deep, deep thanks. I can only guess what some of your sacrifices and gifts to others have been. I pray that you will know God’s blessings for all you have done.
The Administrative Commission has asked that all groups remove their property from the church and return any keys. My contract extends to the end of January 2026, and I will be available by phone, email, and visit between January 18 and the month’s end, but no longer within the church building. Presbytery will change the locks. After the end of January, Presbytery’s protocol is that you do not contact me. Presbytery has offered to provide pastoral care as needed after that date (412 323-1400).
As your pastor, I am very aware of the seriousness of this news and the sorrow it will create. I plan to remain after Worship for the remaining Sundays for support and fellowship and hope you will feel free to contact me. Session also suggests that we share a meal together after each of these Sundays. Since at least the initial processing of grief is necessary before healing can begin, I would be happy to meet with you at other times, individually or in groups.
There are also many moveable items in the church. These we are allowed to remove. Some may belong to you, or you may have a particular attachment to them. We would like to designate a day for you to collect them before Jan 18th; please leave messages on our office phone (412 431-0118) or email us at [email protected] so we can discuss and coordinate.
Session realizes and regrets that there will not be more time to process. We are hoping that we can use this Advent Season in the way it is intended: to prepare and trust God’s gracious and loving action in our lives. We will provide you with a map marked with nearby Presbyterian Churches. We encourage you to visit, as a group, the ones that seem best for your needs.
Most of all, we hope that this can be a time to strengthen the bonds of a shared faith journey among all of you, and particularly among those who have continued to be faithful worshippers. Reach out to one another. Care for one another since together you remain the body of Christ. Christmas, which we will be celebrating here at South Side, is a time for promise and moving forward. As Christmas People, let us make the most of our remaining time together here and of the support that our faith gives us.
Once more, in expressing my deep sorrow that this is the next stage in your journey, I will stress that there is opportunity waiting. This is a difficult and sorrowful time. Try to remember that church buildings, like people, have life cycles. For you, as Resurrection People, there is new life and strength together and joy.
I cannot tell you how much it has meant to me to serve, love, and challenge you over the past two and a half years. It is a privilege and a journey that I will not forget. And a grief that I too must pray my way through. I thank all of you. I will miss you. Faithfully,
Pastor Dora and Session Members: Emily Cantin, Charlotte Pyle, Charlotte Taylor, and Christine Zarnich
About Our Church
Our church has been part of the South Side community since 1833. The building was begun before the civil War with the main section completed in 1869. Our gym was the first gym for public use in the neighborhood. We have space for all kinds of community projects. A vital current ministry is our Open Mic, held the third Thursday of every month for poets and musicians, experienced and just starting out. There is a $5 cover, but we provide refreshments as well as a safe and nurturing space with terrific acoustics.
We worship every Sunday morning at 11:30. You can also join us via telephone conference call by calling (412)-307-7952 ten minutes before services start & hold on until we greet you. You can contact the church at 412 431-0118 or on our email, [email protected].
At South Side Presbyterian Church, we take Christ’s Social Justice seriously. We serve this community and the poets and actors who are drawn to it. We invite your presence and your contributions. Join us!